Skip the Soap Tray

Skip the Soap Tray: A Better Way to Add Detergent

It might seem like the obvious place to pour your liquid detergent — but that pull-out soap tray on your washing machine isn’t always your best friend.

At Willard Wash, we’ve seen firsthand how using the detergent tray can sometimes lead to buildup, clogs, and even clothes that aren’t fully clean. That’s why this week’s Tip Tuesday is all about skipping the tray and pouring detergent directly into the drum.

💡 Why skip the soap tray?

Most modern washers (like our Speed Queen machines) use a tray that funnels detergent into the wash cycle. But over time, this can cause:

• Sticky residue in the drawer or inside the lines

• Uneven mixing of detergent, especially with cold water cycles

• Extra maintenance or cleaning to avoid clogs

✅ What to do instead

1. Measure your liquid detergent using the cap (no guessing).

2. Pour it directly onto the clothes inside the drum before starting the cycle.

3. That’s it! Let the machine handle the rest.

By skipping the soap tray, your detergent mixes faster and more evenly — giving your clothes a better, fresher clean from the start.

🚫 A quick note:

This tip applies to liquid detergent only — not powder, pods, or specialty cleaners. For pods, place them in the back of the drum before loading your clothes.

Want cleaner clothes, fewer rewashes, and less gunk to deal with? Skip the tray — pour it in the drum. It’s a small change that makes a big difference.