How to Know if You’ve Overloaded Your Washing Machine

Table of Contents hide

1. The importance of load sizes

2. Consequences of overloading your washing machine

3. Why You Shouldn’t Underload Either

4. How to tell if you’ve overloaded your washer

5. Common Overload Error Codes

6. Professional washing machine repairs in South London

7. Final Tip: How Much Should You Load?

Overloading your washing machine might seem harmless—especially when you're trying to finish laundry quickly—but it can actually lead to serious issues with your appliance and even ruin your clothes. In this guide, we’ll explain why load size matters, how to avoid overloading, what warning signs to look for, and how to protect both your machine and garments in the long run.

The importance of load sizes

Every washing machine is designed to handle a specific load weight—typically around 7 kg for a standard model and more for larger capacity machines. Always refer to the manufacturer’s manual for your exact limit. Proper loading ensures:

Efficient water and energy use
Better detergent distribution
Effective cleaning without damage
A longer lifespan for your appliance

Tip: Some modern machines display a recommended load size per program - pay attention to these settings to prevent strain.

Consequences of overloading your washing machine

Overloading your washer can lead to several serious problems affecting both your appliance and your clothes:

1. Mechanical StressExcess weight strains the motor, drum, and bearings, increasing the risk of:

Premature failure
Costly repairs
Cracked glass from excessive drum pressure

2. Poor Cleaning ResultsWithout space to tumble:

Clothes don’t rinse properly
Detergent distributes unevenly—some clothes stay dirty, others develop residue or stains
You may need to rewash, wasting time and resources

3. Fabric DamageTight loads can trap clothes between the drum and door seal, causing:

Tears and holes
Snags from zips and buttons
Increased friction and fabric wear

4. Drain & Leak Issues

Socks and small garments can clog the drain system
Water may not drain properly, leading to leaks
The motor can overheat or fail entirely from excess strain

Why You Shouldn’t Underload Either

Using your washer for just one or two garments?

Wastes water, electricity, and detergent
Causes imbalance during spin cycles
May wear out parts prematurely due to excessive spinning to compensate

For small loads, use a half-load or eco mode if available.

How to tell if you’ve overloaded your washer

Use this easy test before every wash:The One-Hand Rule:Place your clothes inside the drum, then slide your open palm on top of the load.

If your hand fits easily with about 10 cm of space between the laundry and the drum ceiling—you're good to go.
If your hand is squished or can’t fit, it’s too full—remove a few items.

Visual aids or stickers on the drum may also help guide you with ideal load lines.

Common Overload Error Codes

Modern machines often signal overload issues. You might see:

E18 / E21: Drainage or motor issues
UE / DC: Unbalanced load
F02 / F21: Motor overload

If codes persist even after lightening the load, you may need professional help.

Professional washing machine repairs in South London

If your machine is noisy, leaking, displaying error codes, or not completing cycles, Exclusive Repairs is here to help. Our certified engineers provide:

Expert diagnostics and repair
Transparent pricing
Quick response times across South London

Final Tip: How Much Should You Load?

Not sure how much laundry is too much? Here’s a simple guide:

6–7 kg machine (standard size): Fits about 30–35 T-shirts — perfect for a small family.
8–9 kg machine: Holds around 40–45 T-shirts — great for bedding and larger mixed loads.
10–12 kg machine: Takes 50–60 T-shirts — ideal for big households.

Always leave about a hand’s width of space at the top of the drum so clothes can move freely and get properly cleaned.