5 Things That Can Happen if You Overload Your Top-Loading Washing Machine

Flooded floors, half-cleaned clothes and loud noises during the spin cycle aren't things you want to experience while you're trying to clean your bedsheets, guest towels or favorite pair of pants. However, these issues aren't necessarily a sign of a broken washer. The most likely cause is an overloaded machine.

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Overloading a washing machine is a common problem, but it's one that's easily fixable. Start by learning how full your washer should be during a cycle, and make sure you divide dirty laundry into appropriately sized batches to prevent a problem.

How Full Is Too Full for a Top-Loading Washing Machine?

The general guideline for a top-loading washing machine is to never fill the drum more than 75% full of laundry. Make sure the clothing and linens are evenly distributed around the central agitator column. An unbalanced load can cause problems, even if the overall load is small.

You may need to change the size of your laundry batches if you switch from a front-loading machine to a top-loading machine. If you're in the market for a new washer and dryer, consider the space you have available and your typical laundry load size. If you frequently wash large items, such as thick comforters, or have a large family, buying a bigger machine is a better solution than trying to overload a washer designed for smaller loads.

Volume isn't the only consideration when avoiding washing machine overload. Check the weight limit in the instruction manual for your specific washing machine. You may need to divide heavier items, such as blankets or rugs, into smaller loads or wash each item individually.

Be careful not to overfill your washing machine. Clothes and linens should be loosely packed inside the drum, not compressed to make more room. Mixing small and large items in the same load, such as towels and socks, could help keep the overall load balanced and provide more space for agitation.

What Can Happen If a Washing Machine Is Overloaded?

Overloading your washer isn't merely an inconvenience. It could actually damage your appliance. Here are five things that can happen if you overload a washing machine:

• Clothes don't get fully washed:

  An overloaded washing machine can't efficiently clean the items inside. There isn't enough room for effective water circulation, and the agitator can't swish the clothes around properly. This leads to some items getting cleaner than others.

• Clothes get damaged:

  Washing machines are meant to move clothes around during a washing cycle. Without enough room for effective motion, zippers, loose threads or buttons could get trapped or rub against other clothes and cause tears.

• Your washing machine overflows:

  Too many clothes, towels and linens taking up space in the machine could lead to leaks and accidental flooding. Excess laundry can also clog drain pipes, preventing water from leaving the drum after the wash cycle.

• Your washing machine breaks down:

  Overloading a washer can strain the motor and wear down internal parts. If there's resistance when the machine pushes laundry around during a wash cycle, components could break under the pressure.

• Your washing machine's lifespan shortens:

  Because overloaded washing machines experience more wear and tear, frequent overloading can lead to a shorter usable life for your appliance.

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How Do I Know If I've Overloaded My Washing Machine?

If your clothing doesn't seem to get clean during a wash cycle, it could be a sign that you've overloaded your machine. Other signs of overloading a washing machine include:

• Loud banging or thumping noises during the spin cycle

• The washing machine shakes during the spin cycle

• Clothing is wet instead of damp after a wash cycle

• Your washed clothes have soap residue on them

• The washing machine stops working because it can't complete the spin cycle safely

• Clothing doesn't move around in the machine during the wash cycle

How Do You Avoid Overloading Your Washing Machine?

Avoid laundry overload by washing clothes in small batches. If you're using a top-loading washer, you can check for overloading by putting your hand inside the drum. If there isn't enough room for your hand, it's too full. Remove a few pieces of laundry until you can fit your hand in.

Overloading a washing machine wastes water and energy, so knowing how much laundry to put in each batch makes this household chore much easier. Keep in mind that your dryer could also work less efficiently if overloaded. Limiting laundry loads to an appropriate size protects your washer and dryer and your clothes.