How much water is in one load

Short answer: After a spin at eight hundred revolutions, a full machine typically holds half a kilo to a full kilo of water. That is the water that has to evaporate before the clothes are dry. Knowing how much is there helps you plan your drying much better.

Leftover water depends on the spin

At four hundred revolutions, about twice as much water is left as at eight hundred. You can feel the difference when you lift the load out of the drum. Thick items such as women's bamboo joggers hold on to the most water, because there is more fabric for it to hide in.

Why water stays in the fabric

Water sits both between the fibres and inside them. The spin throws out the loose water, but the water the fibres have soaked up stays put. That is why clothes can feel almost dry at first touch and still be damp inside the seams. This last bit of water takes the longest to remove.

The fabric decides how much it holds

Terry cloth and thick knits hold the most water, while thin smooth fabrics hold the least. The loops in a towel act like small pockets that collect water. That is why bamboo sweatpants for women dry faster than towels, even when they come out of the same wash.

What the number means for drying time

Every extra hundred grams of water means roughly one more hour of drying indoors. It may not sound like much, but in a full load it adds up quickly. The number applies across all women's clothing, from thin tops to thick sweatshirts.

Sort the load by thickness

If you wash thick and thin items together, the thin ones are dry long before the rest. That is fine as long as you take them off the rack when they are ready. You can also gather the thick items in one wash and give them an extra spin. Then they do not hold up everything else.

Fill the machine sensibly

An overfilled drum spins less well, because the clothes cannot spread along the wall. The result is more leftover water and longer drying. Fill the machine so there is room for a hand on top of the clothes. That gives a better wash and a more effective spin.

Use the number to plan

Once you know a full load holds up to a kilo of water, you can plan around it. Start the wash in the morning if you want the clothes dry by evening. Hang them in a room with good air and air out along the way. That way you avoid damp clothes going into the cupboard too early.

Frequently asked questions

How much water do clothes absorb in a wash

Two to three times their own weight, depending on the material. Thick and loose fabrics absorb the most, thin and dense ones the least.

Can you notice the difference

Yes, weigh the load before and after spinning and the difference is clear. It is a good way to see what an extra round really does.

Is an extra spin worth it

Yes, ten extra minutes often save several hours of drying. This is especially true for thick items like sweatshirts, hoodies and trousers.