21 Sept 2026
- I or 1 = pre-wash: detergent goes here if you are using a pre-wash.
- II or 2 = main wash: this is where your laundry liquid or powder usually goes.
- Flower symbol = fabric conditioner: add your softener here.
- Using capsules? Pop them straight into the drum, not the drawer.
- You won’t usually need all 3 sections for every wash.
Those 3 little sections in your washing machine drawer…. with their mysterious symbols… and no words saying PUT LAUNDRY LIQUID HERE. Why so cryptic?
Thank goodness it’s all actually simpler than it looks.
What are the 3 sections in a washing machine drawer?
Most washing machine drawers contain 3 sections: one for pre-wash detergent, one for your main wash detergent, and one for fabric conditioner.
The layout can vary in different machines, so it’s best to work from the symbols rather than relying on left, middle or right.
1. The pre-wash compartment: I or 1.
The section marked I or 1 is for Laundry Liquid (or powder) used during a pre-wash.
So you only need to put detergent here if the programme you’re using actually includes a pre-wash.
Pre-washes give very dirty laundry an extra wash before the main cycle but for most everyday laundry loads using a good quality Laundry Liquid like smol’s means you really won’t need a pre-wash.
You can also pre-treat stains before the wash with smol Stain Gel or a little smol Laundry Liquid.
2. The main wash compartment: II or 2.
If you’re a liquid lover then this is the section you will use.
It will be marked II or 2 and this is where your Laundry Liquid goes for the main wash (if you’re using powder this goes here too).
Your washing machine releases the detergent from here during the main wash phase ready to get on with the cleaning.
Of course if you’re using capsules you can skip the drawer. smol Laundry Capsules go into the empty drum first, then you can add your laundry on top.
3. The fabric conditioner compartment: flower symbol.
Look for the section showing a flower symbol. This is where your smol Fabric Conditioner goes.
Fabric conditioner (softener) releases from the drawer later on in the cycle, during the final rinsing bit. Pour it into the section carefully to avoid spillage or overdosing (not an issue with smol’s clever pump system) and don’t fill beyond the MAX line.
Do I need to use all 3 washing machine compartments?
No.
For an everyday wash using laundry liquid or powder, you’ll usually just use the main wash compartment (II).
Add fabric conditioner to the flower compartment too of course if you’re using it.
And only add detergent to the pre-wash compartment (I) when you’ve actually chosen a programme with a pre-wash stage.
Capsule users go direct to the drum instead.
Washing machine drawer FAQs.
Catherine Green, Cleaning Expert
Catherine has been on a mission to revolutionise the way we tackle chores since the dawn of smol and is an advocate for making more sustainable living accessible to all, with a strong focus in cleaning that’s heavy on dirt, lighter on the planet and gentle on the skin. Catherine has tested hundreds of hacks to make tackling chores easier, safer, and better for the planet and our homes.
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