How Full Should You Fill a Front-Load Washer

How to Calculate a Washing Machine's Capacity
Published: Jan 14, 2011
Updated: Nov 20, 2021
1 minute read

Increased Capacity

Because front-load washers have no agitator like top-load models, they can hold 25 to 35 percent more items. The extra interior space also makes it possible to efficiently clean large, bulky items like comforters, bedspreads, throw rugs and sleeping bags.

Other Washing Advantages

Clothes and other items generally last longer when washed in front-loaders, as the washing process is gentler. Agitators in traditional washers often twist and turn materials, putting stress and strain on the fibers that encourage deterioration. Stains are more conducive to removal because the surfaces of the items are exposed more to water and detergents in a free-flowing environment.

Drying Benefits

Front-load washers spin the clean clothes at a minimum of 1000 RPMs (revolutions per minute), almost twice as fast as top loaders. This feature makes the clothes dry faster, which uses less energy and speeds up laundry chores.

References

Photo Credits

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Cassie Damewood

Cassie Damewood has been a writer and editor since 1985. She writes about food and cooking for various websites, including My Great Recipes, and serves as the copy editor for "Food Loves Beer" magazine. Damewood completed a Bachelor of…

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