Quick Questions on ANYTHING part 2. Please read first post for links to other threads

RSteve

Um, this is kind of embarrassing but I haven't used a washing-machine for ages... is it normal when I pour the detergent into the drawer (liquid) for it to disappear straight away? I thought it was supposed to stay in the draw until you switched the machine on and it rinsed it through, like with the fabric conditioner which sits there until later in the cycle. It's a Bosch washing machine, is this normal?!

Bettie

Mine does but it's not a Bosch. There is nothing to stop it going down, unlike the conditioner one that has a tiny rubbery stopper at the bottom. I never use the detergent drawer. I chuck a capful of liquid in the drum under the clothes, lately I've used the gel, putting it in the cap then the lot in the machine as per instructions.

stilernin

RSteve wrote: »

Um, this is kind of embarrassing but I haven't used a washing-machine for ages... is it normal when I pour the detergent into the drawer (liquid) for it to disappear straight away? I thought it was supposed to stay in the draw until you switched the machine on and it rinsed it through, like with the fabric conditioner which sits there until later in the cycle. It's a Bosch washing machine, is this normal?!

When I used to use liquid, it did appear to run away immediately, whereas powder stays put.

I expect there is a slight slope in the drawer which helps the liquid/powder 'wash' into the machine as the water is introduced. The liquid will, of course, run down the slope, but the powder won't.

An expert might be along in a minute and tell us that that it doesn't fall straight onto the washing but only goes so far down until the water washes it into the drum.

I didn't ever have a problem with liquids, apart from the cost

RSteve

Thank you both so much! I admit I haven't used a washing machine for a while, I tend not to do the laundry in my house! I think perhaps I was thinking back to when I last used it and that probably was with powder!

I suppose because the draw has a large space for it, I expected the liquid to just sit there until it was needed, so when I poured it in and it immediately disappeared I wasn't sure if I was doing something wrong LOL! Good know it's normal!

Thanks so much for the prompt replies, very reassuring to an idiot like me - I was so embarrassed posting the question!

Mrs_B

I don't often use liquid detergents - but when I do I have a special plastic thingy to put the detergent in, which you sit on top (I think) of the washing actually in the drum.

Have a look on the bottle of detergent - there may be a number which you can ring for them to send you a freebie - that was how I got mine.

stilernin

RSteve wrote: »

I was so embarrassed posting the question!

Never be embarrassed by asking questions. It is a wise man who knows what he doesn't know.;)

RSteve

Thanks to both! Actually I have just ordered a dosing ball, one each from Persil and Ariel just so I have a spare. You can order them online - just google "order dosing ball" and the name of a famous detergent and it brings them up. I think it'll be better to use a dosing ball in future as the detergent draw was dirty and I spent ages cleaning it and the housing round it using advice from this forum! I think it can stay clean in future by not being used - or I might try the old white vinegar trick instead of fabric softener which won't clog it up like the fabric softener did.

I remember ages ago dosing balls seemed to be all the rage and came with each bottle but they don't seem available as much now. Is it OK to use a dosing ball with any kind of liquid detergent? I usually have Persil and since they will send you one I presume it's okay to use with them?

I_luv_cats

It can get confusing powders / liquids / tablets that go into a dosing device / mesh bag for your drum or those that go into your drawer.

And the liquid pouches that melt in your wash!!

I find if I put one drop too much in the fabric cond slot it goes too early!!

If you pre-wash with liquids you'd have to stand by for wash cycle two with more liquid as water takes powder from the relevant slot for each cycle.

Meadows

Law of gravity, liquid will run powder will stay put.

RSteve

Meadows wrote: »

Law of gravity, liquid will run powder will stay put.

LOL I know but I think I was thinking it was like the fabric softener bit, where it had a mechanism to hold the liquid until the correct part of the wash. I suppose as the detergent is used straight away it isn't necessary.

I guess because I DO use a dishwasher regularly, and I know that doesn't release the detergent until a pre-set time, I thought the washing-machine would work in the same way and have something to stop the detergent going down until a pre-set time.