washing machines typically do not have a designated pre-soak function built-in. However, you can manually pre-soak clothes in a washing machine by following these steps:
Sort your clothes: Separate the clothes you want to pre-soak from the rest of the laundry. Make sure to group similar fabrics and colors together.
Fill the washing machine: Place the clothes you want to pre-soak into the washing machine drum. Be sure not to overload the machine, as clothes need space to move around during the soaking process.
Add water: Pour enough water into the washing machine to fully cover the clothes you want to pre-soak. Use cold water for delicate fabrics and colors, and warm water for regular fabrics and whites. Avoid using hot water, as it can set stains or shrink some fabrics.
Add detergent (optional): If the clothes are heavily soiled or stained, you may add a small amount of detergent to the water to help with the cleaning process during soaking. However, this step is not always necessary.
Soak the clothes: Let the clothes soak in the water for at least 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the level of soiling or staining. For stubborn stains, you can extend the soaking time.
Start the wash cycle: After the pre-soaking period is complete, close the washing machine lid or door and start the regular wash cycle. If you added detergent during pre-soaking, you may want to add a little more detergent for the main wash cycle.
Complete the wash cycle: Let the washing machine complete the entire wash cycle, including rinsing and spinning.
Remember, not all clothes require pre-soaking. Delicate fabrics or garments with specific washing instructions may be better off hand-washed or treated separately. Always check the care labels on your clothes for guidance. Additionally, it's essential to check your washing machine's user manual to ensure it's suitable for soaking clothes in water before the actual wash cycle. If your washing machine has specific soaking settings, follow the instructions provided in the manual.