The "pre-soak" and "extra rinse" functions of washing machines serve different purposes:
- Pre-soak function: The pre-soak function is designed to soak clothes in water and detergent before the main wash cycle begins. It is particularly useful for heavily soiled or stained items that require extra time to loosen dirt or stains. By allowing the clothes to soak, the detergent has more time to penetrate and break down the grime, improving the overall effectiveness of the washing process.
The pre-soak function typically involves a longer soaking time, which can range from 15 minutes to several hours, depending on the machine. After the pre-soak period, the washing machine proceeds with the regular wash cycle, which includes agitation, rinsing, and spinning.
- Extra rinse function: The extra rinse function is used to add an additional rinsing cycle to the regular wash process. It can be helpful in situations where you want to ensure that laundry detergent residue is thoroughly removed from your clothes or if you or someone in your household has sensitive skin that is prone to irritation from detergent residues.
During a regular wash cycle, the washing machine typically goes through one or two rinse cycles to remove detergent and dirt from the clothes. The extra rinse function adds another rinse cycle, providing an additional opportunity to rinse out any remaining detergent or debris.
By selecting the extra rinse option, you increase the amount of water used in the washing process and extend the duration of the rinse phase. This helps to minimize the presence of detergent residue and can be beneficial for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to detergent.
It's worth noting that not all washing machines have a pre-soak or extra rinse function, as the availability of these features can vary depending on the model and brand. If you have specific concerns about heavily soiled clothes or detergent residue, you can check the user manual or consult the manufacturer's guidelines for your washing machine to determine if these functions are available and how to use them effectively.