Low-capacity top-loaders may accommodate only 6 pounds of clothing to be full. Medium-capacity top-loading washing machines can usually tolerate 7–8 pounds. The highest capacity top-loaders might do well with as much as 12–15 pounds. Front-loading washing machines often can hold as much as 18 pounds of clothing.
The first sign is you can tell by the sound the machine makes while running. It makes a thumping sound that means the load is too heavy for the machine. Second, you will notice by the smell of your clothes not fully cleaned/washed. It might still show some stains left because it hasn't been washed properly.
The lifespan of a standard top-load washer is 14 years while a high-efficiency washer is only 11 years.
So, how full is too full? If you're packing the clothes in tight, that's your first clue that you're overloading your washer. Machines vary, so check your manual, but a good rule is to loosely load the clothes and leave at least 6 inches between the top of the load of laundry and the top of the drum.
Generally if your machine is half full, you have a medium load. A large load fills it up until three-quarters full, and anything above that is considered extra large.
To give you an idea of how much a typical load weighs, the following items all together weigh about 10 pounds: Seven pairs/sets of underwear. Seven pairs of socks. Five short-sleeve T-shirts.
Top-load washers last longer than front-load washers on average. And, the repair costs for a front-load washer will typically be higher due to the many optional wash cycles and extra features.
The Cons: Lower water efficiency: Top-loaders typically use more water compared to front-load washers. This can lead to higher utility bills and a larger environmental footprint over time. Smaller capacity: Drum capacity is frequently lower for top-load washing machines compared to front-loaders.
A broken motor coupler, failed lid switch or bad timer could also prevent this type of washer from spinning. On top-load, vertical modular washers (washers whose lid is always locked during the entire wash cycle), a failed shifter assembly or worn drive belt can prevent the washer from spinning the wash load.
Drum. Unfortunately, the drum is the most expensive of all the possible washing machine replacement parts. Expect to spend at least $400 on a washing machine drum replacement. Water Inlet Valve.
It's more than six years old
Once your machine is more than six years old, a major failure usually means you'll need to buy a new one because any repairs will be expensive. And with older appliances you'll need to weigh up the risk that, after paying to fix one problem, something else may break.
A medium-size washer (with a 4- to 4.5-cubic-foot tub) is sufficient for a family of four people or fewer.
Loads Are Too Large or Unbalanced
The number one suspect for a shaking washer is an unbalanced load. When the load is too full or the laundry is bunched up on one side, it will stop it from evenly spinning and make the drum shake and the washer make loud banging noises.
Too many towels washed at once won't get clean, but too few means greater agitation for quicker wear and tear. Most front-loading washing machines can fit seven standard-size bath towels; top-loading washers can fit around nine or ten.
Thirteen percent of all front-load washer owners reported mold or mildew buildup in their machines compared with only 3 percent of HE top-load washers and 1 percent of top-load agitators.
Load blankets into top loading washers by gently placing the blanket around the agitator or impeller to help keep the load balanced. If you're using a front loading washer, evenly place the blanket in the washer drum. Don't ball up the blanket as this can create an unbalanced load.
Fixing a 10-year-old washing machine is worth it if: Repair costs are less than 50% of a new washer. It's been reliable and parts are available. The issue is minor, like replacing a belt or hose.
LG has consistently emerged as the best washer brand, often vying for the top spot with Speed Queen in Consumer Reports. This reputation cements LG's status as one of the best brand washers.
Luckily there is one simple tip when it comes to knowing if you have too many clothes in your washing machine: the 1-hand rule. By placing your hand into your machine's drum, you can see how much space is left. Perfect is if you can fit nothing else in the drum, just your hand and your wash.
"Probably not," she admits—and other cleaning experts agree. "Technically, yes, you can wash towels with clothes, but it's generally best to separate them to avoid lint transfer, uneven wear, and hygiene concerns," says Organize With Marie CEO Marie Dreyer.
Underloading the Washer
While overloading a washing machine is terrible for your washer, underloading can also cause problems. Above all, it is a waste of energy, detergent, and time. Furthermore, smaller loads knock the machine off balance during the spin cycle.