You've gathered your laundry and you're ready to start washing, but do you know what size load to set the washer to? Using your machine is as simple as putting the clothing in and pressing start, but if you want to get the most precise wash from your machine, using the most accurate settings as possible, then it’s important to learn about load sizes and how to follow a washing machine load size chart properly.
Selecting the wrong load size can waste water and energy, and it might not even clean your clothes as well as it could. Read this guide on the general guidelines for selecting the right load size for your washer. And remember, even though many of today’s machines can automatically sense the load and adjust the water level, you should still know how much detergent to add.
What Are Load Sizes For Washing Machines?
Did you even know there was such a thing? Well, there is, and it’s not incredibly difficult to work out but it’s important to be able to understand the difference between various load sizes because it will inform how much auto washing powder or detergent you will need to use to get the most effective clean from your machine.
Weight of Clothing | Sample Load | Ideal For: |
Approx 5 – 6 kgs | Shirts and pants, and two towels | A small-sized family of two adults |
Approx 7 – 8kgs | Shirts, pants, one or two bed sheets, four towels | A medium-sized family of four people |
Approx 10kgs | Many shirts, pants, towels and several bed sheets. | Large households of five or more people with large daily washing needs. |
Load sizes are generally broken down in small, medium and large, and the above table gives an approximate value of both the load size in terms of weight and generally how many articles of clothing this pertains to.
The load size is the same for both front-load washing machines and top-load washing machines, although top loaders generally can take a bigger load and so are recommended for families with larger washing requirements. Knowing the load size is key to making sure you use the correct dosage of detergents in your machine correctly.
Most detergents and washing powders will give you usage or dosage instructions based on load size, but they may also give instructions based on how dirty the load is. Here is a simple equation to follow based on both factors:
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Small to medium load size – averagely soiled clothing – standard capful or cupful of powder
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Medium to large load size – averagely soiled clothing – standard capful or cupful plus half of powder
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Large load size – heavily soiled clothing – standard capful or cupful plus ¾ or another full capful or cupful of powder.
Benefits of Using the Correct Load Size
It is important to get the correct load size you’ll be washing right, for several reasons. It’s not about having to weigh every load of washing you’re going to do (who has time for that?) but it’s about getting good at estimating what your load size is usually based on your needs and usage. Here’s how using the correct dosage of detergent for the correct load size can benefit you.
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Energy efficiency – when you use your machine for the right size load, at the right temperature, and the right setting, it is working as a more energy-efficient machine saving you electricity and money.
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Improved cleaning performance – your machine will deliver a more superior clean when it is washing with the right amount of detergent for the load size.
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Longevity of the washing machine – all of the above will contribute to the longevity of your machine, ensuring it works better for longer.
We mentioned before that many new washing machines actually weigh the load for you. This is also a helpful tool if you have a machine with advanced technology like this. Before deciding how much detergent or powder to add, use the weight estimation button on your machine to give you a weight. This way, you’ll know to use a capful or more of your preferred detergent.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When doing a load of washing – correct load size or not – there are a few do’s and don’ts to follow in order to get the best results from your machine.
Tip #1 – Don’t Overload Your Machine
Don’t be tempted to overload your machine and then think it’s fine cause you’ll just add in more detergent. All washing machines are designed to handle a range of certain load sizes. If you have a small front loader, don’t load it with a 10kg load of washing and hope it will get washed well. Know the capabilities of your machine, and if they don’t match your household needs, consider getting a bigger machine.
Tip#2 – Similarly, Don’t Underload
Underloading is as detrimental to your machine as you could damage the working parts of the machine if it rocks or moves vigorously during the cycle because it is not loaded enough. The rule of thumb is really to load your machine accurately, dose accurately, and choose the most accurate cycle and temperature, for the best wash.
Tip #3 – Mixing Different Clothes & Colours
The biggest washing mistake is washing unlike colours together as well as clothing with different needs together. Soiled soccer shorts that are full of grass stains, don’t have the same needs as cotton shirts that’s lightly soiled. Keep like colours together and wash similar fabrics and similar soiled items together when possible.
Apart from improving the way your machine washes your clothing, as well as the lifespan of your machine, there are also some tips and tricks to follow to actually help improve the quality and longevity of your clothing. Read our blog on Tips To Help Retain Your Clothing’s Shape to find out more.
Lastly, Reach for OMO Powders and Detergents
OMO is tough on stains, with a range of washing powders and detergents that offer Unbeatable Stain Removal* with minimal effort.
• OMO Auto Powder Detergents – Perfect for washing machine use and suitable for those who prefer using powder for laundry cleaning.
• OMO Auto Liquid Detergent – If you favour liquid detergent for machine washing, explore our range of options today.
*vs. leading competitors
For more clothing care tips and tricks, visit Cleanipedia today.
