Der Techniker erklärte mir, wofür das dritte Fach der Waschmaschinenschublade ist.

Many people don’t know this, but the third compartment in your washing machine’s detergent drawer is typically for pre-wash detergent or sometimes for fabric softener/special additives, depending on the model!

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What the Three Compartments Are For

Most washing machine detergent drawers have three main compartments, though their exact placement (left, right, middle) can vary by brand and model. They are often marked with symbols or Roman numerals.

1. Main Wash Compartment (often II or 2):
   • This is usually the largest compartment and where you put your primary laundry detergent for the main wash cycle. It’s used for most loads.
   • Some models have a flap or insert here for switching between liquid and powder detergent.
2. Fabric Softener Compartment (often a flower symbol or III/3):
   • This compartment is typically in the middle or on one of the sides.
   • It’s designed for liquid fabric softener or other liquid additives like laundry starch or disinfectant rinses.
   • The machine dispenses the contents of this compartment during the final rinse cycle, not at the beginning, ensuring the softener coats the fabrics after the main wash. There’s usually a “MAX” line you shouldn’t exceed.
3. Pre-Wash Compartment (often I or 1):
   • This is often the smallest compartment.
   • It’s used for detergent for a pre-wash cycle, which you select for heavily soiled or stained clothes.
   • If you choose a pre-wash program, the machine will take detergent from this compartment first, perform a short preliminary wash, and then drain before starting the main wash with detergent from the main wash compartment. If you don’t select a pre-wash program, the contents of this compartment will usually not be dispensed.

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Why the Confusion?

• Not all washes need a pre-wash: Many people only use the main wash and fabric softener compartments, so the pre-wash compartment often goes unused.
• Varying symbols and layouts: While I, II, and a flower are common, some brands use different symbols or have a slightly different layout, which can be confusing.
• Manuals are rarely read: Let’s be honest, how many of us actually read the full washing machine manual?

Knowing what each compartment is for ensures your laundry products are dispensed at the correct time in the wash cycle, leading to cleaner clothes and more effective use of your detergents and softeners!