Laundry load soil level detection system

The laundry washing machine as claimed in 1, further comprising:

• a laundry load size detection system connected to the controller for detecting the size of the laundry load, and
• a detergent dispenser for dispensing detergent, under instruction by the controller, into the washing liquid,
• wherein the controller is configured, prior to the commencement of the washing cycle of the laundry load, to:
• detect the size of the laundry load using the laundry load size detection system;
• activate the detergent dispenser to dispense a first amount of detergent;
• activate the valve to admit a first amount of water into the water container as an initial part of the water fill;
• sense a first wash liquid clarity measurement of the water in the water container;
• activate the valve to admit a second amount of water into the water container as a further part of the water fill;
• carry out at least one controlled soil release from the laundry load into the washing liquid by activating the motor to control the drum's rotational speed over a limited duration of time;
• sense a second washing liquid clarity measurement using the liquid clarity sensor;
• determine the soil level of the laundry load from a ratio, or a difference, between the first and second washing liquid clarity measurements;
• and
• based on the detected load size and soil level, set said at least one wash parameter for washing the laundry load.

A method of operating a laundry washing machine having a laundry load in a water container thereof, comprising the steps of:

• filling the water container with an amount of water for use in subsequently washing the laundry load during a washing cycle,
• determining the soil level of the laundry load using a liquid clarity sensor by the time that the water fill ends, and
• commencing the washing cycle of the laundry load after the water fill ends,
• wherein at least one wash parameter of the washing cycle is set by the controller based upon the determined soil level.