Without taking a large scale poll of our local Collingwood residents and their laundry habits, we’d imagine most people probably let their laundry pile up until it can no longer be ignored. When it’s finally time to tackle that mountain of washing, it’s tempting to stuff as much as possible into the machine to save time and energy. While running full loads is indeed energy-efficient, overloading a machine won’t help. So, how do you determine the right amount of laundry for a full load? Here are some tips.
Understanding washing machine capacity
The definition of a “full load” varies depending on your washing machine’s capacity. At our Collingwood laundromat, we offer machines ranging from 9 kilograms, all the way up to 27 kilograms. As a general rule, a 9 kg machine can handle about one to two basket of laundry, whereas a 27 kg machine can handle several basketfuls. Always aim for a balanced load to ensure efficient washing and rinsing.
Estimating laundry load
To gauge the right amount of laundry for a full load:
- A small load is roughly one armload of clothing, or half a basket.
- A medium load is about one to two armloads, or a full basket.
- A large load is approximately two to three armloads or one and a half to two baskets.
Apart from weight, the size of the clothing items also affects the washing machine’s efficiency. A balanced load with items of varying sizes ensures better washing and rinsing. Overloading the machine with too many items or large, bulky items can prevent proper cleaning and may damage your clothes. If a single item fills more than three-quarters of the tub, it’s probably too big and should be washed in a higher-capacity machine at our laundromat.
Loading a washing machine
It’s easy to assume that a washing machine is full when it’s packed to the brim. However, overloading your machine can result in poor wash results. It prevents clothes from tumbling properly and doesn’t allow enough water and detergent to circulate.
To check if your washing machine is overloaded, try this simple palm trick: place your hand into the drum. If your hand fits comfortably between the clothes and the wall of the drum, you’ve got a good load size. If not, remove some items or use a larger machine.
Conversely, if there’s more space, feel free to add more clothes to make the most of your wash and save water — or use a half-load setting on your machine. This feature uses less water and is more efficient for smaller loads.
Loading a dryer
Drying your clothes correctly is just as important as washing them. Overloading or underloading a dryer can result in inefficient drying, increased energy consumption, and even damage to your garments.
Our standard dryers are ideal for small to medium loads: Load approximately 7-10kg of wet laundry for optimal drying. Our larger dryers are perfect for larger loads or bulkier items like comforters and blankets. Load up to 12-16kg of wet laundry for efficient drying.
Ensure that clothes are evenly distributed inside the dryer. Avoid clumping items together, as this can prevent even drying and lead to damp spots. For best results, shake out each item before placing it in the dryer to prevent tangling.
Visit our Collingwood laundromat
At Wash HQ Laundromat Collingwood, we have high-capacity machines perfect for handling your large or bulky items like comforters and bedspreads. With our state-of-the-art facilities and convenient location, you can ensure your laundry is thoroughly cleaned without the risk of overloading your home machine.