Soaking clothes in a top-load washer can be done using the "Soak" function, if your washer has one. If your washer doesn't have a specific "Soak" setting, you can use the "Pre-Wash" or "Extra Rinse" option to achieve a similar effect. Here's how you can soak clothes in a top-load washer:
Sort and load your clothes: Sort your laundry by color and fabric type as you normally would before washing. Then, place the clothes you want to soak into the washer drum.
Add water: Start the wash cycle by selecting the "Soak," "Pre-Wash," or "Extra Rinse" setting, depending on your washer's options. This will initiate the filling of the washer drum with water.
Pause the cycle: Once the water level reaches an appropriate height to cover the clothes fully, pause the wash cycle. This usually takes a few minutes after the water starts filling the drum.
Let it soak: Allow the clothes to soak in the water for the desired duration. You can let them soak for 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the level of dirt and stains you want to remove. Refer to the garment care labels to ensure prolonged soaking is safe for the fabric.
Resume and complete the wash cycle: After the soaking period, resume the wash cycle and let it continue as usual. If you were using the "Soak" function, it might drain the water and then start the regular wash cycle. If you used "Pre-Wash" or "Extra Rinse," it would proceed to the main wash cycle.
Add detergent: If your clothes need detergent, add the appropriate amount either before the soaking or during the wash cycle when you resume it.
Finish the wash cycle: Once the wash cycle completes, you can proceed with the rinse and spin cycles to remove detergent and excess water from the clothes.
Keep in mind that not all top-load washers have a "Soak" function or similar settings. If your washer doesn't offer these options, you can consider using a large container or basin to soak your clothes before transferring them to the washer for washing. This manual soaking method allows you to control the water level and the soaking duration more precisely.
Always check your washing machine's user manual for specific instructions related to soaking clothes, as different models may have slightly different procedures.