Where do you put detergent if there is no tray?

Quick Answers

If your washing machine does not have a detergent tray or dispenser drawer, there are a few options for adding detergent:

• Add it directly into the drum before loading clothes
• Use a detergent ball or packet that goes in the drum
• Mix the detergent with water first and pour the mixture into the drum

The key things to keep in mind are to add the detergent before starting the wash cycle, don’t pour detergent directly on clothes, and check the machine manual for any specific instructions. Adding detergent directly to the drum or using a detergent ball allows it to dissolve and disperse properly during the wash cycle.

What is the purpose of the detergent tray?

The detergent tray, also called the dispenser drawer, is a feature found on most modern washing machines. It serves a few key purposes:

• Allows separation of detergent, fabric softener, and other wash additives into different compartments.
• Controls dispensing and dissolving of detergent at the right time during the wash cycle.
• Prevents powder or liquid detergents from coming into direct contact with clothes.

Having separate compartments keeps the detergent, softener, and bleach from mixing prematurely and potentially causing problems. The detergent tray design regulates the water flow to ensure the detergent is flushed out and dissolved properly during the cycle. This achieves the best cleaning results.

Without a tray, you lose the ability to separate additives and control the detergent dispersion. The detergent must be incorporated manually into the wash load in a way that mimics the tray’s functions.

Where should you put detergent in a top load washing machine without a tray?

For a top load washing machine without a dispenser tray, the most effective method is to add the measured amount of detergent directly into the empty drum before loading the clothes. Here are some tips for top loaders:

• Add powder or liquid detergent to the back of the empty drum, away from the door opening.
• If using liquid detergent, try to pour it down the inside walls of the drum instead of directly on the floor.
• Do not pour detergent directly on the clothes as it may stain them.
• Start the wash cycle promptly after adding detergent so it can dissolve and disperse.
• Use lower water levels to allow adequate detergent circulation.

Adding it directly to the drum ensures the detergent gets incorporated into the water early on. Promptly starting the cycle helps prevent any staining issues from undissolved powder or liquid detergent sitting on dry clothes.

Check your machine’s manual in case it specifies any particular detergent placement recommendations. The goal is to avoid direct contact between undiluted detergent and the clothes.

Where should you put detergent in a front load washing machine without a tray?

For front load washing machines without a detergent dispenser, adding the detergent directly into the drum is also the typical method. However, front loaders require some slightly different techniques:

• Add detergent to the bottom of the empty drum, closest to the door opening.
• For liquid detergent, pour it into the drum along the inner door seal to prevent immediate leakage.
• Use warmer water temperatures to help dissolve and disperse powder detergent.
• Run a rinse cycle after adding detergent if clothes won’t be loaded promptly.
• Reduce load sizes to improve detergent dilution and circulation.

Front loaders use lower water volumes than top loaders, so detergent dilution is more important. Putting the detergent by the door places it in the optimal spot for quick dispensing once the water starts flowing.

Always refer to the owner’s manual for your specific make and model for guidance on non-tray detergent use. Follow any special instructions provided.

Can you use a detergent ball or packet without a dispenser?

Yes, detergent balls or packets (also called pods) are a convenient option for machines without detergent trays. They contain pre-measured powder or liquid detergent inside a plastic or soluble outer casing.

To use in a washer with no dispenser:

• Simply toss the detergent ball or packet into the empty drum before loading clothes.
• Make sure it lands flat in the bottom of the drum.
• Try to avoid letting it sit in standing water between cycles.
• Reduce load sizes for optimal cleaning from one ball/pod.
• Double check that the ball/pod is designed for use in non-tray washing machines.

The outer shell of the ball or pod helps regulate detergent dispersion as the casing slowly dissolves over the wash cycle. This makes balls/pods a handy tool for tray-less washers.

Refer to the product instructions for the recommended load size per ball/pod. And take care when handling them, as a broken outer shell can lead to staining issues.

Advantages of Detergent Balls/Pods Without Dispensers

Detergent balls or single-dose pods provide some unique benefits when a dispenser tray is not present:

• Convenient pre-measured dosage for each wash
• No need to pour or handle messy detergent
• Outer casing protects clothes from staining
• Spreads detergent out over entire wash cycle
• Easy to toss in drum and walk away

The sealed design contains mess, prevents direct contact between concentrated detergent and clothes, and simplifies the process compared to manual detergent addition. Just remember to match load size to pod capacity for cleaning effectiveness.

What is the proper way to add detergent water mixture to a washer without dispenser?

Adding a diluted detergent solution is another method for incorporating detergent without a dispenser tray. Here is the proper technique:

1. Measure out the recommended amount of detergent for that load’s size and soil level per the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Add the detergent to a bucket or large container, then pour in hot water (not boiling) and stir to dissolve and dilute the detergent. Use about 2-4 cups of water per tablespoon of powder detergent. For liquid detergents, follow product dilution guidelines.

3. Once fully dissolved, add the detergent water mixture directly into the empty washer drum.

4. For top loaders, pour the solution along the inside walls if possible. For front loaders, pour it into the drum opening near the door gasket.

5. Start the wash cycle right away so the solution evenly distributes before clothes are loaded.

6. Avoid exceeding detergent amounts even when diluting, as it can still leave residue on clothes.

The goal is to fully dissolve the concentrated detergent into water before adding to the drum. This helps prevent powder clumps or undiluted liquid detergent from coming into direct contact with dry fabric. Proper dilution and agitation allows the solution to disperse effectively despite the lack of dispenser.

When should you avoid putting detergent directly in the drum?

While adding detergent directly to the empty washer drum is the typical approach without a dispenser, there are some situations where it is not advised:

• When washing delicate fabrics prone to staining from direct contact with concentrated detergents.
• If the machine will be left idle for an extended time between adding detergent and starting wash cycle.
• When using extremely high-sudsing detergent formulations not designed for tray-less washing machines.
• If the manual for your particular machine model prohibits it.

For delicate loads, either dilute the detergent fully first or use a gentler detergent safe for hand washing. Don’t allow powder or liquid detergent sit for too long in an idle washer, as standing moisture can lead to staining on fabric.

High-sudsing detergents should be avoided without a dispenser, as oversudsing can cause mechanical problems. And of course, defer to any instructions from the manufacturer prohibiting direct drum detergent placement for your model.

Tips for Effective Detergent Use Without Dispenser

Follow these tips when adding detergent to a washer without dispenser tray for best results:

• Match water temperature and cycle settings to detergent instructions.
• Adjust load sizes and soil levels based on amount of detergent used.
• Use less detergent than you would with a functioning dispenser.
• Allow detergent to fully dissolve and disperse before stopping the cycle.
• Rinse any sticky powder or liquid detergent residues off with damp cloth between loads.
• Clean the drum interior periodically to prevent detergent buildup.

Getting the wash conditions and detergent quantities just right is important without the automation provided by dispenser trays. Heavily soiled loads paired with insufficient detergent can lead to laundry not getting fully clean. Too much detergent, on the other hand, causes buildup on clothes and the drum over time.

Is it okay to put clothes in on top of detergent?

Ideally, you should add the measured detergent amount to the empty drum, then promptly start the cycle and allow the detergent to dissolve fully before loading in clothes. But for times when you need to load clothes first, follow these guidelines:

• Add powder detergent to drum corners and avoid direct contact with wet fabrics.
• Pour liquid detergents along inside walls, not directly on clothes.
• Let machine agitate for 2-3 minutes to disperse detergent before stopping to add clothes.
• When adding clothes later, avoid submerging them in concentrated detergent.
• Use a lower water level, more detergent dilution, and proper loading to allow good circulation.

The key is preventing concentrated or clumped detergent from resting on fabric for prolonged periods. Short agitation, diluted detergent, and evenly distributed loading will minimize staining risks if you must load clothes first. But filling the drum with clothes before adding detergent is best avoided.

Conclusion

While washing machines are designed to work best with detergent dispensers or trays, there are ways to adapt when they are missing or non-functional. Adding detergent directly in the drum, using detergent balls/pods, or diluting detergent in water first are effective solutions.

Be sure to follow guidelines for your machine type, adjust detergent amounts and loading accordingly, and take care to prevent concentrated detergent from pooling on or staining clothes. With some trial and error, you can find the right approach to clean laundry without a dispenser. Proper detergent incorporation is achievable through smart loading techniques and diluted or timed detergent addition.

FAQ

Is it bad to put detergent directly on clothes?

Yes, it’s generally not recommended. Powder detergents can leave undissolved clumps on fabric, resulting in staining or abrasion damage. Liquid detergents are acidic and can degrade or discolor if left concentrated on clothes for too long before diluting in water. Always add detergent to the empty drum first.

Where is the best place to put liquid detergent in top load washer?

For top load washers, add liquid detergent along the inside perimeter of the drum, close to the rear wall. This lets it quickly incorporate water while minimizing immediate contact with clothes.

Should detergent touch the clothes?

No, you want to avoid getting powder or liquid detergent onto dry clothes before the wash cycle starts. It should be added to the empty drum first and given time to fully dissolve in water before clothes are loaded in. Properly diluted detergent will not harm fabric.

How long can you leave detergent in washer?

It’s best to start the wash cycle immediately or very soon after adding detergent. Leaving concentrated powder or liquid detergent sitting in the drum for more than 30 minutes without agitation can increase staining risks. Always add detergent as a final step before starting the machine.

Does detergent wash out of clothes without dispenser?

Yes, as long as the detergent is adequately diluted by the water and properly dispersed through agitation, it will properly dissolve and wash out of fabric. With manual detergent addition, be sure to use less detergent than specified for dispenser use and properly adjust wash settings.

Detergent Type	Recommended Placement Without Dispenser
Powder Detergent	Directly in empty drum near rear wall
Liquid Detergent	Along inside drum walls near door (front load) or rear wall (top load)
Detergent Pod	Flat on drum floor
Diluted Detergent	Directly in drum near door opening (front load) or rear wall (top load)

Machine Type	Ideal Detergent Placement
Top Load Washer	Rear of drum before loading clothes
Front Load Washer	Bottom of drum near door gasket

Water Temperature	Suggested Detergent Type
Cold	Powder or liquid
Warm	Powder or liquid
Hot	Powder (for fastest dissolution)