Washing machine detergent drawer (LG, Samsung, Electrolux, Aqua): which compartment for detergent and softener?
Quick answer: whatever the brand, a front-loader’s detergent drawer usually has three compartments: I is pre-wash, II is detergent for the main wash, and the flower compartment is fabric softener. A 2-in-1 laundry liquid goes into II, not the flower compartment. Never fill above the MAX line. Top-loaders have separate detergent and softener compartments, usually on the rim of the drum or under the lid.
Reading the drawer symbols
LG, Samsung, Electrolux, Aqua and other brands place the drawer slightly differently, but the symbols are almost the same:
| Symbol on the drawer | Common name | What goes in |
|---|---|---|
| I or Pre wash | Pre-wash compartment | Only when you choose a programme with pre-wash (very dirty laundry) |
| II or Main wash | Main wash compartment | Laundry liquid, 2-in-1 laundry liquid |
| Flower or Softener | Softener compartment | Fabric softener only |
| MAX | Maximum line | Don’t fill above it |
If you’re unsure, check the manual that came with the machine or the diagram printed on the drawer lid.
Insert or divider for liquid detergent
Some front-loader models have a small cup or removable divider in the main wash compartment:
- Using liquid detergent: fit the cup or divider and pour the liquid into it. It is released when the main wash starts.
- Using powder: remove the cup or divider and add the powder straight into compartment II.
If your machine has no insert, simply pour liquid detergent into compartment II.
Machines with automatic dosing
Some newer models have a large reservoir that doses detergent automatically for each wash. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on detergent type and dose settings. Concentrated detergents usually need a lower dose setting than regular ones.
Top-loading machines
Top-loaders usually have:
- A detergent compartment on the top rim of the drum or in the lid.
- A separate softener compartment, marked with a flower.
If you can’t find a detergent compartment, dissolve the detergent in the water in the drum first, then add the clothes. See also: Laundry detergent for top-loading washing machines
Softener not drawn in: check 4 things
This is common on front-loaders, including LG and Samsung machines:
- The small cap inside the flower compartment (siphon cap) is dirty, loose or missing: remove it, rinse it and refit it properly.
- Filled above MAX: softener gets drawn in too early or overflows into other compartments.
- Softener too thick: add a little water to the compartment (without going over MAX).
- Dirty, clogged drawer: pull it out and rinse with warm water regularly.
Step by step: Why isn’t fabric softener draining from the drawer?
How much to use
Measure according to the dose on the label and the weight of the load; don’t fill the compartment to be sure. For example:
- SPY Ultra Clean Plus: 50–70ml for 5–7kg of laundry.
- SPY Matic, the low-foam range for front-loaders: follow the dose on each pack (Deep Clean Matic: 50ml for 3–5 sets of clothes).
Too much detergent gives front-loaders too much foam and long rinses, sometimes an error code. See: Laundry detergent for front-loading washing machines
Keeping the drawer clean
- Pull the drawer out and rinse it about once a month, and wipe the drawer housing inside the machine.
- Leave the door and drawer ajar after washing so they dry.
- Clean the washing machine drum after about every 30 washes.
Reviewed by: Vu Hoang Nam
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