When it comes to clothing, we all have our tricks to keep it spotless. Some people rely on specific detergents or those home remedies that our grandmothers taught us, such as vinegar or baking soda. However, today’s modern washing machines have a secret function that you probably don’t know about, and it can save your clothes from tough stains. If you’ve ever wondered why certain stains don’t come out, even after washing your clothes over and over again, this button on the washing machine is just what you need.
Often, the most difficult stains, such as those from sauce, coffee or oil, are not completely removed in a single wash. This is where pre-wash comes in, a function that can make all the difference. Although it may seem insignificant, this additional cycle plays a fundamental role: it prepares the clothes for the main wash, helping to get rid of the most difficult dirt without the need to use aggressive chemicals or to rub the garment by hand. In fact, this cycle is perfect for those garments with stubborn stains, helping them to dissolve before the normal wash cycle kicks in.
Prewash, the washing machine’s secret button
Prewashing is an initial soak that is carried out before the cycle of the main wash. During this step, the washing machine soaks the clothes and leaves them to rest in water, which helps the stains to “loosen”. This step usually lasts a few minutes and is carried out with cold or warm water. The main objective is to “loosen” embedded dirt, such as food scraps, mud or oil, which are not easily removed in a single wash. What many people don’t know is that this cycle does not require detergent, as its main function is to prepare the clothes for the next cycle.
This soaking process not only helps to “loosen” visible stains, but also allows the detergent to act more effectively when the main wash cycle arrives. Instead of applying detergent to tough stains that are already attached to the fabric, pre-washing allows the detergent to better penetrate the fibers of the fabric, increasing the chances that the stains will completely disappear.
How much should you use?
Prewashing is especially useful when you have garments with tough stains or when the garments require extra treatment before the main wash. This cycle is ideal for food stains, such as tomato sauce, coffee, wine or oil, which are common in work clothes or children’s clothes.
This button on the washing machine is also useful for sports or work clothes that have been exposed to mud, sweat or dust, as it soaks the clothes before the normal wash cycle, helping to remove the most stubborn dirt.
However, it is not necessary to use the pre-wash every time. If the clothes are not particularly dirty or do not have difficult stains, it may not be necessary. In addition, some washing machines have automatic cycles that activate the pre-wash only when they detect difficult stains, which makes the task easier.
Useful tips
If you decide to use the pre-wash function on your washing machine, it is important to follow some advice to ensure that the clothes are as clean as possible and to avoid damaging them.
Firstly, don’t overload the washing machine. Although it is tempting to put all your dirty clothes in at once, it is crucial to leave enough space for the water to circulate properly. Pre-washing needs space to work effectively and soak the clothes properly. If you overfill the washing machine, the water will not be able to penetrate the fibers properly, which means that the stains will not be removed as they should.
Another important point is to use the right detergent. Although pre-washing does not require detergent, when the main wash cycle begins, it is essential to choose a detergent specifically for the stains you are trying to remove. If you have difficult stains, such as grease or oil, use a detergent designed to treat this type of residue.
Sorting your laundry before putting it in the washing machine is another valuable tip. If you have very dirty clothes, such as those that have been exposed to mud or food, it is advisable to put them on the prewash cycle. However, not all clothes need this treatment. If you have less dirty clothes or delicate items, it is not necessary to press this button on the washing machine.
Finally, it is important to remember that pre-washing is very useful, but it is not a substitute for the cleaning that some fabrics may need. If you notice that stains persist after pre-washing, you can consider using specific products to treat difficult stains before putting the garments in the washing machine. In some cases, pre-washing followed by treatment by hand may be the best option.
