Ever loaded a pile of extra-dirty laundry, only to wonder if your regular wash can handle the mess? If you own an LG washing machine, you might have spotted the “Pre Wash” button and wondered what magic it holds.
Understanding the pre wash function can make a real difference in battling stubborn stains and heavy grime. In this article, you’ll learn exactly what pre wash does, when to use it, and tips for getting the best results from your LG washer.
Related Video
What is Pre-Wash in an LG Washing Machine?
The pre-wash function in an LG washing machine is a special cycle designed to help tackle heavily soiled laundry. This feature acts as an initial wash before the main wash cycle begins. Think of it as giving your clothes a “head start” to loosen stubborn dirt, mud, and stains, ensuring a deeper clean overall.
When you use the pre-wash option, your washing machine adds an extra phase where your laundry is soaked, tumbled, and lightly washed. This removes some of the dirt and grime before the main wash starts, so by the end, your clothes come out fresher and cleaner than if you’d skipped this step.
Let’s break down how pre-wash works, when to use it, its benefits, and some best practices to get the most out of your LG washing machine.
How Does the Pre-Wash Cycle Work?
The pre-wash cycle takes place before the regular wash cycle. Here’s what typically happens during this cycle:
- Initial Water Fill and Agitation:
- The machine fills with water and a small amount of detergent.
-
Clothes are tumbled or agitated, helping to loosen dirt and debris.
-
Short Wash:
-
The machine agitates the detergent and water through the clothes for a brief period, usually 10–15 minutes.
-
Drain and Spin:
- Dirty water is drained away.
-
The machine may spin briefly to remove excess water.
-
Transition to Main Wash:
- The standard wash cycle you’ve chosen begins using fresh water and, if needed, additional detergent.
This process ensures that dirt doesn’t simply settle back onto the fabric during the main wash and improves the overall washing performance.
When Should You Use Pre-Wash?
Not every load needs a pre-wash. Here are situations where adding it is a smart move:
- Very Dirty Clothes: Items with mud, food stains, grass, or other heavy soiling benefit from the extra cleaning phase.
- Heavily Stained Items: Work uniforms, sports gear, pet bedding, or children’s clothes often need extra cleaning help.
- Outdoor Clothing: Hiking clothes, gardening attire, or anything exposed to dust and dirt is a good candidate.
- Large Loads: If your drum is packed and clothes are very dirty, pre-wash can help distribute detergent and soak away grime.
- Cleaning Kitchen Towels or Cloth Diapers: Items exposed to grease or biological stains respond well to pre-wash.
For lightly soiled clothes or when doing a routine wash, you can usually skip the pre-wash cycle.
How to Use Pre-Wash on Your LG Washing Machine
Using the pre-wash function is simple. Follow these steps to ensure optimal results:
1. Sort and Load Your Laundry
- Separate heavily soiled clothes from regular items if possible.
- Load dirty laundry into the drum, keeping within the recommended capacity.
2. Add Detergent Correctly
Most LG washers have two compartments in the detergent drawer:
– Main Wash Compartment: For your regular detergent.
– Pre-Wash Compartment: For pre-wash detergent.
Tip:
Add a small amount of detergent to the pre-wash compartment (check your detergent packaging or user manual for recommendations). Place the required detergent for the main wash in its compartment.
3. Select the Pre-Wash Option
- Choose your desired wash program (e.g., Cotton, Mixed, Bedding).
- Press the “Pre-Wash” button (look for a button labeled ‘Pre-Wash’ or check the options under additional cycles).
- Start the cycle. The machine will automatically add the pre-wash phase before the main wash.
4. Consider Water and Energy Use
- The pre-wash uses extra water, energy, and detergent. Use it only when truly needed for dirty or stained items.
Benefits of Using Pre-Wash
Adding a pre-wash cycle can create a noticeable difference in your laundry results. Here’s why:
- Better Dirt Removal: Loosens and removes set-in dirt and grime before the main wash.
- Reduces Staining: Prevents stains from being transferred or set deeper into fabrics.
- Sauces & Mud: Tackles stubborn household messes more effectively.
- Longer-Lasting Clothes: Gentle pre-soaking and agitation prevent excessive scrubbing during the main wash, protecting clothing fibers.
Challenges and Things to Watch Out For
While pre-wash can be helpful, it’s best used wisely. Here are some important points:
- Extra Resources: You’ll use more water, energy, and detergent—eco-conscious users may want to reserve pre-wash for only the dirtiest items.
- Wrong Detergent Amount: Adding too much detergent (especially in the pre-wash compartment) can leave residue or cause excessive suds.
- Not for All Loads: Everyday light washing doesn’t require this cycle.
- Longer Wash Time: Wash cycles with pre-wash take longer to complete, which may be inconvenient if you’re in a hurry.
Best Practices and Practical Tips
To get the most out of your LG washer’s pre-wash cycle, keep these suggestions in mind:
- Pre-Treat Difficult Stains: Although pre-wash helps, pre-treating tough stains (like ink, wine, or grass) increases cleaning effectiveness.
- Don’t Overload: Ensure loads are within the recommended capacity so water and detergent circulate properly.
- Check Detergent Labels: Use high-efficiency (HE) detergent if your model requires it, and measure correctly according to load size and soiling.
- Routine Cleaning: Occasionally clean your washer’s detergent drawer to prevent build-up from leftover soap.
- Check the Manual: Your model might have specific instructions. If available, consult your washer’s manual for diagrams and details on detergent compartment usage and cycle selection.
Common Questions About LG’s Pre-Wash Feature
1. Can I use the pre-wash cycle with any detergent?
Yes, but always use a small amount. If you have a high-efficiency (HE) washer, be sure to use HE detergent to avoid excessive suds and residue.
2. Should I use fabric softener during pre-wash?
No, add fabric softener only during the main wash as directed. Pre-wash is for initial loosening of dirt, not conditioning fabrics.
3. Will pre-wash remove all stains automatically?
Not always. While pre-wash is effective at loosening dirt, stubborn or set-in stains might need pre-treatment before washing.
4. Is pre-wash suitable for delicate fabrics?
Generally, no. Delicate items can be sensitive to extra agitation and soaking. Use the machine’s ‘delicate’ or ‘hand-wash’ cycles for such fabrics without pre-wash.
5. Does pre-wash increase the total cycle time?
Yes, the wash cycle will take longer because of the added pre-wash phase. Consider this if you need to do laundry quickly.
Summary
The pre-wash function in your LG washing machine is a powerful helper for tackling tough, dirty, or heavily stained laundry. By adding a short, initial wash phase before your main cycle, it boosts your washing results and helps keep your clothes cleaner. However, it also uses a bit more time, water, and detergent, so reserve it for those challenging loads that need extra care.
With the right detergent, proper sorting, and following your machine’s instructions, you’ll make the most of the pre-wash feature, keeping your clothes fresh and extending their life. Happy washing!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use the pre-wash function for every load?
You can, but it’s not necessary for lightly soiled clothes. Reserve it for extra dirty or stained laundry to save water, energy, and detergent.
2. Where do I put detergent for the pre-wash cycle?
Use the designated pre-wash compartment in your washer’s detergent drawer. Check your machine’s manual for the exact location.
3. What program settings work best with pre-wash?
Pre-wash is compatible with many main cycles like cotton, mixed, or bedding. For delicate cycles, pre-wash is usually not needed and sometimes unavailable.
4. How much detergent should I use for pre-wash?
Add only a small amount to the pre-wash compartment—typically half the amount you’d use for the main wash—to prevent excess suds and residue.
5. Can skipping the pre-wash affect washing results?
Usually, no—unless you have heavily soiled or stained laundry. For routine washes, your clothes will still get clean without it. Use pre-wash only when it’s needed for the best balance of results and efficiency.