16:04 08-09-2025

Drum vs Drawer: Where To Put Washing Machine Detergent

Unsure where to add washing machine detergent—drum or drawer? Learn why both methods work, and when low water pressure means using the dispenser drawer.

Should you pour detergent straight into the drum, or stick with the dispenser drawer? The question keeps sparking debate in laundry rooms. Some swear that drum dosing gets clothes cleaner, while others worry it could be hard on the machine—or the fabrics.

Appliance repair specialists say that, in most everyday situations, it doesn’t really matter. Whether you add washing powder or liquid to the drum or the tray, it will dissolve just as well, so you don’t need to stress over the choice.

There is an important exception. If the water pressure in your home is weak, the dispenser drawer isn’t just preferable—it’s the safer bet. With low pressure, detergent tipped directly into the drum may not fully dissolve or rinse away, which can undermine the wash. In these conditions, both powders and gels belong in the drawer. This advice is especially relevant for older washing machines, where water-pressure issues show up more often.

The bottom line: if your water pressure is normal, use whichever method you find convenient—drum dosing or the detergent compartment. If the pressure is low, stick with the drawer to keep washing performance steady and your clothes in good shape.