“Pre-wash” sign on the washing machine

Modern washing machines offer the user new modes and options that greatly simplify the cleaning process and improve the quality of washing. One of these programs is pre-wash, which can be used to soak items and remove stains more effectively. Afterwards, the technician will automatically switch to the standard cycle, rinsing and spinning the laundry. But finding the “Prewash” icon on the washing machine is not so easy - it is not labeled. You will first have to find the corresponding picture on the dashboard, and only then configure the cycle correctly.

"Pre-wash" pattern

On most washing machines, the “Pre-wash” mode on the dashboard is not signed with words, but is marked with a special picture. Most often we are talking about a schematic representation of a basin with a vertical stripe inside. Sometimes an Arabic or Roman numeral “1” is drawn instead of a line. In any case, the manufacturer will indicate something similar to one, since this mode is launched as the primary stage of cleaning things.

The “Pre-wash” mode is indicated by the image of a basin with a vertical stripe or the number “1”.

The pre-wash symbol is also duplicated in the powder receptacle. The fact is that for this mode, a special compartment is allocated in the tray to provide the machine with a sufficient amount of detergent for high-quality cleaning. As a rule, a basin with a unit marks the middle-sized compartment on the left. On some models the letter “A” is applied instead.

It is no coincidence that the manufacturer allocates a special section in the powder receptacle.When you start the prewash, the machine only takes detergent from it. The powder or gel is also washed off from the main cuvette, but only when switching from the primary cleaning to the standard cycle.

What is this function?

The pre-wash function has been available on washing machines for a long time. It cannot be classified as a useless option in everyday life that increases the cost of the machine. On the contrary, many users perceive this program as one of the main ones, since it is used often and greatly affects the quality of washing.

In terms of importance, pre-washing is compared to rinsing and spinning - without it, the washing machine will not remove difficult stains. The principle of operation is similar to soaking laundry in a basin. It's no secret that leaving dirty things in a warm soapy solution for 20-120 minutes can achieve better stain removal.

Prewash is an automated and advanced soaking with partial mechanical action on the laundry.

Pre-washing is the same as soaking, only improved and automated. When activated, the user does not need to prepare water, dissolve the powder and remove stains. You just need to load the laundry into the drum, pour an additional portion of detergent into the special compartment marked “I” or “A” and activate the program. Then the washer will do everything itself:

• fills a full tank of water;
• will heat the water to 30-90 degrees, depending on the settings specified by the user;
• will dissolve the detergent in water, taking it from a special compartment of the powder receptacle (in the main wash bin the powder will remain untouched);
• will begin to slowly rotate the drum, helping the detergent to quickly reach the dirt in the fibers;
• will continue washing for the specified time;
• drain dirty water from the tank;
• will refill the drum and start the main wash cycle.

After the end of the pre-wash, the main wash will automatically begin: the previously selected mode will start, after which rinsing and spinning will be activated. Then the washer will wash normally. If desired, you can enable additional options, for example, “Rinse+” or “Easy Ironing”.

But pre-washing cannot be completely equated with soaking. Unlike its “colleague”, it is more high-tech: here things do not lie statically, but are constantly “mixed”. As a result, the detergent penetrates the fibers faster and pushes dirt out of the fabric, making the laundry cleaner and softer.

Prepared items wash better

Despite a well-thought-out algorithm, pre-washing may not cope with stains. But the fault is not in the mode, but in the user who did not prepare the laundry for cleaning. Some people mistakenly think that just sorting things by color is enough. But in reality, it is recommended to follow much more rules when storing dirty clothes and loading them into the drum.

1. Do not dump laundry in a common pile. Especially with pollution of different intensity and nature. Firstly, stains can “move” from one fabric to an adjacent one. Secondly, close contact between the molting color and white will result in staining of the latter.
2. Do not store wet laundry. This is fraught with a musty smell and mold.
3. Don't put off washing. The first rule is to remove the stain as soon as possible. Old and “deep” stains take longer to remove, and sometimes remain in the fabric forever.Also, harmful “guests” may appear in stale laundry: mold, unpleasant odor, and even domestic insects. The optimal washing frequency is at least once a week.
4. Pre-treat the stain. It is recommended to moisten fabric with a difficult stain before loading it into the machine with a special product - bleach or stain remover. In modern washing machines, you can pour cleaners into the powder receptacle, for which a separate cuvette is provided in the tray.

Be sure to check the pockets of items before loading - any debris left in them can clog the drain and jam the drum.

5. Turn things out. When loading laundry into the drum, it is better to turn them inside out, close the zippers and fasten the buttons. Especially if these are jackets, duvet covers and pillowcases.
6. Patch up clothes. Before washing, it is necessary to hem any loose buttons and decor. Otherwise, when the drum rotates, the situation will worsen: the part will fly off, jam the mechanism and clog the drain system.
7. Sort laundry. Not only by color, but also by the type of fabric and the intensity of dirt.
8. Wash shoes separately. Moreover, it is recommended to place sneakers and sneakers in special mesh laundry bags.
9. Choose suitable cleaning products. These should be high-quality powders or gels with a gentle composition. Ideally, you should have separate gels at home for colored, white and black linen, as well as for delicate fabrics.
10. Empty pockets. We definitely check things for forgotten items, keys, documents and garbage. Otherwise, there is a high risk of washing what you need or clogging the machine.
11. Explore the washing machine. Before turning on the machine, you must decipher the symbols on the dashboard and read the operating instructions for the equipment.

If you properly prepare your items and load the machine, pre-wash will help you clean even the dirtiest laundry without much effort. The main thing is to act according to the instructions and not interfere with the algorithm specified by the manufacturers.

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