What is the Soak Function in Washing Machines

The soak function is a practical feature for anyone dealing with stubborn laundry stains regularly. Here is a quick recap:

• The soak function holds clothes in water and detergent for 15 minutes to a few hours, loosening tough stains before the wash cycle starts
• To use it, load your clothes, add detergent, select the soak cycle on the control panel, and set your preferred timer
• Soaking reduces fabric wear, improves detergent performance, and removes the need for manual pre-soaking
• Use soak for heavily soiled laundry; use pre-wash for lighter surface dirt that just needs a quick rinse

You can also buy a new washing machine on Easy EMIs at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities, including Reliance Digital, Croma, and Vijay Sales. Check your loan eligibility online in minutes so you know exactly what you can get before you step into the store.

The soak function holds your clothes in water and detergent before the wash cycle begins, giving stains time to loosen without heavy agitation. This page covers how the soak function works, when it helps most, and how it differs from a pre-wash cycle — so you can pick the right setting for your laundry load.

You can buy a washing machine through Easy EMIs when your preferred model is eligible and available at a partner store, making it simple to upgrade without paying the full amount upfront. Here is what the process looks like.

• Visit more than 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000+ cities, including Jaipur, Lucknow, Kochi, and Bhopal
• Choose your preferred model and use the Bajaj Finance Insta EMI Card or Easy EMI Loan
• Convert the purchase cost into Easy EMIs that suit your monthly budget

➜ Pro tip: Zero down payment is available on select models, so ask the store executive if your chosen washing machine qualifies before you check out.

Load your clothes into the drum, add detergent to the dispenser, and follow these steps:

1. Select the soak cycle on your washing machine's control panel
2. Set the soak timer — anywhere from 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on how stubborn the stains are
3. Press start to begin the soak cycle
4. Once the soak is complete, select your preferred wash cycle and start the machine again

This lets water and detergent work into the fabric before agitation begins, helping lift ground-in dirt and tough stains more effectively.

The soak function does most of the stain-loosening work before the wash cycle begins, which means less mechanical agitation and better results. Here is what that translates to in practice:

• Tough stain removal: Ground-in stains from oil, mud, or food break down during the soak, so the wash cycle can lift them more effectively
• Deeper detergent action: Detergent penetrates further into fabric fibres when given time to sit, improving cleaning without extra product
• Less fabric wear: Reduced scrubbing and agitation helps delicate fabrics last longer
• No manual pre-soaking: Eliminates the need to soak clothes by hand in a bucket before loading the machine

Both functions run before your main wash cycle, but they work differently and suit different laundry situations.

In short, use soak when stains need time to break down, and pre-wash when you just need to clear surface-level dirt before the main wash.

That depends on your household size, budget, and how much time you want to spend on laundry. Here are five models across different brands and price points, each suited to a different kind of user.

(Last updated: September 2026)

Disclaimer: Each model's features, availability, and pricing are subject to change and may vary. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please visit the official website. Before you decide, explore the latest offers. You may find a great deal on a model that matches your needs.

Bajaj Finance offers two financing options at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across 4,000 cities in India. Here is how they compare:

How to choose? Both options require you to be physically present at a partner store. The Insta EMI Card is ideal for shoppers who want to purchase across multiple categories over time. The Easy EMI Loan suits buyers looking to finance a higher-value purchase in a single transaction.

Also explore the latest offers. You may find a great deal on a model that matches your needs.

The process is simple and typically takes 10 to 15 minutes once you are at the store.

1. Browse models on Bajaj Mall: Compare options on Bajaj Mall before visiting a store.
2. Find a partner store near you: Use the Bajaj Finance store locator to find a nearby partner outlet such as Croma, Vijay Sales, or other authorised retailers.
3. Check the model in person: Check the key features, specifications, size, and performance to choose the product that best suits your needs and budget.
4. Choose a suitable EMI option: At checkout, ask the store executive about the Bajaj Finance Insta EMI Card or Easy EMI Loan. Confirm available tenure options and whether your chosen model comes with a zero down payment offer.
5. Complete payment and schedule installation: The in-store process is quick, and most partner stores offer installation as part of the purchase.

You can also check your loan eligibility online in advance by entering your mobile number and OTP, helping you plan your purchase better before visiting the store.

Bajaj Finance’s Smart Savings Calculator helps you unlock maximum savings every time you shop at partner stores. It brings together all available brand, dealer, and scheme offers—so you can see your total savings instantly and shop smarter with Easy EMIs.

1. Dealer offers - Grab exclusive in-store deals at over 1.5 lakh partner stores across India. Enjoy local discounts and special prices you will not find online.

2. Brand offers - Access limited-time discounts from top brands across electronics, appliances, and more. Discover brand-specific savings selected just for you.

3. Bajaj offers - Unlock exclusive Bajaj Finance deals on popular products—available only to our customers. More rewards, more value.

4. Scheme offers - Take advantage of time-sensitive offers on select EMI schemes. Get extra benefits after paying just 3 EMIs—visible during EMI selection at checkout.

Calculate your extra savings today!