Liquid detergents for washing machines are safer and more gentle than powder detergents, but not everyone knows how to use washing gel correctly. If you pour the concentrate into the wrong compartment or in the wrong dosage, the result will be sad: things will remain dirty or too soapy. To avoid troubles, you need to understand the nuances of adding helium compounds to the washing machine.
Which compartment should I fill it in?
Before washing with gel in the washing machine, you need to understand where to pour the detergent. The powder receptacle of each machine has three compartments, marked with a Roman numeral or letter. As a rule, the largest cuvette is designated “B” or “II”, is used by the system during the main cycle and is used for dry and liquid concentrates. The central, smallest compartment is marked “*”, “C” or “III” and is allocated for conditioners, rinse aids and antistatic agents. The middle hopper “A” or “I” is only required for the prewash program.
It is logical that the washing gel must be poured into the compartment for the main wash - this way the product gets into the tank at the right time and will stay there long enough. You cannot use the cuvette for conditioner: it only drains when rinsing. Bunker “A” is also prohibited, since it is not listed without a special program.
Before adding the gel to the machine, read the factory instructions - the manufacturer indicates all the nuances and guidelines in it.
The location, shape and purpose of the powder receptacle compartments also depend on the specific model of the washing machine. For some brands the difference is quite noticeable.
The detergent tray is divided into three bins with standard markings. But the instructions indicate that gels and liquid concentrates are poured strictly into a cuvette with a special shutter. It is always located in the center.
Bosch. Of the three compartments in the powder receptacle for liquids, the compartment marked “B” or “II” is best suited.
Washing machines of this brand have a separate compartment for liquid products, complemented by a special dispenser. Thus, the gel enters the drum in parts, ensuring complete washing.
A distinctive feature of Hotpoint models is the semicircular powder receptacle. Despite the non-standard shape, the gel is added to the washing machine according to the standard pattern: the largest compartment is on the far right side.
Atlanta machines have an additional cuvette for bleach. But before adding the product, you need to insert a special valve.
It offers a “smart dosing” function. Thanks to it, the system automatically calculates the required amount of powder or gel depending on the activated washing program and the loaded laundry. There is also an additional special tray for helium capsules.
In order to correctly pour the liquid concentrate into the powder receptacle, you must first study the factory instructions. In it, the manufacturer indicates which compartment is suitable for the gel, whether a shutter is needed and how to correctly calculate the dosage.
Dispenser container
If the washing machine does not allow adding gel to the powder receptacle, then you can go the other way and use a dispenser container. This is a special plastic “box” with holes that is filled with detergent and placed in the drum. Afterwards, the liquid gradually leaves the “capsule”.
The dispensing container has several advantages:
the gel begins to dissolve as soon as the drum is filled with water;
the product comes out in portions, which makes the washing quality;
the concentrate dissolves completely and does not remain on the walls of the powder receptacle;
contact between chemicals and clothing is eliminated, which allows you to safely wash delicate fabrics, wool and silk.
If there is no special dispenser, you can pour the gel directly into the drum. Some concentrates, characterized by a safe natural composition, are added directly to clothing, as indicated by the corresponding note in the instructions. However, not all fabrics “like” contact with chemicals, so it’s better not to take risks: throw the liquid at the bottom of an empty tank, rinse with water, and then load things.
Consequences of improper use of the gel
It is no coincidence that washing machine manufacturers prescribe recommendations for the use of liquid detergents. If you mix up the powder receptacle compartments and pour the concentrate in the wrong place, the owner will not be happy with the consequences. Such an error will lead to poor quality washing and rinsing:
the product will not get into the drum, things will remain dirty if you pour the gel into the pre-wash compartment;
things will be dirty and soapy if you add liquid to the conditioner compartment, since the product will begin to be withdrawn during the rinse stage.
Correcting the error is easy: just turn on the pre-wash program or run a second rinse. However, it is better not to waste time and product in vain, but to immediately pour it into a specially provided compartment.
Do not exceed the dose
Gel detergents foam well, dissolve and are washed out of fabric, but only if the correct dosage is observed.The amount of gel to be poured depends on the type of fabric, stains, weight of the laundry and the liquid itself: detailed recommendations are indicated on the packaging. You cannot exceed or underestimate the prescribed norm, otherwise things will not be washed completely or will remain soapy.
Follow the dosage of the gel!
As a rule, a standard full load of the machine requires about 150 ml of regular gel. If the product has a concentrated composition, then the consumption will be more economical: 75-80 ml per cycle.
Nuances of using the gel
In order for washing with gel to be as gentle and effective as possible, it is necessary to take into account not only the manufacturer’s recommendations, but also the advice of experienced housewives. There are several rules for using liquid detergents, if followed, you can achieve an ideal result. We are talking about the following nuances:
You cannot pour the gel into several compartments of the powder receptacle at once - an excessive amount of product will worsen the quality of the wash;
It is recommended to dilute thick formulations slightly with water so that the gel is better washed out of the cuvette and does not remain on the walls of the tray;
gels with an active bleaching composition cannot be poured into the drum on things - aggressive components will damage the fibers, white spots and streaks will remain on the fabric;
It is forbidden to combine powder and gel, as an unexpected chemical reaction is possible;
Old stains must be soaked before washing, since the soft action of the gel is not able to quickly remove strong dirt.
It is important and responsible to choose a gel. The modern market offers hundreds of items with different compositions, so it’s better to start your search by studying reviews. There is no need to save money - a good concentrate is not cheap, but it uses less and washes faster.
Pros and cons of gel?
Like any detergent, the gel has both pros and cons. To appreciate the value of washing liquid, you need to familiarize yourself with the list of both pros and cons. Let's start with the advantages of which the concentrate has many times more:
Easily rinses out of fabric without leaving stains or streaks;
penetrates faster into the fiber structure, pushing out dirt from the inside;
has sealed packaging;
easy to dose with a cap;
less allergenic;
does not remain on the walls of the tray and drum;
often has a combined composition (conditioner, softener and bleach in one);
“works” in cold water;
is used sparingly;
effective against protein stains;
does not wash away moisture-proof impregnation from things.
The gel also has disadvantages: high price and short shelf life. The liquid also removes old stains and oil worse. But for everyday washing, the liquid concentrate is ideal - it refreshes and softens without damaging the fabric.
Liquid detergents for washing machines are safer and more gentle than powder detergents, but not everyone knows how to use washing gel correctly. If you pour the concentrate into the wrong compartment or in the wrong dosage, the result will be sad: things will remain dirty or too soapy. To avoid troubles, you need to understand the nuances of adding helium compounds to the washing machine.
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