How much should you fill your washing machine? 

Many of us load the drum, choose a programme and start the wash. But the way you fill your washing machine can make a difference to washing performance and everyday appliance care.
 
This guide explains washing machine capacity, how much laundry to add to the drum and what to consider when choosing a machine size for your household. It also covers why overloading or underfilling your appliance may affect washing results.
 
 

What do we mean by washing machine capacity?

Washing machine capacity is the amount of laundry the appliance is designed to wash in one load. It is usually measured in kilograms, or kg, and refers to the maximum weight of dry laundry recommended for a suitable wash programme. For model-specific advice, always refer to your appliance user manual and the selected programme guidance.

What to consider when loading your washing machine

There are various things that you should consider when loading your washing machine. Ask yourself these questions before beginning a wash cycle:

  • Is my washing machine overloaded?
  • Is my washing machine underfilled?
  • Are all my clothes pockets empty?
  • What temperature should I wash my clothes at?
  • Should I select a slow or fast spin cycle?
  • Have I added the right amount of detergent?

How full should a washing machine be?

Loading your washing machine correctly can help support washing performance and allow laundry to move properly during the cycle.
 
As a general guide, aim to fill the drum to around three-quarters full, or leave about a hand’s width of space at the top of the drum. This gives clothes room to move and helps detergent and water circulate through the load.
 
Overloading the machine may affect washing results, as laundry has less space to move during the cycle. Underfilling the drum may also use more water or energy than needed for the amount of laundry being washed, depending on the selected programme and appliance model.
 
Always check your appliance user manual and programme guidance for model-specific loading recommendations.
 

Why is monitoring your washing machine load important?  

Monitoring your washing machine load is important. By washing an appropriate load for your machine and programme, you can help reduce the risk of damage to your machine, support better washing performance and reduce unnecessary energy and water use.

  • What can happen if you underfill your washing machine?

    You might not think it, but regularly underfilling your washing machine can lead to problems. If your machine is less than 50% full, the following issues can occur:

    • Imbalanced machine: When there aren’t enough items in your washing machine, clothes can accumulate on one side of the drum, causing imbalance. This not only leads to excessive noise but also strains the bearings, potentially causing mechanical damage.
    • Imbalanced detergent concentration: If your washing machine isn’t full enough, there could be too much detergent for the laundry load size, which can damage your clothes.
    • Energy inefficiency: If you regularly underload your washing machine, you could be using more electricity than necessary, which can impact your energy use, environmental footprint and utility bills. Where possible, it can be more cost-effective and energy-efficient to wait until you have enough laundry for a full load, or to use a half-load setting if your machine offers one.
  • What can happen if you overload your washing machine?

    Overloading your washing machine can also cause many problems, not only for the appliance but also for your laundry. Potential issues that may arise if you overload your machine include:

    • Less efficient washing: Your washing machine will use the same amount of water, whatever the size of your laundry load. More laundry in the machine means the water used has to spread further and may not properly soak your clothes, meaning they may not be totally clean at the end of the cycle.
    • Drainage problems: Overloading your washing machine makes it more difficult for it to drain the water at the end of a cycle. This can lead to your laundry sitting in dirty water for longer and lengthen the drying process.
    • Damaged motor: Regularly exceeding your washing machine’s weight limit can put unnecessary stress on the motor, which is responsible for the drum spinning.
    • Damaged bearings: Your washing machine’s bearings also aid the drum’s movement. Loads that are too big can damage the machine’s bearings, preventing it from functioning effectively.

Finding the right size washing machine for you

When shopping for a new washing machine with AEG, you’ll notice capacities ranging from 7kg to 11kg. Trying to figure out what size washing machine is right for you? Here’s what you need to know about each capacity:

  • Small Drum (7kg): Ideal for someone living alone who completes up to four washes per week.
  • Medium Drum (8kg-9kg): Ideal for couples or flatmates who complete between four and six washes per week.
  • Large Drum (10kg): Ideal for small families who complete between four and six washes per week.
  • Extra-Large Drum (11kg): Ideal for large families who complete over six washes per week.

Think your washing machine needs to be bigger to meet your requirements? Or do you need a smaller machine? It may be time to invest in a new one. Find a washing machine at AEG with a capacity to suit your household.

Signs it’s time to change the size of your washing machine  

So, what are the signs that it may be time to change the size of your washing machine? Here are a few reasons:

 

  • You’re cramming clothes in

    If you find yourself constantly cramming clothes into the washing machine during each load, it might be a signal that it’s time to upgrade. Overloading your machine can damage it, so consider switching to one with a larger capacity.

  • You’re struggling to fill your washing machine

    At the opposite end of the scale, if you’re finding it difficult to fill your washing machine regularly, consider downsizing to a smaller-capacity alternative. This way, you can wash full loads more frequently, which is better for the health of your machine, more environmentally friendly and can lead to cheaper utility bills.

  • You’re doing multiple washes a day

    If you’re doing multiple washes per day, it may be a sign that your washing machine isn’t big enough. Consider switching to one with a bigger capacity, allowing you to fit your laundry into fewer loads.

  • Your family is growing
    If your household is growing, your laundry routine may change too. A larger-capacity washing machine can help you manage bigger or more frequent loads, depending on your household needs.
     
    When choosing a model, consider the types of laundry you wash most often, such as bedding, towels or everyday clothing, and check the drum capacity and programme guidance to find an option that suits your routine.
  • Your household is getting smaller

    Alternatively, if your household is getting smaller (for example, your older children are moving out), your washing machine may become too large for the amount of laundry you now have. Downsizing to a more appropriately sized machine could be a practical solution in these circumstances.

  • Your detergent isn’t working for you

    If your detergent isn’t effectively cleaning your clothes, it could be a sign that your washing machine is too full. When the machine is too full, there isn’t enough water to dissolve the detergent as your clothes are soaking it up.

Finding the right washing machine for you

Whether you live on your own, have a growing family or are preparing for the kids to leave home, finding the right-sized washing machine is essential.

At AEG, you’ll find washing machines in a range of capacities. Whether you’re shopping our 7000 series with ProSteam Technology, 8000 series with PowerCare or 9000 series with AbsoluteCare Technology, we have a range of options for different household circumstances.