How full can the washing machine be

Short answer: The drum can be filled to about three quarters. That leaves room for the clothes to move and for the water to reach everything. Both an overfull and a nearly empty machine give a poorer result.

An overfull machine washes badly

When the drum is packed, the clothes cannot turn, and it is that movement that loosens dirt. Water does not reach the middle of the load, and dirt and detergent are not rinsed out properly. The result does not feel clean. This goes for everything, including the bamboo sweatshirts for women.

A nearly empty machine wears more

In an almost empty drum, the few items hit the sides during washing and spinning. That means more wear per wash, since nothing cushions them. At the same time you use almost as much water and power as for a full load. Over time it shows on bestsellers from Copenhagen Bamboo.

The simple rule of thumb

After loading, lay a hand flat on top of the clothes in the drum. If your hand fits between the clothes and the top of the drum, the amount is right. If you have to push, there is too much. It is an easy test that works in most machines. The same goes for bestsellers for women.

Mix heavy and light items

Mixing heavy and light items spreads the weight better in the drum. The machine runs more smoothly during the spin and shakes less. A load with just one heavy item, such as a bath towel, can throw the machine off balance. Where possible, combine items of different weight but the same colour and temperature.

Gentle cycles need more room

On a gentle or wool cycle the drum moves less, and more water is often used. Here it is better to load less, so delicate clothes can float freely in the water. Check your machine's manual, as it usually states the maximum load for each programme.

Detergent to match the load

The size of the load also decides how much detergent you need. A full machine needs the dose stated on the pack for a normal wash. A half load needs less. Too much detergent is not rinsed out and can leave clothes stiff. Too little may not loosen the dirt properly.

Large items take up space

Bedding takes up more space than you expect once it is wet. A duvet cover can also gather other items inside it, so they do not get clean. Button the cover before it goes in, and wash it with only a few other things. That way water reaches both the cover and what is washed with it.

Collect a full load

The best approach is to wait until you have enough for a suitable load. A separate basket for each colour makes it easy to see when that is. You save water, power and time, and the clothes are washed under the right conditions. It is a small habit that makes a real difference.

Frequently asked questions

What happens if the machine is overfilled

The clothes do not get clean, detergent is not rinsed out and more creases appear. The machine can also become unbalanced during the spin and be louder than usual.

Can you wash a single T-shirt

Yes, but it wastes water and power, and the garment wears more in an empty drum. It is better to collect a full load of the same colour and temperature.

Should heavy and light items be mixed

Yes, it gives the best balance in the drum during the spin. Just make sure the items can take the same temperature and are roughly the same colour.