Many people think that doing laundry simply means throwing your clothes in the washing machine, adding a little detergent and pressing the start button. But there is much more behind an effective wash, and a simple mistake – which almost everyone makes – can compromise the efficiency of the machine, ruin the clothes and even shorten the life of the appliance.
Too full, too stressed
The instinctive gesture of adding “just one more towel” to optimize washing is actually a harmful habit. Overfilling the drum prevents the clothes from moving freely: instead of rubbing together, they clump together in a single block. The result? The detergent is unable to distribute itself evenly and the clothes remain dirty or covered in soap residue.
When the washing machine is overloaded, the motor and the drum work under strain, risking damage over time. And the cycles become longer and less effective, also increasing water and electricity consumption.
The right space makes the difference
To understand if the washing machine is loaded correctly, a simple test is enough: insert your hand over the clothes in the drum and rotate it 90 degrees. If there isn’t enough room for it, it means you’ve overdone the amount of laundry.
The clothes must have enough space to move during the wash: it is precisely this movement, the friction between the fabrics, that helps to remove dirt in depth.
Also pay attention to detergent and water
Another common mistake concerns the amount of detergent. Many people use too much, convinced that it increases cleaning, but the opposite happens: the residues remain trapped in the fabrics and in the drum. It is also essential to know the type of water in your area: in areas with hard water a little more product is needed to combat limescale, while in those with soft water much less is needed.
Capacity matters (more than you think)
Each washing machine has a precise capacity, expressed in kilograms. Ignoring this fact is a costly mistake. A 7 kg washing machine, for example, is perfect for a couple or a small family, while a 9 or 12 kg one is suitable for larger families or for those who often have to wash bulky items such as duvets and sheets.
Always loading beyond the limit reduces the quality of the wash and accelerates the wear of the internal components. But washing too little is also wrong: an almost empty drum generates imbalances and vibrations that can damage the machine.
Balance and common sense
An efficient washing machine does not just depend on the model or detergent, but on how it is used every day. Balancing the items in the drum, dosing the detergent correctly and respecting the maximum capacity are three simple but decisive rules.
And if you happen to have to wash a single towel or a heavy dressing gown, it’s better to add a few light items to balance the load: you will avoid annoying noises, sudden movements and unnecessary waste of energy.
Using the washing machine in the right way is not just a matter of cleaning: it means saving money, preserving your clothes and making the appliance last longer. And it all starts from a simple gesture: don’t fill it too much.
