Esipesu

Esipesu, meaning prewash in Finnish, refers to an initial washing cycle used to remove loose soil before the main wash. The term comes from es- (before) and pesu (wash). Esipesu is commonly found in household appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines, and may also describe a manual prewash step in kitchens.

In dishwashers, esipesu typically runs at a lower temperature and shorter duration than the main wash, sometimes with little or no detergent. Its purpose is to loosen and rinse away large food particles and sticky residues, preparing the dishes for the subsequent cleaning phase. Some models combine esipesu with an initial rinse or designate the cycle as a separate prewash option, particularly for heavily soiled cookware.

In washing machines, esipesu or a prewash option can fill the drum with water, agitate briefly, and then drain before the main wash cycle with detergent. This helps lift and remove stubborn soils, especially on heavily soiled garments or textiles that benefit from an initial soil-release stage.

Effectiveness and considerations: Esipesu can improve overall cleaning for heavily soiled items by reducing soil load during the main wash. However, it uses additional water and energy, and its benefits depend on the soil type and the appliance model. Some users may skip prewashing for lightly soiled loads, while others rely on it for pots, pans, or fabric with resistant stains. See also: dishwasher, washing machine, prewash cycle.