You’ve likely seen labels like 7KG, 8KG, or 10KG on washing machines at appliance stores or your own home appliance. But what do these KG units truly represent? Are they referring to the weight of the machine or some other technical specification?
The correct answer is that “KG” denotes the maximum dry clothing load that the machine can handle in one cycle. In simpler terms, a 10KG washing machine can wash a maximum of 10kg of dry clothing.
“10KG” doesn’t mean you can stuff it to the brim
Many people mistakenly believe that if their machine is labeled 10KG, they can fill it to capacity. However, different types of fabrics have varying densities, which directly impacts the volume and operational capability of the machine.
For instance, cotton fabric is light and fluffy, whereas jeans or towels are heavier and denser. If you overload the machine with heavy fabrics, even if the weight doesn’t exceed 10KG, the machine may still struggle to function optimally. This can result in poorly washed clothes, potential damage to the garments or the machine, and reduced lifespan of the appliance.
Estimating the right clothing load
To avoid mishaps when using a washing machine, users can follow these simple tips:
- Avoid filling more than 2/3 of the drum: This ensures adequate space for clothes to move around, allowing detergent to penetrate the fibers effectively.
- Estimate by the 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 the dry clothes before loading them into the machine to ensure you don’t exceed the recommended weight.
Wet clothes – a deceptive weight issue
It’s important to realize that washing machines calculate the weight of dry clothes, not wet or damp ones. When you put wet clothes into the machine, such as rain-soaked garments, the actual weight can be double that of the dry state.
This can confuse the machine’s sensors, leading to incorrect water levels, wasted detergent, and inefficient washing. It may also result in increased energy consumption.
Tips:
If you must wash wet clothes, estimate their weight when dry and adjust the load accordingly.
Avoid washing extremely dirty or muddy clothes immediately; instead, rinse or soak them first to avoid staining the drum.
Manually adjust water levels if your machine has this feature.
Wash-Dryer Machines: Understanding the Two “KG” Values
Some integrated washer-dryer machines will display values like “10KG/7KG.” The first number refers to the washing capacity, while the second indicates the maximum drying capacity. Why the difference?
During the drying process, hot air needs to circulate around the clothes. Overloading the dryer can lead to inadequate heat distribution, resulting in the following issues:
- Clothes may not fully dry, requiring additional air-drying time.
- Clothes can become wrinkled, especially shirts and delicate fabrics like silk.
- Overloading increases the risk of fabric damage, shrinkage, or melting near the hot air outlet.
Tips for using washer-dryers effectively
For consecutive washing and drying: Use only 60-70% of the machine’s stated capacity (around 6KG for a 10KG/7KG machine).
Choose the right settings: 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 hot air cycle.
In conclusion, the “KG” value on a washing machine relates to the maximum dry clothing load it can handle per wash or dry cycle. Understanding and respecting this specification ensures efficient machine operation, prolongs the lifespan of your clothes and the appliance, saves on utility costs, and prevents unnecessary mishaps.
