With the continuous evolution of modern washing machines, the volume of laundry that can be washed in one go is constantly increasing. When purchasing a washing machine, one tends to pay attention to its capacity, such as 7kg, 8kg, or 10kg. However, this number represents the weight of the laundry, but there’s more to it.
Do 7kg, 8kg, or 10kg refer to the weight of dry or wet laundry in a washing machine?
When dirty laundry is placed in the washing machine, water is introduced into the drum, making the laundry heavier than before washing but lighter than when completely soaked. The numbers indicated on the machine refer to the weight of the laundry after the washing cycle is completed. For instance, if your machine is labeled 7kg, the weight of the laundry after washing should be slightly below 7kg.
Even with the same amount of dry laundry, the weight after water is introduced will vary depending on the fabric’s density and water absorption capacity.
Typically, the numbers on the washing machine are calculated based on standard cotton fabric, which has a medium fabric density and is not too thick. However, items made of wool or silk tend to be lighter and absorb less water, while jeans and velvet absorb more water.

Considering this, you can thoughtfully sort and categorize your laundry. You can estimate the weight of laundry for each load. When washing thick clothing, it is best not to overload the machine. Generally, leave some space in the drum to allow for the movement of laundry and water, ensuring effective stain removal.
Overloading the washing machine with too much laundry can lead to drum overload and even motor malfunction. Even if the machine operates normally, the laundry may not be thoroughly cleaned and can get tangled or torn.
Additional Tips for Using a Washing Machine
Consider the number of people in your household and the average amount of laundry you need to wash daily to choose a machine with the right capacity and avoid waste. For instance, a 7kg machine is suitable for 1-2 people, while a household of 4 people may opt for an 8-10kg machine. Choosing a machine that’s too small will require you to divide the laundry into multiple loads, and a machine that’s too large may lead to electricity and water wastage.
After loading the laundry into the drum, add the appropriate amount of liquid or powder detergent to the tray. Note that detergents are designed differently for front-loading and top-loading machines, so using the correct one is essential for effective cleaning and machine longevity.
If there is too little laundry relative to the water level, the laundry may not rub against each other effectively, resulting in subpar cleaning. Thus, it is recommended to maintain the laundry load between 20% and 80% of the drum’s volume.