October 10, 2025
When laundry day rolls around, it’s tempting to cram as many clothes as possible into the washer and get it all done at once. But overloading your washing machine can actually cause more harm than good for both your clothes and the machine itself. Understanding the right way to load your washer can help extend its lifespan, improve wash quality, and save you money in the long run.
5 Reasons to Avoid Overloading the Washing Machine
Even the most durable laundry machines have limits. Here’s why you should resist the urge to stuff that last towel into the drum.
1. Your Clothes Won’t Get Clean
When a washer is too full, water and detergent can’t circulate properly. That means dirt and detergent residue can get trapped in your fabrics, leaving clothes looking dull and smelling less than fresh.
2. It Can Damage the Washer Drum and Motor
Overloading puts stress on the drum bearings and motor. Over time, this strain can lead to expensive repairs or even cause the machine to break down completely.
3. Clothes Can Become Twisted or Stretched
When there’s no room for movement, clothes can twist together or rub against each other excessively. This friction can cause fading, pilling, or stretching, especially with delicate fabrics.
4. It Uses More Energy and Water
Ironically, an overloaded washer often means you’ll need to rewash clothes that didn’t come out clean. That wastes both water and energy, as well as your time.
5. It Causes Detergent Buildup and Odors
Too many clothes in the drum prevent detergent from rinsing out fully. Over time, this can lead to residue buildup inside the washer, creating unpleasant odors and even mold or mildew growth. Keeping loads balanced helps your washer stay fresh and clean inside and out.
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How Do You Know You’ve Overloaded a Washer?
If you’re not sure whether you’ve overloaded your washing machine, here are a few telltale signs to watch for:
- The drum is packed tight and you can’t fit your hand comfortably between the top of the clothes and the drum.
- Clothes come out wet or soapy even after a full cycle.
- The washer makes loud banging or shaking noises during the spin cycle.
- The machine stops mid-cycle or fails to spin properly.
What Happens When You Underload a Washing Machine?
While overloading is bad, underloading your washer isn’t ideal either. Running a small load wastes water and energy because the machine still uses nearly the same amount for a few items as it would for a full load. Plus, when clothes don’t have enough items to rub against, they may not get as clean.
Tip: Aim for a load that fills about two-thirds of the drum. This gives your clothes enough room to move freely while allowing the washer to balance properly during cycles.
How to Load the Washing Machine Correctly
Want to get the best clean every time? Follow these quick tips for optimal results:
- Sort your laundry by color and fabric type.
- Check labels for washing instructions.
- Don’t pack the drum tightly so water and detergent can circulate.
- Distribute items evenly around the drum.
- Use the right detergent and cycle for your fabric type.
- Clean the machine regularly to prevent buildup and odors.
How So Fresh N So Clean Can Help
If you’d rather skip the stress of sorting, measuring, and loading, So Fresh N So Clean has you covered. Our wash and fold service takes the guesswork out of laundry so you can drop it off and let us handle the rest. We use high-efficiency Dexter washers and premium detergents to ensure your clothes come out clean, soft, and ready to wear.
With locations in Canandaigua, Greece and Henrietta NY, we make laundry day faster, fresher, and easier than ever.
Keep Your Clothes and Washer in Top Shape
Avoiding overloaded and underloaded washes is key to cleaner clothes and a longer-lasting machine. Whether you prefer to do it yourself or let the pros handle it, So Fresh N So Clean Laundromat makes laundry simple.
Visit one of our Rochester laundromats today, or contact us today to learn more about our laundry services.