If your laundry sometimes comes out smelling “not quite clean,” or you find leftover powder in the drawer — it’s usually not the detergent. It’s how the dispenser is being used.
What the dispenser compartments mean
Most front-load and many top-load washers use a drawer (or tray) with three main sections. The icons may differ, but the logic is the same:
- “I” (Prewash) — detergent for prewash (only if you selected a prewash program)
- “II” (Main Wash) — detergent for the main wash (this is the one most people should use)
- Flower / Star / Softener icon — fabric softener (usually has a MAX line)
Some models also have a liquid detergent flap/insert inside the “II” compartment.
Step-by-step: the correct way to fill it
1) Choose powder or liquid (and set the drawer correctly)
Powder detergent
- Pour into “II” (main wash).
- If you’re using prewash, add a smaller amount into “I” too.
- Don’t pack it down — water needs to flow through it.
Liquid detergent
- Use “II” (main wash) as well.
- If your washer has a liquid insert/flap, switch it to “liquid mode” so the detergent doesn’t run out too early.
- If there’s no insert, don’t overfill — some liquids can leak into the drum before the wash starts.
2) Measure properly (too much is a common mistake)
Overdosing detergent causes:
- too much foam
- poor rinsing
- smells over time (residue buildup)
A simple rule:
- soft water + small load → less detergent
- hard water / heavy soil → a bit more, but still within the detergent’s label range
3) Add fabric softener the safe way
- Pour softener into the softener compartment only
- Never go above the MAX line
- If you overfill, it may siphon out too early and won’t work properly
Tip: If softener is thick, dilute it slightly with water to help it dispense smoothly.
When to use the “I” (Prewash) compartment
Use prewash detergent only when:
- you selected a cycle that includes Prewash
- clothes are heavily soiled (mud, sand, workwear, sports gear)
If you put detergent into “I” without a prewash program, it may rinse away before the main wash even begins.
Common dispenser problems (and fast fixes)
Detergent stays in the drawer
Most often caused by:
- drawer is dirty (sticky buildup)
- water pressure is low
- using clumpy powder or overfilling
Fix
- Remove the drawer and rinse it under warm water.
- Clean the inner housing where the drawer slides in.
- Use less detergent and keep powder dry.
Softener doesn’t smell / doesn’t work
Typical reasons:
- filled above MAX (it releases too early)
- drawer channel is clogged
- softener too thick
Fix
- Stay under MAX.
- Clean the softener section carefully.
- Dilute thick softener.
Liquid detergent disappears before the wash starts
Common on washers without a liquid insert/flap.
Fix
- Use the liquid insert if your machine has one.
- Otherwise, consider a detergent dosing ball/cup placed in the drum (only if your detergent brand allows it).
Quick “best practice” habits
- Use “II” for almost everything
- Prewash detergent goes to “I” only when the program includes prewash
- Softener: below MAX
- Clean the drawer monthly (2 minutes, huge difference)