You may have noticed labels like 7KG, 8KG, or 10KG on washing machines at appliance stores or in your home. But what do these “KG” values truly represent? Do they indicate the weight of the machine or some other technical specification?
The correct answer is that “KG” refers to the maximum dry clothing load that the machine can handle in one cycle. In other words, a 10KG washing machine can wash up to 10kg of dry clothing.
“10KG” doesn’t mean you can stuff it to the brim.
Many people assume that if their machine is labeled 10KG, they can fill it to capacity. However, different types of fabrics have varying densities, directly impacting the volume and operational capability of the washer.
For instance, cotton is light and fluffy, while jeans or towels are thicker and heavier. If you overload the machine with heavy fabrics, even if you haven’t reached the 10KG limit by weight, the machine may still struggle to function optimally. This can result in poorly washed clothes, potential damage to the garments, or reduced lifespan of the machine.
Estimating laundry load the right way
To avoid mishaps when using your washing machine, consider these simple tips:
- Don’t fill the drum beyond 2/3 full: This is the optimal level, allowing enough space for clothes to move around and detergent to penetrate the fibers.
- Estimate by number of garments: For a 10KG machine, you can wash approximately 10-12 cotton t-shirts or 2-3 standard bed sheet sets.
- Use a digital scale if needed: Weigh your dry clothes to ensure you don’t exceed the machine’s recommended load.
Wet clothes – a weighty issue
It’s important to realize that washing machines calculate load based on the weight of dry clothes, not wet ones. When you put wet clothes into the machine, such as rain-soaked garments, the actual weight can be double that of the dry weight.
This can confuse the machine’s sensors, leading to incorrect water levels, wasted detergent, and inefficient washing.
Tips:
If you must wash wet clothes, estimate their dry weight and adjust the load accordingly.
Avoid washing extremely dirty or muddy clothes immediately; pre-rinse or soak them first to avoid staining the drum.
Manually adjust water levels if your machine has this option.
Wash-dryer machines: Understanding the two “KG” values
Some integrated washer-dryer models display values like “10KG/7KG.” The first number indicates the washing capacity, while the second denotes the maximum drying capacity. Why the difference?
During the drying process, clothes need space for hot air to circulate. Overloading the dryer can lead to:
- Incomplete drying, requiring additional air-drying.
- Wrinkled clothes, especially shirts and silk items.
- Potential fabric damage, shrinkage, or melting if items are too close to the heat source.
Tips for using your washer-dryer correctly
- Only use about 60-70% of the machine’s stated capacity (around 6KG for a 10KG/7KG machine).
- Choose the appropriate program: Opt for the wash-dry cycle if you want to save time, but reduce the load for optimal results.
- Avoid putting flammable fabrics like lace or thin synthetic materials in the dryer’s high-heat setting.
In conclusion, the “KG” value on your washing machine pertains to the maximum dry clothing load it can handle per wash or dry cycle. Understanding and using this value correctly ensures efficient machine operation, prolongs the lifespan of your garments, conserves energy and water, and prevents unnecessary mishaps.
