Holding your first laundry strip and thinking, "Where does this thing actually go?" — it happens to almost everyone. The answer is simpler than you think, but there are a few small things that make a difference.
In the drum: always the safest choice
The method that works with every machine: place the strip directly in the drum, with your laundry. As soon as the water enters, the strip dissolves within a few seconds and the cleaning power spreads evenly throughout the load.
You can place the strip underneath or on top of the laundry — it makes no difference. What does matter is that you do not roll it up or squeeze it into a corner. Flat and loose in the drum works best.
Are you using a short cycle or very cold water (15°C)? Tear the strip into two pieces before placing it in the drum — this helps it dissolve even faster.
Can it also go in the detergent dispenser?
Yes, you can — but only if the water rinses powerfully enough through the dispenser. With most modern front-loading machines, this is fine. Tear the strip into smaller pieces before placing it in the main detergent compartment (the compartment with the cup symbol, not the prewash or fabric softener compartment).
✓ Drum
- Always works, with every machine
- Direct contact with water
- Ideal for short or cold cycles
- No risk of clogging the dispenser
○ Detergent dispenser
- Works with most front-loading machines
- Tear the strip into pieces
- Main detergent compartment only
- Not for top-loading machines
For top-loading machines, it is better to always use the drum — the water supply through the dispenser works differently there and dissolves the strip less reliably.
Laundry strips for hand washing
Laundry strips are also handy for delicate laundry or when you're travelling. Half a strip is enough for a sink — a full strip for a bucket or larger load.
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Fill a sink or bucket with lukewarm water Cold water works too, but lukewarm water dissolves the strip faster.
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Add half or a full strip Stir briefly with your hand until the strip has completely dissolved. This takes a few seconds.
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Wash as usual Gently knead the garment, leave it to soak briefly if necessary, then rinse thoroughly.
Do laundry strips work in every washing machine?
Yes. Front- and top-loaders, HE (High Efficiency) machines, washer-dryer combinations with heat-pump dryers — laundry strips work everywhere. They produce very little foam, making them particularly suitable for energy-efficient machines with sensitive sensors that display an error message when there is too much foam.
- Front-loaders and top-loaders
- HE machines and energy-efficient cycles
- All temperatures from 15°C to 90°C
- Washer-dryer combination appliances
Frequently asked questions about using laundry strips
Where do I put a laundry strip — in the drum or detergent drawer?
When in doubt, always use the drum. It works with every machine and every cycle. The detergent drawer can also be used with most front-loaders, provided you tear the strip into pieces and place them in the main detergent compartment. Top-loaders: always use the drum.
Do I need to tear the laundry strip into pieces?
You don't have to, but it can help with short cycles or very cold water. In the drum, a whole strip dissolves quickly enough on normal cycles. If you use the detergent drawer, always tear it into pieces for more reliable dissolving.
How many laundry strips should I use per wash?
One strip per wash is standard, for a load of up to approximately 4–5 kilos. With a full drum or heavily soiled laundry, you can add a second strip. For hand washing, half a strip is usually enough.
Do laundry strips also work at 30 degrees?
Yes. Lavoa laundry strips dissolve at all standard temperatures, including 30°C. For normal household laundry, 30 or 40°C is more than sufficient. Washing at 60°C is only necessary for towels, bed linen or garments that really need to be hygienically clean.
Can I use laundry strips for delicate fabrics?
Yes, especially on a delicate cycle or when hand washing. Choose the fragrance-free option when washing for babies or people with sensitive skin — it contains no fragrances that can cause skin irritation.
Still don't have laundry strips at home?
Try them first with the trial pack — for €3.95, including delivery through the letterbox.
View the laundry strips →
