In a high-efficiency washer, the soaking process may vary depending on the specific model and features. However, here's a general method you can follow to soak clothes in a high-efficiency washer:
Sort your clothes: Separate the clothes you want to soak from the rest of your laundry. Make sure to check the care labels to ensure they are suitable for soaking.
Pre-treat stains: If you have any stains on the clothes, it's a good idea to pre-treat them before soaking. Follow the instructions on the stain remover product of your choice.
Add water: Place the clothes you want to soak into the empty washer drum. Then, depending on your washer model, you can either select a specific soaking cycle or manually adjust the settings.
Soak cycle: Some high-efficiency washers have a dedicated soak cycle. Select this cycle and adjust the settings according to your preference.
Manual settings: If your washer doesn't have a specific soak cycle, you can manually adjust the settings. Start by selecting the appropriate water temperature for your clothes (hot, warm, or cold). Then, adjust the water level to cover the clothes adequately.
Add detergent (optional): Depending on the type of soak and the condition of the clothes, you may choose to add a small amount of detergent to the water. This can help with stain removal or freshening up the clothes. Follow the detergent instructions for the correct amount to use.
Start the soak: Once you have set the appropriate settings and added detergent if desired, start the soaking process. Allow the clothes to soak in the water for the desired duration. This can range from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on your needs.
Drain and rinse (optional): After the soaking period, you may choose to drain the water and rinse the clothes. Some high-efficiency washers have specific rinse cycles that you can select. If you prefer not to rinse, you can proceed to the next step.
Start the regular wash cycle: Once the soaking process is complete, start a regular wash cycle to clean the clothes. Select the appropriate cycle, water temperature, and other settings based on the fabric type and care instructions.
It's important to note that the steps above provide a general guideline for soaking clothes in a high-efficiency washer. Always refer to your washer's user manual for specific instructions and recommendations, as features and settings can vary between models.