Should I put laundry detergent in before or after clothes?
Samuel Coleman
Updated on May 29, 2026
You should add your detergent to your washer before the clothes go in if you have a front-loading washing machine. If your washing machine is top-loading, you can add your detergent after the clothes are put in the drum.
Do you put clothes or detergent in first?
If you have a regular top-loading machine, it's best to fill your washer with water first, then add your detergent, then add your clothes. This helps evenly distribute the detergent in the water before it hits your clothes. Remember that the nicer you are to your washer and dryer the longer they'll last.Should I pour and detergent before or after clothes?
But modern detergents are phosphate-free and not harmful to clothes the way old formulas were. As long as you're not using bleach, don't add clothing after the water (a pain, because clothes can float). Instead, use this order to distribute detergent best: clothes, then water, then soap.Should I pour detergent directly on clothes?
Unlike liquids or powders, these should be placed directly in the drum of the washer. And you should do so before adding your clothes; adding the pack after the clothes can prevent it from completely dissolving.Can I put detergent directly in washer?
Powdered detergent can either be put into a detergent drawer or directly into the washer in a mesh bag. Look for the II symbol on your washing machine drawer as this is where detergent should go. Read our guide to symbols on a washing machine here to learn more.YOU’VE BEEN DOING LAUNDRY WRONG YOUR WHOLE LIFE!!!
Where are you supposed to put laundry detergent?
Pour detergent in the dispenser or, if there isn't one, directly into the tub before adding clothes. Always follow the instructions on the packaging when measuring. If your washer is High-Efficiency (HE), only use HE detergent.Does Laundry Detergent go in the agitator?
Adding the detergentPlace pod or liquid or powder detergent down the centre of the agitator. Pre-dissolving detergent in warm water (before adding it to the washer) when washing in cold water can improve the performance of the detergent.