The Lesser-Known Washing Machine Setting That Could Revolutionize Your Laundry Routine

Getting perfectly clean laundry is something that many people are perpetually chasing after. From choosing specialty detergents and stain sprays to experimenting with expensive appliances or different water temperatures, there are a lot of hacks out there promising fresher smelling clothes and a better laundry experience. But what if a lesser-known washing machine setting could be the secret to your clean laundry dreams? The setting is called "pre-wash." As the name suggests, it is designed to be used before running a normal cycle. If this is your first time hearing about pre-wash, there's more that you'll want to learn about this washing machine setting.

The pre-wash setting isn't a cycle on its own, but it's designed to be used in tandem with common cycles. That's because it involves adding water and detergent to the tub, soaking your clothes, turning the agitator or drum, and spinning out the excess water before running your selected cycle. The pre-wash setting can be highly effective when it comes to loosening dirt and stains that are lingering in the fabric's fibers. It will then be up to the normal cycle to actually get your laundry "clean" in a traditional sense. While the pre-wash setting is brief in length — with some machines taking only five minutes to complete the process — you might find that this added few minutes is well worth it, especially if your lifestyle is on the messier side.

Pre-wash can definitely be a game-changer depending on your laundry's needs, but how do you know if it's a setting that you should be using? Since pre-wash is helpful for loosening soil and debris from clothes, it is ideal for extra messy loads. This might include everything from athletic clothing, which can accumulate body odors and oils, to cloth baby diapers that have become soiled or wet. Pet owners might also benefit from pre-wash on bed-washing day, as this setting can help to remove dog hair, dirt, and odors that have built up on your pet's bedding. (Now might also be a good time to familiarize yourself with what the soil settings on your washing machine mean.) Another good option for laundry to pre-wash is kitchen towels or cloth napkins that have food debris on them.

If you're keen to begin adopting the pre-wash setting in your normal life, take a look at your washing machine's instructions to ensure that you're proceeding properly. If you do not possess the instruction manual, you might be able to locate a copy online. As a general rule of thumb, for a pre-wash cycle, you'll take your extra dirty laundry, add it to the machine, and add detergent to the wash and pre-wash compartments of your appliance. Then you'll simply start the machine, sit back, and relax. Once the pre-wash setting has run its course, the full cycle you selected will thoroughly wash out your laundry, after which you can proceed with drying. With pre-wash, you can look forward to extra-clean clothes on laundry day.