Washing Machine Capacity Guide

Posted by S&D Ireland 04/13/2022 00:06:47

Is overloading a washing machine really so bad? We all have those days when you realise you have let your laundry schedule slip and have nothing clean to wear. But overfilling the washing machine is a bad idea.

Washing Machine Capacity Guide

If there is not enough room for your clothes to move around, the washing machine is unable to wash them thoroughly. Plus, the detergent may not circulate properly – leaving some of the wash smelling of detergent or even as bad as it did when it left the laundry basket.

Overloading a washing machine can damage it

The load may not feel heavy when it goes in the machine, but imagine how heavy it is when it is soaking wet. Too much weight unbalances the machine and affects its performance. So, what size washing machine do you need?

When you’re buying a new washing machine, bear in mind that drum sizes are measured in the weight of dry clothes they can hold. The most common size is between 7 and 8kg. These drums are ideal for average families.

Small drum (up to 6 kg)

One load is around five hand towels and six tops. Or two pairs of jeans, a jumper and 10 items of underwear. Or two bedsheets and two pillowcases.

Standard drum (7 kg)

In one load in a standard machine, you can expect to fit five small towels and ten tops. Or four pairs of jeans, a jumper and 20 items of underwear. Or two bedsheets and four pillowcases.

Large drum (8 kg)

Expect these machines to be able to take six small towels and twelve tops. Or five pairs of jeans, one jumper and twenty items of underwear. Or two bedsheets, two pillowcases and a duvet cover.

Extra-large drum (10 kg+)

The biggest machines can take a load consisting of the equivalent of eight small towels and fifteen tops. Or five pairs of jeans, two jumpers and thirty pairs of socks. Or three bedsheets, a duvet cover and four pillowcases.