You've been using washing machine detergent drawer all wrong say laundry experts
If you have no idea what to put in each section of your washing machine drawers, then you're not alone. According to recent research by Dr. Beckmann, 46% of British householders admitted to not knowing how to properly work their own machines.
When it comes to laundry confusion, the washing machine drawers are top of the pile, with 56% of people saying they don't use it because it's overly complicated – making it the most underused household item. Washing machines differ from one model to another, however, the drawer's compartments are normally labelled with a 1, 2 and 3. A small star symbol might be in place of the number 3 in some cases.
Here's what you should be putting in each section.
Compartment 1
This section is for pre-wash detergent and should be saved for when clothes are particularly dirty.
Doing this makes sure that the clothes are cleaned thoroughly, by utilising the pre-wash cycle for an extra deep clean.
Compartment 2
This is the main wash compartment and should be filled with laundry detergent or powder.
No matter what cycle the wash is on, or the setting on the machine, this is the compartment that will get used.
Compartment 3
This is usually the smallest section, and might sometimes be marked with a star instead. It's for fabric softener and should never be overfilled, so remember to read the guidance on the bottle carefully.
Natasha Brook, a spokesperson for Dr. Beckmann, said: 'We're witnessing a shift in how people do their washing. The drawer has been around for decades, but it's become a source of mess and frustration.
'People don't want to second guess which compartment does what, they want quick, clean, effective solutions they can trust.
"The fact that over half of Brits are skipping the drawer altogether says it all.'
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
TV presenter Dilly Carter, known for helping families transform their cluttered homes into calming spaces, said: "Ditching the drawer is more than just a laundry hack – it reflects a collective desire for a more streamlined and manageable way of living.
"People are craving simplicity in every part of their homes, including their laundry routines.
'The detergent drawer might seem minor, but it symbolises that kind of unnecessary hassle that busy households are trying to eliminate.
"It leaks, it's hard to clean, and most people have no idea what compartment does what.'
To avoid any confusion, Dr. Beckmann's Magic Leaves Fabric Conditioner Sheets offer no pouring, no measuring and the washing machine drawer isn't even needed. Shoppers claim they are easy and convenient to use and store and have a good, long-lasting fragrance.
Natalie added: "Using our innovative Magic Leaves formula, these new sheets are specially formulated to preserve both the ability to absorb water and breathability for fabric, while infusing clothes with a fragrance that lasts up to seven days."
They are currently on offer for £3 from Amazon with 14% off.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mirror
7 hours ago
- Daily Mirror
Households urged to put A4 paper in fridge within the next 24 hours
As the UK braces for another heatwave this week, experts have revealed a simple trick to check if your fridge is working properly - and it involves using a single piece of A4 paper UK households are being prompted to pop a sheet of A4 paper into their fridges during this week's heatwave. With the mercury set to soar to a scorching 30C by Thursday, many Brits might find themselves unprepared for the blistering heat and its subsequent impact on their homes and appliances, which could hit them in the pocket. The sweltering weather may have an unexpected effect on your food and beverages, as well as your fridge itself. Beko, a leading white goods manufacturer, warns that older fridges may suffer from a common issue where the door seal no longer functions effectively. This can lead to increased energy bills as the fridge struggles to maintain a cool temperature, potentially causing harm to the appliance and resulting in food spoiling more rapidly. To conduct a simple check, all you require is a solitary piece of A4 paper. A representative from Beko explained: "One issue that may arise with your fridge is wear and tear on the door seal. "A worn-out door seal can prevent the refrigerator door from closing properly, causing the cooling system to work harder to keep your groceries fresh. This can lead to increased energy consumption and potential damage to your fridge and its temperature settings. "Warm air entering your fridge can overwhelm the cooling system, especially during hot summer days." Salah Sun, head of product management at Beko UK, advised: "To check if your fridge door is functioning correctly, use a piece of paper. You can buy paper for as little as 1p or use any paper you have at home. "Place the paper against the door seal and close the door. When you try to pull the paper out, you should feel some resistance. If the paper slides out easily, your door seal may need replacing." The Met Office has forecasted that the heat will start making a comeback on Tuesday, with temperatures progressively climbing until they peak on Thursday," reports the Express. However, it's expected to remain quite balmy on Friday and Saturday. The mercury is set to hit 25C on Tuesday, then jump to 27C on Wednesday, soar to 30C by Thursday, before slightly dipping to 29C on Friday and Saturday, particularly in London and much of the south. The Met Office further predicted in its outlook that "a period of high temperatures and humidity" will make a return towards the week's end. For the period from Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July 20, the forecast reads: "Many parts of the UK are expected to be part way through a period of high temperatures and humidity at the start of this period. "The duration, geographical extent and intensity of the heat are all rather uncertain at present, but there is the potential for some very hot weather to be realised, especially across some inland southern and eastern areas. "With this also comes the possibility of thunderstorms, in part because of the high temperatures, but also in association with any frontal systems moving in from the west, which would ultimately usher in cooler and fresher conditions. "Towards the latter part of the period, northwestern areas stand a greater chance of experiencing rather more changeable conditions, with drier and occasionally hotter spells more likely further southeast.
Daily Record
7 hours ago
- Daily Record
Glasgow bin lorry blaze as fire crews lock down city centre street
Firefighters raced out to York Street at around 8am after the blaze alarm was raised. Fire crews locked down a busy Glasgow city centre street after a bin lorry caught fire this morning. Firefighters raced out to York Street at around 8am after the blaze alarm was raised. Crews extinguished flames on vehicle, thought to be a recycling lorry. There were no reported casualties, Glasgow Live reports. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. 'Operations Control mobilised two appliances to the scene, and the fire was extinguished. 'There were no casualties, and crews left the area after ensuring it was safe.' We'll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story. Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you. Follow us on Twitter @Daily_Record - the official Daily Record Twitter account - real news in real time. We're also on Facebook - your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day from the Daily Record, Sunday Mail and Record Online
Scottish Sun
8 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The most dangerous sex positions that cause thousands of injuries & they're more vanilla than you might think
SEX-CRUCIATING The most dangerous sex positions that cause thousands of injuries & they're more vanilla than you might think Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) YOU might think it's the kinky stuff that causes bedroom accidents but experts say it's actually the most common sex positions that are landing Brits in A&E. New research has revealed the sex positions most likely to cause painful injuries and it turns out 'vanilla' favourites like missionary are far riskier than you'd imagine. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 6 The top most dangerous sex positions have been revealed The study, by sex education experts at Joy Love Dolls, analysed data from more than 1,000 people across Europe and the US who had sustained a sex-related injury. And the results might just come as a surprise. Here are the top most dangerous sex positions. Doggy Style 6 Doggy style was the most dangerous position for women, Doggy style came out on top as the most dangerous position for women, causing over 20% of injuries. And it's no minor tumble either. Women reported a range of injuries from bruises and sprains to vaginal tearing, with one in four vaginal tears linked to this go-to position. For men, doggy was the second most dangerous, responsible for nearly 16% of male sex injuries, with cramped muscles, back pain, and even penile fractures among the most common issues. One in six penile fractures happened in this position. Missionary 6 Missionary was the most dangerous position for men It's missionary that takes the crown for men's worst nightmare in the bedroom. The front-facing position accounted for nearly one in five sex injuries in men, and is the leading cause of penile fractures. It also left many nursing bad backs, sprains and sore muscles. Georgie answers your sex questions Women didn't fare much better with missionary either, it ranked second for them, causing 16.3% of injuries, including 24% of vaginal soreness and 21% of tearing. Hips, legs and lower backs are all under strain in the deceptively simple pose. Scotty Unfamous, Sex Expert and Educator for Ann Summers says: although it's one of the most popular positions for sex, this fan favourite is the most common way that intimate injuries occur, as it can cause some wear and tear to your joints. "If you experience discomfort from how you are positioned during missionary sex, try incorporating cushions or a rolled-up towel/blanket to provide some support where you need it most, like under your hips, knees, back or shoulders." Switching positions 6 Switching positions can lead to an unexpected hazard Another unexpected hazard was switching positions mid-romp, which might feel spontaneous but accounts for almost 10% of female injuries. It also leads to 14% of bruises and 10% of vaginal tears. Standing 6 Standing sex can be extremely dangerous Standing sex, while sounding adventurous, is a major back-breaker, especially for men. Nearly half of all injuries from this position are due to back pain. For women, it's a little less risky but still responsible for over 4% of injuries. Scotty says: "A great tool to assist you standing is a sex swing, like this Door Jam Swing Restraint from Ann Summers. "To use it, you hang the stoppers over an open door then close it to keep them locked in place. "If you are the receiver, you can use it to brace your arms and legs in a multitude of ways that will keep you secure, with it's main use being seating yourself into the straps to support your body so that your partner can keep their focus on pleasuring you. Cowgirl and Reverse Cowgirl 6 Reverse Cowgirl proved much more dangerous for men Cowgirl, where the woman is on top, made the top five for both sexes. Men were more likely to suffer down below, while women saw injuries to their knees and hips. Reverse cowgirl, a trickier variation, only made up 1% of women's injuries but proved much more dangerous for men, causing nearly 6% of accidents and resulting in a fifth experiencing penile soreness. One in four men said it even led to fractures. Scotty said: "Make sure to stretch beforehand, when riding keep in mind how your anatomies fit together. "Position yourselves in a way that makes it the most comfortable by leaning forward or backwards to keep the penis inside as much as possible and communicate with your partner. "You can also use cushions to help support you both." Other risky moves include standing 69 and oral sex, with both positions unexpectedly landing people in pain. Sex educator Amy Nguyen from Joy Love Dolls warned that rough sex and poor communication are major contributors. She said: 'It's fascinating, people assume the riskiest positions are the wildest ones, but the data shows it's actually the most common positions leading to injuries. 'Rough sex is one of the biggest culprits, which highlights the need for better communication in the bedroom. You have to check in with your partner, or you could wind up hurt. 'Shockingly, only 3% of men and 5% of women said they told their partner about the injury afterwards, that lack of openness is worrying.' Over 60% of people admitted they'd been injured during sex, and more than half said they had sought help from a doctor. Amy added: 'Some of these injuries, like back pain or muscle cramps might seem minor. "But others, like tears and fractures, can be serious. Don't be embarrassed to get checked out.' And for those keeping score, vaginal soreness was the most common injury for women, while for men, it was good old-fashioned back pain. So next time you hop into bed, you might want to rethink that 'safe' go-to move. Your body will thank you later. Sexpert Scotty warns fingering can also be a danger. He said: "Our hands carry a lot of bacteria, so when it comes to stimulating our partner internally with them, it's important to make sure that your hands and nails are clean as possible to avoid cause infections. "Also keep your nails trimmed to avoid cutting your partner. "A great alternative is to incorporate a toy - try pleasuring your partner with a g-spot vibrator that mimics the shape of a curved finger to perfectly stimulate the g-spot, like the Moregasm Plus Boost Vibrator. Friction is generally not a good thing during sex as it opens you up to more risk of injury with the sensitive skin being tugged at that can cause tears and friction burn. Scotty recommends hand jobs as a popular way of pleasuring your partners with penises, and though saliva does come in handy, it has a habit of drying up too fast, so your best bet is to invest in some lube to keep things slippery and safer, like a Silky Waterbased Lube.
