What happens if you put the clothes in (gasp) and then the detergent?

With powdered detergent, you’ll get little detergent spots all over your clothes, because it won’t dissolve. With liquid detergent, I have added the detergent after the clothes are already in, and there is no problem.

I just left the laundry room and was wondering the same thing. Synergy?

My washer actually does instruct to do it that way (Put in detergent after the clothes). Of course, I don’t follow those instructions.

I’d assume the universe explodes, yeah.

I do it all of the time. No problems, thus far.

@peyton_farquhar: Or Sunday-ergy? ;-)

I always put in clothes and then detergent, and the universe hasn’t exploded that I have noticed. However, I do put it right under the spout where the water comes into the machine.

But, if my kids are right, I wouldn’t notice the universe exploding if I am reading a good book.

Well, detergent first, there’s a better chance that the soap will be dissolved and not stuck in your clothes, thus rinsing away more cleanly. So, clothes-first, you’re risking the consequence of still having soap in your clothing. Obviously the detergent and washer manufacturers really want to make sure you don’t itch.

I use liquid detergent and always put it in last. A friend of mine used powder detergent and mixed it to liquid before putting it in as even if you put it in first, if you use the cold water cycle, it may not desolve well anyway.

um, is that how you’re not supposed to do it? effffffff. My life is a lie.

I ruined a top that way once… Never again.

@Facade: Really? powder or liquid? upright or front-loading?

I always thought you put the detergent in first, that way the soap is evenly dispersed and therefore gives you an effective wash.

Clothesitus is a serious problem, and, unfortunately, there is no vaccine.

@La_chica_gomela liquid and upright

@Facade: oooh, I do that all the time! Now I’m nervous! What happened to the shirt?

Interesting. I always put the liquid detergent in before turning the water on, and I spread it all around the clothes. No problems.

@La_chica_gomela I think the coloring was messed up or something. It was several years ago.

Please give generously to the Clothesitus foundation. Think of the children!. Send your generous donation % majorrich at Fluther. There’s not a moment to lose. Call with your Credit card to 1–800-bad-cloz

Clothesitus? Sounds tragic! What’re the symptoms?

Oh it’s terrible! crystals of undissolved detergent chafing the tender skin of our children and loved ones. Chafing, Foaming when wearing clothes in the rain. The Horror… the horror the horror

I’ve had problems with both liquid and dry detergent in the past. With powder, it was a not dissolving situation, and with liquid I’ve ended up with blue spots on the clothes. So now I always start the water first, put in the detergent (I always use liquid these days), wait until the water is high enough and swish it around by manually spinning the agitator (getting all the soap mixed in) and then put in the clothes. Another trick I’ve learned is to run a second spin cycle… it reduces time in the dryer. If you have sensitive skin, a second rinse cycle (before that extra spin) is extremely helpful!

it makes a difference? I’ve never read the directions on detergent, not exactly rocket science, or so I thought, perhaps, and I’ve always put the clothes in and then the detergent, never had clothes get ruined because of it….