To keep your clothes clean and fresh, you need to know how to do laundry. Unfortunately, not everyone knows the correct way to fill a washing machine, and improper loading can lead to significant issues for your clothing and the washer itself. The guide below highlights how to load different types of machines to help you gain a better understanding.

How Do You Load Washing Machines?

Most laundry loads fall into one of three categories: regular, large, and extra-large. For regular loads, you can fill the washing machine with about six pounds of clothing, which usually packs the drum halfway full. Large loads hold about 11 pounds and fill the drum about three-quarters full. Extra-large loads can be up to 21 pounds, and they completely fill up the drum. However, there still needs to be enough room to allow the clothes to swish around. If you can fit your hand inside the washer after loading, it’s not too tightly packed.

Load sizes aren’t the only factor to consider when filling a washing machine. You also have to consider the type of washer you’re using. Front-loading washers with high-efficiency are capable of cleaning clothes even when they are 80% full. However, top-loading washing can’t tackle that type of load. They work best when the drum is about two-thirds full of loosely-packed garments.

What Happens If You Overload the Washer?

One of the biggest problems with filling a washer beyond capacity is that the garments will not be thoroughly cleaned. They get cleaned by tumbling around in water and laundry detergent. In some cases, the agitator will not successfully shift the clothes around the machine throughout the washing cycle, which means some items won’t spend enough time underwater. Overloading can also cause the components of your washing machine’s motor to overwork, which can damage the drum and throw it out of alignment.

If you’re looking for an affordable place to tackle all of your laundry, head to City Laundry. As the go-to laundromat in Lincoln, NE, their self-service washers and dryers are capable of removing dirt and grime, leaving your garments clean and fresh. With large-capacity machines, you can finish large loads in a snap. Call (402) 483-2113 to learn more about their laundry services, or visit them online today.