What is the pre-wash mode in a washing machine

Almost all modern automatic washing machines have a pre-wash icon. This function is very useful, but many owners of washing machines do not know its purpose and in what cases it should be used. Pre-wash - what is it? Let's figure out why this function is needed and how to use it.

Why is this function needed?

Pre-wash plays a very important role. Without it, the quality of clean laundry will sometimes be unsatisfactory. In its importance, pre-wash is compared with spinning and rinsing. To better understand the principle of this function, imagine soaking dirty clothes in a basin.

If you soak dirty clothes in a basin of water in which washing powder has been dissolved beforehand and wait a few hours, and then wash them by hand or in a machine, they will be washed much better than without soaking.

The pre-wash function is based on this principle. However, in a washing machine, all this is done automatically, without human intervention. The owner of the washing machine only needs to pre-fill the compartment with the detergent, and then start the appropriate mode.

The compartment for the powder is marked with the number I.

Then the following processes occur in the washing machine:

A large amount of water is collected in the washing machine. Then the water is heated.
When water is drawn from the preliminary cell, the powder is washed out. But the powder in the cell for the main process remains.
Then the washing machine drum begins to rotate at low speeds. At this moment, the powder dissolves and there is a slight mechanical effect on the soaked items.
This process takes quite a long time. Until the washing machine drains the water.
Next, another portion of water is added to the drum. The remaining powder dissolves and a full wash starts in accordance with the program selected by the user.

Next, the standard actions take place: washing, rinsing and spinning. You can also use the extra rinse function. It is used for children's or difficult to rinse clothes.

The pre-wash function can be used before the following main programmes:

Manual (gentle) mode;
Jeans;
Synthetics;
Intensive mode;
Baby clothes;
Cotton;
Dark things.

It is important to note that the prewash function is not compatible with quick programs.

So this is a function that simulates soaking. However, this is a high-tech soaking that is performed automatically with little mechanical impact on the clothes.

Preparing for washing

There are times when even using the pre-wash function it is not possible to get rid of difficult stains on clothes. This usually occurs due to the fault of the owner of the washing machine who did not properly prepare the items. It would seem that no difficulties should arise here: put the laundry in the drum of the machine and start the machine.

However, during the preparation process there are nuances that should be taken into account:

All items should be sorted by degree of contamination into several piles. This should be done, first of all, so that items do not contaminate each other. Also, fading colored items can stain white items if left in the same basket for a long time.
Do not accumulate and store dirty laundry for too long. It is advisable to wash items at least once a week.
Items that are obviously stained with special products. If this is not done, the stains will stick to the material even more strongly.
Do not forget that pillowcases and duvet covers must be turned inside out. In this case, there may be bunches of crumpled lint in the corners. They must be removed.
There should be no loosely attached decorations or buttons on the clothes. Loosely attached buttons must be sewn on, otherwise they may come off and fall into the machine tank. And this can lead to a blockage.
It is also necessary to sort all the items that need to be washed. They should be separated by the degree of contamination, type of fabric and color.
Sneakers and other shoes should be washed in a special bag intended for washing shoes. It is important to remember that any shoes are always washed separately from other things.
Powder, as well as fabric conditioner should be chosen in advance. After all, things should not only be clean, but also smell good and soft.
Before loading, you need to check the pockets of clothes. They may contain important documents or money. There may also be foreign objects in the pockets (for example, a pin), which can lead to a breakdown of the washing machine.

Preparation of things is very important. Do not neglect it. By following the above rules, you can avoid many unpleasant situations.