What Are the 3 Slots in a Washing Machine Drawer (And What Goes in Each One)

You opened the detergent drawer on your washing machine and found three compartments with no obvious explanation for which product goes where. Putting detergent in the wrong slot means it dispenses at the wrong time, which either wastes it or leaves your clothes poorly washed.

The three slots are for pre-wash detergent, main wash detergent, and fabric softener, and each one dispenses its contents at a different point in the cycle. According to In The Wash, putting the right product in the right slot ensures it enters the drum at the exact moment the cycle needs it.

1. If you have been putting detergent in all three slots for every wash, you are wasting product because the pre-wash slot only activates when you select the pre-wash cycle.
2. If your clothes still feel soapy after washing, detergent may be in the wrong compartment and dispensing at the wrong time.
3. If fabric softener is not working, it may be in the main wash slot where it gets washed away during the cycle instead of releasing during the rinse.

For a regular wash, you only need to use one slot: the main wash compartment. The other two are for specific situations.

Here is what each slot does, what goes in it, and when to use each one.

Slot 1: Pre-Wash (Labeled “I” or “1”)

What it does

This compartment holds detergent for the pre-wash phase. The machine fills with cold water, adds the detergent from this slot, tumbles briefly to loosen heavy soil, then drains before the main wash begins.

When to use it

Only use this slot when you select the pre-wash option on your machine. If you run a regular cycle without selecting pre-wash, the machine never flushes this compartment and the detergent sits there unused.

Use the pre-wash for heavily soiled items like work clothes, muddy outdoor gear, and sports uniforms that benefit from a preliminary soak before the main wash.

What to put in it

Add the same detergent you use for the main wash, but in a smaller amount. The pre-wash is a short preliminary cycle, not a full wash, so it needs less detergent.

According to Reco, the pre-wash compartment works with both liquid and powder detergent. Do not put pods in this compartment because pods are designed to dissolve in the drum, not in the dispenser.

For more on what the pre-wash setting does, see what is pre-wash in a washing machine.

Slot 2: Main Wash (Labeled “II” or “2”)

What it does

This is the largest compartment and the one you use for every wash. The machine flushes this compartment during the main wash phase, sending detergent into the drum when the water and agitation are at their peak cleaning power.

When to use it

Every wash cycle. This is the only slot most people need for regular laundry.

What to put in it

Add your liquid or powder detergent here. According to Currys, both liquid and powder detergent go in the main wash compartment, and many machines include a removable insert for liquid detergent that prevents it from draining out before the cycle starts.

Do not put detergent pods in this compartment because pods go directly in the drum before loading clothes. For complete detergent placement instructions, see how to add detergent to your washer.

Slot 3: Fabric Softener (Labeled with a Flower, Star, or “III”)

What it does

This compartment holds fabric softener and releases it during the rinse cycle, after the wash is complete and the detergent has been drained. The timing ensures the softener coats the fibers without being washed away by the detergent phase.

When to use it

Only when you want to use fabric softener. This slot is optional for every load.

What to put in it

Pour liquid fabric softener up to the max fill line inside the compartment. According to Tom’s Guide, overfilling the softener compartment causes the product to release too early or leave residue on clothes.

Do not put detergent in this slot. Detergent added to the softener compartment would release during the rinse instead of the wash, providing no cleaning benefit and leaving soap residue on your clothes.

Quick Reference Table

Slot	Label	What goes in it	When it dispenses	When to use
1	“I” or “1”	Pre-wash detergent	Before main wash	Only with pre-wash cycle selected
2	“II” or “2”	Main wash detergent	During main wash	Every wash
3	Flower, star, or “III”	Fabric softener	During rinse	When using fabric softener

Common Mistakes

Putting detergent in all three slots

The pre-wash slot only activates when you select the pre-wash option. Detergent placed in slot 1 during a regular cycle stays in the compartment and builds up as sticky residue.

Putting fabric softener in the main wash slot

Softener placed in slot 2 releases during the wash phase and gets washed away by the rinse. It never reaches the fabric at the right time to do its job.

Overfilling the fabric softener slot

Excess softener spills into the drum too early or leaves a thick residue in the compartment that clogs the dispenser channel over time. Stay below the max fill line.

Never cleaning the drawer

Detergent and softener residue builds up in all three compartments over time, especially the softener slot. Pull the drawer out monthly, soak in hot water, and scrub with a toothbrush to prevent clogging.

For a complete cleaning guide, see washing machine care.

For understanding all your machine’s settings, see how to use your washing machine.

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