How To Properly Load a Washing Machine
If you’re like me then loading a washing machine is probably not something you’ve put a whole lot of thought into. Here’s what I used to do:
- Open lid on washing machine. 2. Dump as much laundry from my hamper as I can. 3. Cram down the laundry. 4. Fill with even more laundry.
Sound familiar?
Okay, well you may not be as bad as I used to be, but I bet there are a few things you may not know that experts advise doing to “properly” load and run your washing machine.
In this article, I am not going to get into the specifics on sorting your laundry by colors or fabrics, but I will delve into the physical loading of the washing machine itself and how to prep the garments to achieve the highest quality wash.
Ready. Set. Let’s go!
Choose Your Wash Settings and Start Your Cycle
Right here is where the vast majority of people get it wrong. BEFORE any clothes or laundry go into your washer, start your cycle so the washer basin begins to fill with water. If your washing machine doesn’t have an automatic detergent dispenser, then this is where you should add the detergent as well.
Why? Well when you start the cycle first, it does a couple good things. It dilutes the detergent before it touches your laundry which greatly decreases the chance of the detergent discoloring your garments. Also, this allows every layer of laundry you add to get nice and wet before the cycle begins churning and scrubbing.
Add Clothing in Loose Clumps Around the Perimeter of the Washer Basin
The key here is to avoid packing the laundry down too firmly or too tightly against the agitator. If the load is packed too tight, then there won’t be enough water flow in between your clothing to get a good wash. Also if it’s too tight, the agitator will not be able to efficiently circulate the laundry for good scrubbing.
Fill Washer No Higher Than the Agitator
When filling the washer basket with laundry it is very important to not load it higher than the agitator. This will not only cause your clothing to not get a good wash, but it could potentially put too much stress on the agitator and cause it to break.
Ideally, the best washing will be done with a half full washing basket, but for those heavy loads just remember not to fill it too high.
Close the Lid and Pat Yourself on the Back
Congrats, your work here is done. Now, close the lid and pat yourself on the back as you walk away. You can rest easy that your future loads of laundry will be in good hands. Your hands.
Thanks for reading this article. Interested in learning some more laundry tips? Check out our article on the most common laundry mistakes. We discuss the big mistakes most people make and how to fix them.
Finally, do you happen to have a heavily shaking washing machine? Check out our Steady-Pad Anti-Vibration Washing Machine Pads. They’re the easiest solution on the market for effectively keeping your washing machine firmly planted on the ground.