I’ve you’re anything like I used to be, you probably cram laundry into your washing machine like it’s a never-ending hole. Sheets, pillowcases, clothing, and towels… and there’s just enough space for one more item.
However, although we assume that putting the washing machine on less frequently will save energy and give us back more time, it’s not necessarily the case.
Overloading your washing machine is one of the most common washing machine mistakes you can make. It will not only lead to poorly washed clothes, but it will put a strain on your appliance, with the knock-on issue of having to spend out on costly repairs or even a full replacement.
Once you’ve invested in one of the best washing machines, and I strongly advise buying the best you can afford, especially if it has to bear the rigors of family life, you’re going to want to ensure it fulfills its potential. However, to keep it working to its optimal capability, you’ll need to know how to use it correctly.
Why you should avoid overloading your washing machine
One of the biggest pitfalls when overloading a washing machine is thinking that it will reduce the number of times that the appliance needs to run. But when a washing machine is stuffed full of clothes, it doesn't work efficiently.
“When you cram too many clothes into the drum, it prevents them from moving freely, leading to poor washing results, increased wear and tear, and those dreaded error messages,” says AAA Appliance Service Center.
There simply isn’t enough space for the water and detergent to disperse. When it comes to the spin cycle, the machine is put under extra strain, and you might even end up with a shaky washing machine that needs fixing.
How to tell when your washing machine is overloaded
Some signs that your washing machine is overloaded are easier to spot than others, such as being unable to close the door without an extra shove. AAA Appliance Service Center also warns that you might notice the drum doesn’t turn easily, and your clothes aren’t getting as clean, with soap remaining at the end of the cycle. You might also hear unusual noises or vibrations as the appliance struggles with an unbalanced load, especially during the spin cycle.
So, what is the ideal amount of laundry to add to a washing machine? Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all scenario; it all depends on the individual capacity of your machine.
Know your washer's capacity and stick to it
Whether you have a front loader or a top loader, your washing machine will come with guidelines for the maximum load it can handle.
Before using your washing machine, it's helpful to know its capacity, which is something you should always check before making a purchase. Maytag says that a standard washing machine ranges from 3.5-5 cubic feet and can handle at least 12 pounds of laundry. This means that regular, half, and extra-large loads will not be the same weight per washer, as each appliance’s laundry capacity will depend on its own dimensions.
As a guide, the largest capacity washing machine in our washing machine buying guide is the Samsung WF53BB8700AV, which has a 5.3 cu. ft. capacity. The Whirlpool WTW8127LC comes in a close second at 5.2 cu. ft.
How to calculate the capacity of your washing machine
If you’ve misplaced your washing machine’s user guide and don’t know the capacity of your appliance, you can calculate how much laundry your washing machine can handle, using Maytag’s formula.
Volume in cubic feet = (r2)*(Pi)*(D)
It’s been a long time since I was in a math class, so here’s that broken down into a simpler form.
r (radius) = the distance from the center point of the drum to the edge, squared (multiplied by itself)
Pi = 3.14
D (depth) = height of the cylinder
Alternatively, only fill your washing machine drum to the ⅔ line, which should leave about six inches of space between your wash load and the top of the drum. This space should ensure your laundry, water, and detergent have enough room to move around during the cycle, and that once complete, your clothes are clean and your washing machine hasn’t been put under undue strain. That sounds like a good wash day to me!
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