How to properly load your washing machine for maximum efficiency

It’s no secret that washing machines do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to laundry, but knowing how to properly load your laundry the right way can make a bigger difference than you might think. Some think that stuffing in more clothes can save time, but it does the opposite. Overloading your washing machine can trap dirt and detergent in fabric, reduce cleaning power, and also put extra strain on your washer’s motor and drum. 

On the other hand, washing too few items wastes water and energy. Finding the right balance helps your clothes come out fresher, keeps your machine running smoothly, and makes every load more efficient. Here’s how to properly load your washing machine for maximum efficiency.

How to properly load your washing machine for maximum efficiency

Loading your washing machine properly isn’t simply about fitting in as many clothes as possible. How you load it directly affects how clean your clothes get and how well your machine runs. Here’s how to correctly load your washing machine for maximum efficiency:

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– Sort your laundry before loading

– Don’t overload the washer

– Avoid washing too few items

– Spread clothes evenly to keep the washer balanced

– Use the right amount of detergent

– Choose the right wash cycle

– Let the washing machine air out after each load

Sort your laundry before loading

Before tossing clothes in the washing machine, sort them by fabric type, colour and how dirty they are. Heavy fabrics like towels and jeans should be washed separately from delicate items like undergarments or lightweight shirts to prevent damage. Sorting also helps prevent colours from bleeding onto lighter fabrics and ensures an even wash. If something is extra dirty, washing it separately from lightly soiled clothes helps everything come out cleaner.

Don't overload the washer

It might seem like adding more clothes at once saves time, but overloading actually does the opposite. When the drum is too full, clothes can’t move freely, which means water and detergent can’t reach every fibre. This results in poorly cleaned clothes and detergent residue sticking to the fabric.

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It also puts unnecessary strain on the washing machine’s motor and drum. A good rule of thumb is that front-load washers should be about two-thirds full, and in a top-load washer, you should be able to fit your hand comfortably above the clothes.

Avoid washing too few items

Washing too few items at a time isn’t ideal either. It wastes water, detergent, and energy while putting uneven strain on the drum. While it’s fine to wash a small load once in a while, aim for a balanced load most of the time. If you only have a few clothes to wash, try waiting until you have enough for a properly sized load.

Spread clothes evenly to keep the washer balanced

How you place clothes in the drum matters too. In top-load washing machines with an agitator, arrange clothes evenly around the central post to keep the machine balanced during the spin cycle. For front-load washing machines or top-load washers with an impeller, spread clothes evenly across the drum to prevent excessive shaking, noise, and imbalance during spinning.

Use the right amount of detergent

Using too much detergent can actually make your clothes dirtier. Excess suds can trap dirt and cause it to redeposit onto your clothes instead of rinsing away. On the other hand, using too little detergent won’t clean properly. 

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Always check the detergent instructions and measure based on your load size. If you’re using a high-efficiency (HE) washing machine, make sure you use HE detergent, as regular detergent creates too many suds and can cause buildup over time.

Choose the right wash cycle

Not all fabrics should be washed the same way. Delicate fabrics like silk, lace, or activewear need a gentle cycle to avoid damage, while bulky or heavily soiled items like towels and bedding need a stronger wash cycle. Using the right setting helps protect your clothes, prevents unnecessary wear, and ensures everything gets properly cleaned.

Let the washing machine air out after each load

Once your laundry is done, leave the washer door open for a bit to let moisture escape. This prevents mould, mildew, and musty smells from building up inside. However, don’t leave it open for too long in a humid environment, as that can attract dust and odours. Just let it air out for a little while before closing it.

By following these steps, you’ll get fresher clothes, save on water and energy, and help your washing machine last longer. Happy washing!