Filling the washing machine as much as possible can feel like the best way to get through a seemingly endless pile of laundry. Fewer loads means less time spent sorting and washing after all. But laundry pros say there’s a sweet spot when it comes to how full your washing machine should be.
Modern washing machines can handle large loads, but experts say you really shouldn’t pack it completely full. Overloading a washing machine prevents clothes from moving freely, which means your items don’t get cleaned as well and can even get damaged during the wash cycle. The same goes for your dryer—overloading the appliance isn’t recommended, as it can leave your clothes damp, wrinkled, or in need of multiple cycles to get everything dry. Although it may require a little more time on laundry day, doing smaller loads is recommended to ensure your clothes stay in good shape and come out feeling fresh.
So how full should your washing machine be? We asked Carolyn Forté, former executive director of the Home Care & Cleaning Lab, for the simple rule she follows to keep a washing machine from getting overloaded. She also shared a few tips to keep in mind if you’re washing bulky items.
Whether you’re using a front-loader or top-loader, you should be able to fit one hand in the drum and still have a little room to move it around, says Forté. This will accommodate a rather large load of laundry — a nearly full drum! — but still allow enough room for clothes to circulate in a pool of water and detergent that will get them as clean as possible. It also helps prolong the life of your clothes, since that extra wiggle room helps ensure fabrics don’t rub together, putting strain on the fibers. If you can’t fit your hand in the drum, it’s time to take something out.
There is one exception to the rule? Exceptionally bulky items, like weighted or very heavy blankets. Though the manufacturers of some large and weighted blankets may claim these items are machine washable, it’s important to consider the size and capacity of your washer before doing so. A single 20-pound item can put a strain on a machine — even a large-capacity one. In general, our experts do not recommend washing a single item that weighs more than 15 pounds, even if your washer can typically handle 20-pound loads.
These rules apply to the dryer, too. Dryers generally have a smaller capacity than washing machines, so it’s a good idea to check your appliance’s manual for specifics. Depending on how much you have to dry, you may even consider splitting large loads into multiple batches.
Brigitt is a writer, editor and craft stylist with nearly 15 years of experience. She specializes in lifestyle topics, including home, health, parenting, beauty, style, food, entertaining, travel and weddings. She has written for Glamour, People, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Real Simple, Martha Stewart, Apartment Therapy, The Spruce, and more.
Source: Home Ideas - goodhousekeeping.com
