Today, as living standards improve, most people rely on washing machines for laundry, with only a few delicate items being hand-washed. When we go shopping for a washing machine or look at our own at home, we’ll notice a weight capacity indicated, which differentiates machine sizes so we can buy one suitable for our household needs.

Typically, when buying a washing machine with a 7kg capacity, what does this "7kg" actually represent? Does this weight refer to dry clothes or wet clothes?

What Does the Weight on a Washing Machine Mean?

In fact, the "7kg" capacity shown on the washing machine is the "nominal weight," which refers to the weight of dry clothes that can be placed in the machine. The dry clothes loaded into a 7kg washing machine shouldn’t exceed this limit.

If you overload it, the washing machine’s motor can overheat and get damaged. For example, a 7kg machine shouldn’t be used for 10kg of clothes. For safe usage, the dry weight of the clothes should not exceed the listed capacity.

Now, some people might wonder about wet clothes – how do we calculate the weight then? According to Global Weighing News, contrary to what some may believe, the machine's kg capacity is actually for dry clothes, either before the washing cycle starts or after the clothes have been spun dry.

Is It Better to Wash Fewer Clothes in the Machine?

Some people think that if they stay within the weight limit, washing fewer clothes will be even better. However, this is a misconception. Using a washing machine with too few clothes isn't ideal. For instance, in a 7kg washing machine, if you wash only a few light items, like a single shirt or a pair of socks, the water level will still be at its minimum operational level, but since there’s less fabric to create friction, the wash may be less effective. This wastes water and electricity.

The correct approach is to load the machine with about two-thirds of its capacity.

In conclusion, to get the best results when using your washing machine, aim to fill it to around two-thirds of its maximum capacity for effective cleaning and optimal water and energy efficiency.