Can You Overload A Washing Machine? Why Capacity Matters
Overloading a washing machine is one of the most common laundry mistakes — and one that can quietly cost you time and money.
If your laundry never quite smells fresh, takes forever to dry, or comes out still creased and patchy, overloading could be the reason.
Whether you’re washing at home or using a self-service laundry in Newcastle, understanding machine capacity makes a real difference to results.
What Happens When You Overload A Washing Machine
At first glance, squeezing everything into one wash might feel efficient. In reality, it often creates more problems than it solves.
When a machine is overloaded, clothes don’t have enough space to move freely. Water and detergent can’t circulate properly, which leads to uneven cleaning. Some items come out still dirty, while others hold onto detergent residue.
Overloading also puts extra strain on the drum and motor. Over time, this can shorten the lifespan of the machine — one reason why frequent home washers often underestimate the true cost of laundry service at home.
Drying becomes another issue, especially in the UK climate. Heavy, compact loads trap moisture, meaning clothes take longer to dry or need multiple cycles. That adds to energy costs and wastes valuable time.
Signs You’re Overloading Your Wash
If you’re not sure whether you’re overfilling your machine, there are a few tell-tale signs to watch for:
⭕ Clothes still smell damp or musty after washing
⭕ Detergent marks or stiff fabric
⭕Excessive creasing and tangling
⭕ Longer drying times
These issues aren’t caused by bad detergent or poor programmes — they’re usually down to lack of capacity.
Simple Ways To Avoid Overloading
The easiest way to avoid overloading is to leave enough room at the top of the drum for your hand to fit comfortably. Items should be loose, not packed tight.
Sorting laundry by weight also helps. Mixing towels, jeans, and lighter items in one load often leads to imbalance and poor results.
But for larger households, bulky items, or weekly washes, even careful loading at home has its limits. That’s where a quick-clean laundrette becomes the smarter option.
Why Commercial-Grade Machines Make A Difference
At The Laundry Worx, we use commercial-grade machines designed specifically for heavier, larger loads.
With 11 kg, 14 kg, and 18 kg washers available, you can comfortably wash everything in one go without overloading.
These machines allow water, detergent, and heat to work properly. The result is a deeper clean, better fabric care, and shorter drying times.
In fact, most customers can wash and dry their entire load in around an hour!
For anyone juggling intense work, big family, or shared living, using a self-service laundry in Newcastle like The Laundry Worx means fewer cycles and far less waiting around.
Faster, Easier, And Often Cheaper
Many people assume laundrettes cost more than home washing.
Once you factor in:
⚡ electricity
💧 water
🫧 detergent
🔧 wear on your machine
🌀 repeated cycles caused by overloading
the cost of laundry service at home often adds up quickly.
With high-capacity machines, you wash and dry once properly. That saves time, reduces energy use, and avoids rewashing clothes that didn’t clean well the first time.
Make Laundry Simple With The Laundry Worx
The Laundry Worx offers a clean, reliable, and welcoming space to get your laundry done efficiently.
Use promo code XJ68L for 10% off your next visit and see how much easier laundry can be when capacity works in your favour.
19 December 2025