presoak

[ verb pree-sohk; noun pree-sohk ]

verb (used with object)

1. to soak (laundry) in a liquid containing agents that loosen dirt, remove stains, etc., before washing.

noun

1. a preparation in which laundry is presoaked.
2. an act or instance of presoaking.

Word History and Origins

Origin of presoak¹

First recorded in 1915–20; pre- + soak

More About Presoak

What does presoak mean?

To presoak is to soak something in a liquid containing some type of cleaning agent in order to loosen dirt or remove stains, as in Jamal presoaked the pans to loosen all the baked-on food bits. 

To presoak something is to soak it before doing something else to it, most often washing it. It can be used in a variety of situations but is most commonly used in reference to washing laundry and dishes.

When you presoak something before cleaning it, you are generally soaking it in a cleaning agent and water mixture, such as detergent or bleach. Presoaking allows the cleaning agent to be in contact with the item you’re cleaning longer, helping to remove dirt and oils.

A presoak is the act of presoaking something.

Example: I always presoak my dishes before loading them into the washer, but my spouse thinks it’s a waste of time.

Where does presoak come from?

The first records of the term presoak come from around the 1910s. It combines the prefix pre-, meaning “before,” and soak meaning “to lie in and become saturated or permeated with a liquid.”

You can presoak things for reasons other than cleaning. For example, you can presoak a variety of foods before cooking them, such as rice or potatoes to remove the starch or some types of onions to remove the acidity. Any time something is first submerged in a liquid before use, it is being presoaked.

Some people that presoaking and pre-washing their dishes before putting them in the dishwasher helps the dishes come out cleaner. Unfortunately, they often live with people who ask what the point of a dishwasher is if you wash the dishes first.

Did you know … ?

What are some words that share a root or word element with presoak?

• presort
• preheat
• precook
• soak

What are some words that often get used in discussing presoak?

• dishes
• food
• laundry
• stain

How is presoak used in real life?

I love the automatic car wash in my neighborhood has the voice of Al Green. Just the way he says "presoak".

— Elizabeth Cook (@Elizabeth_Cook) September 11, 2012

It's We Help Wednesday! Wondering how to remove coffee stains? Presoak item in liquid detergent with bleach & then wash using hottest temp.

— HHGregg (@hhgregg) March 28, 2012

 

Try using presoak!

True or False?

Presoaking is sometimes used to help loosen dirt and grime from something.