A preliminary washing cycle, typically using cold water, designed to loosen and remove loose dirt and stains from laundry before the main wash. This initial step is particularly effective for heavily soiled items like muddy clothes or oily workwear. Imagine soaking a stained garment briefly before scrubbing this embodies the principle behind a preliminary wash.
This extra step significantly improves the effectiveness of the main wash cycle by preventing the recirculation of loosened soil and potential staining of less soiled items in the load. Historically, this function mimics the traditional practice of pre-soaking clothes, streamlining the process within the washing machine itself. Its inclusion significantly reduces the need for manual pre-treatment and often minimizes the intensity or duration required for the main wash, potentially saving water and energy.