The general practice is to put laundry detergent in the washer before adding your clothes. By doing so, the detergent can properly disperse and dissolve in the water, ensuring that it evenly distributes throughout the laundry load, leading to more effective cleaning.
Here's the typical order of loading a washing machine:
Load the Clothes: Open the washing machine door or lid and place the clothes you want to wash inside the drum. Be mindful not to overload the machine, as it can affect the washing performance and put strain on the washer's components.
Add Laundry Detergent: Check the detergent manufacturer's instructions for the recommended amount of detergent for your specific load size and water hardness. Add the detergent to the detergent dispenser or directly into the drum before starting the wash cycle.
Select the Wash Cycle and Water Temperature: Choose the appropriate wash cycle based on the type of clothes and the level of soiling. Also, select the water temperature that suits the fabric care requirements and helps with stain removal.
Start the Washer: Close the washer door or lid, and start the washing machine according to the selected wash cycle and settings.
By adding detergent before the clothes, you allow it to mix with the water and activate properly, ensuring that it can penetrate the fabric and effectively remove dirt, stains, and odors during the washing process. Following this order helps to achieve the best possible cleaning results and maintain the longevity of your washing machine.