Laundry Detergent In The Washing Machine's Dispenser Or Drum: Which Is Better

When thinking about front-load versus top-load washers, the question of which is better often comes up. While choosing the right one with all the latest features is a big decision in any household, a consideration that's often overlooked is where to put your laundry detergent for an optimal clean. Some people swear by putting their detergent in the dispenser, while others prefer putting it in the drum — especially for specific types of detergent or older machines. Is there one best option?

Overall, putting your laundry detergent in the dispenser is the better option in most cases. While there are differences between powder and liquid laundry detergents that you need to know, both should be added to the washer's dispenser compartment according to the directions on the label. The washer flushes the dispenser with water during the initial part of the wash cycle, allowing the detergent to dissolve and be better distributed throughout the load. This is incredibly important for high-efficiency washers, since they use less water overall. Mixing the detergent and water before adding them to the laundry is key to preventing undiluted detergent from causing stains or leaving residue on clothes.

There are a few instances where it is preferable to put laundry detergent in the washing machine's drum, rather than the dispenser. It's likely you've been using laundry pods wrong all along and had no idea — they're specifically designed to be placed in the drum, not in the dispenser drawer. This is because they require a larger volume of water to fully dissolve, which occurs in the main drum rather than the confined space of the dispenser. If you place the pod in the dispenser instead of the drum, there's a good chance it won't dissolve completely. This can lead to dispenser clogs or leave residue on your clothes, plus your load won't get fully clean. It's always best to read the directions on the back of the pod container — most will direct you to place the pod in the drum while it's empty, then load the clothes on top of the pod afterward.

Additionally, some top-load washing machines don't come with a dedicated dispenser. In these cases, the best practice is to add the liquid or powder detergent to the empty drum first. Next, fill the tub about one-third of the way with water and add your dirty laundry as the last step. It's important to follow this order to ensure the detergent is properly dissolved and mixed with the water before it comes into contact with the clothes. Otherwise, you might end up with stained or still-dirty clothes.