When you have a lot of clothes to wash, it may be tempting to fill the washing machine up to the brim to save time. However, overloading the machine can lead you to need professional washer repairs. Here is some valuable information about how overloading your washer can affect your clothes and appliance, and what you can do to ensure you load garments correctly.

What Happens When a Washing Machine Is Overloaded?

Putting too many garments in the wash at once will reduce the efficiency of your machine. It uses excess water and energy to handle the load, but it doesn’t clean the clothes well. They will soak during the initial washing cycle, but the detergent won’t circulate through the water to reach all of the items. Also, the packed garments don’t have enough room to move around the drum enough to thoroughly remove stains.

Overfilling your washing machine also puts additional stress on the appliance, specifically the rotating drum of front-loading washers. A heavy load can throw the drum out of alignment. Overloading also puts a strain on the appliance’s bearings and motor as they struggle to support the weight of the clothing. Under these conditions, the machine may stop working properly after a few cycles, in which case you’ll need washer repairs. 

How Should You Load Your Washing Machine?

Cleaning a few items at a time can still create problems. You can waste water, detergent, and energy, which will lead to higher laundry costs. Light loads can also throw the machine off-balance during the spin cycle. To find the ideal weight for your specific washing machine, check the owner’s manual for its load capacity. However, if the manual isn’t available, you may safely load your washer by leaving at least 6 inches of space between the top layer of clothing and the drum. 

If you need washer repairs from overloading your machine, reach out to the team at Complete Appliance Service. Since 1980, this household appliance repair company has provided exceptional, same-day services to residents throughout northern Kentucky and the Greater Cincinnati, OH, area. Whether you need refrigerator, stove, washer, or dryer repairs, their knowledgeable team will find an efficient solution for your needs. To learn more about what this accredited Better Business Bureau^® company has to offer, visit them online today, or call (513) 661-3708 to request a quote.