What Happens When You Overfill Your Washing Machine
We all know laundry is a chore that most of us just want to quickly go through. So, we load up our washing machine until it is overfilled. When you overfill your washing machine it can cause issues with your washing machine and with your clothes. No matter how quickly you want to get through them, it’s much better to slow it down and do an extra load if need be.
Overview of How Washing Machines Work
To know how an overfill of your washing machine affects it, you need to know how a washing machine works. Washing machines, with an actual agitator or not, agitates your clothes. The friction between your clothes, along with the soap and water help to get your clothes clean. The clothes need to move freely in order to get fully clean. After your clothes are rinsed clean, the dirty water is then drained. After the drain the clothes will spin to help get rid of the extra water.
What Happens When You Overload Your Washing Machine
Your washing machine drum needs to “float” somewhat so that it can turn easily. Water and clothes are heavy and weigh the machine down. When you overfill your washing machine, parts will start to rub against each other. This will wear down the parts in your washing machine much faster. This will cause your washing machine to break down much faster than normal.
When you overfill your washing machine it can also cause drainage issues. When you lose a sock or another small item when doing your laundry, it likely got sucked up the drainage tube. This can cause blockages and prevents the water from properly draining.
It can also cause harm to your clothes, it won’t get them as clean, and cause them to get tangled up.
How to Tell Your Washing Machine is Overfilled
There are a couple signs your washing machine is overfilled:
- Your clothes are not coming out clean
- There are loud banging or grinding noises while your washing machine is on
- Your clothes come out soaking wet
- Your clothes were not fully rinsed of detergent
How Much Room Should You Leave in Your Washing Machine?
First, check your owner’s manual. There may be model specific instructions for you. However, if you do not have your owner’s manual a good rule of thumb is to leave six inches of space between your clothes and the top of the drum.
Underfilling Your Machine
Just like overfilling your machine, underfilling your machine is also not good. Your washing machine needs a certain weight to run properly. However, a few small loads here and there are fine!
Final Thoughts
It is better to do multiple loads than to overfill your washing machine. This will cause your washing machine to wear out much quicker than normal. Make sure to leave about six inches of space between the top of the drum and your clothes. This will allow your clothes to flow freely and get clean.
Call 1-Tom-Plumber
Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need help with any plumbing, drain cleaning, water damage, or excavation services. 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning, or water damage problem. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.
