An 8.5 kg washing machine can hold roughly 40-50 clothing items like t-shirts, about 8-10 shirts and trousers, or several bulky items like towels, bedding (a queen duvet), and clothes, suitable for a medium to large household. The exact number varies significantly with garment size, fabric, and how wet they are, but aim for about three-quarters full to ensure good cleaning and rinsing, advises Choice.com.au and Quora users.
An 8.5 kg washing machine can typically hold around 40 to 50 clothing items, depending on the size and type of garments. This capacity is suitable for medium to large households, allowing you to wash a variety of clothes, including shirts, trousers, and undergarments, in fewer cycles.
If you're in a household of up to four people, a washing machine with a 7–9 kg capacity should cover your laundry needs nicely. It handles regular mid-sized loads with ease, and gives you enough room for the occasional doona or towel-heavy wash without feeling cramped.
A 7kg-8.5kg washing machine suits medium households, fitting around 7 outfits or 7 towels per load.
Standard 7-8kg Drum Size
Most washing machines are around the 7-8kg drum size mark and will wash 4 pairs of jeans, 1 jumper and 10 - t-shirts in one load. This type of washing machine is the best choice for couples who live together and do 4-6 washes per week. Browse our 7-8kg drums here.
If you can't get your hand into the drum, then it's overloaded. That isn't the only way of overloading, though. Washing machine drums also have a weight limit, so be careful not to overdo that. Generally, the average washing machine can take 3kg, with larger ones available.
Medium-sized washing machines include 8kg, 9kg and 10kg models and measure between 550-600mm in depth. If you have a family of two or three, this capacity can handle your weekly laundry, while also fitting in some bigger items like duvets. You can run a load of up to 11-14 bath towels1.
This guide covers all the washing machine tips and tricks you need to wash heavy blankets safely and efficiently at home. FAQs : Can I wash a weighted blanket in a regular washing machine? Only if the weight is within the washer's capacity—usually under 7kg.
For the best results, fill the washer no more than ¾ full so water and detergent can circulate properly. Need more room to wash big loads?
The "bathroom towel trick" usually refers to a popular, space-saving, and decorative towel rolling method that makes towels look like spa rolls, creating tight cylinders that store neatly and look elegant in bathrooms, often by folding in triangles and tucking the end into a pocket. Another less common "trick" involves using a towel for jawline exercise, where you bite down on a folded towel to strengthen jaw muscles, or a cooling method with a wet towel near a fan.
What size washer do I need for a duvet? For a single duvet, a 6kg machine is typically sufficient. For a double duvet, aim for a 7kg model, while a king-size duvet requires at least an 8kg capacity. Super king-size duvets usually need a drum size of 9kg or larger.
8kg washing machine – can fit around 40 T-Shirts or a queen sized duvet and is suited for a medium sized family. 9kg washing machine – can fit around 45 T-Shirts or a medium king sized duvet and is suited for a large sized family.
Quick Wash: Typically takes 15-30 minutes. Perfect for light-soiled, tiny loads. Normal Wash: 45-60 minutes; ideal for regular laundry, including blends and cotton. Heavy-Duty Cycle: Ideal for towels, bedding, and extremely soiled clothing, this cycle can run for 90 minutes or longer.
I'd say it depends on the size of the jeans. My husband and I are fairly large people, and don't wash more than four pairs at a time. It also depends on the washer, we have a heavy duty washer now, but when we had our high efficiency washer, we could only wash two at a time.
The Laundry Load May be Imbalanced
Another common cause is having a washing load that is unbalanced. For example, if there are a lot of clothes on one side of the drum, this can cause problems for the washing machine, and won't let it drain the excess water, leaving your clothes soaking wet.
Here are some tell-tale signs that you're overloading your washer:
Don't Overfill the Washer
Too many towels washed at once won't get clean, but too few means greater agitation for quicker wear and tear. Most front-loading washing machines can fit seven standard-size bath towels; top-loading washers can fit around nine or ten.
'You can wash many types of pillows in the washing machine on a gentle cycle, including those filled with cotton, feather, down, and fiberfill - but not foam,' says Stephen Light, certified sleep coach and CEO at Nolah Technologies.
Wash bedding at 60°C (140°F) for sanitizing (killing germs, dust mites, especially if sick) but use 40°C (104°F) for most regular washes, as it's gentler, saves energy, and prevents shrinkage, especially for colored or delicate fabrics like cotton sateen, flannel, or bamboo. Always check the care label, but 40°C is generally sufficient with good detergent, while 60°C is best for deep cleaning or allergies, with 90°C reserved for heavily soiled whites.
Can you wash a duvet? You can and certainly should wash your duvet - most can be either machine-washed or hand-washed, depending on what the manufacturer recommends - you will usually find this information on the care label.
And using too much detergent isn't just unnecessary, it can actually cause problems: “Too much detergent can overload your machine, which can cause damage or even make your machine lock up,” Sean says. “It can also leave residue in the fabric, which leaves white marks on your clothes, and this can irritate skin.”
An 8 kg drum can wash a queen or a lightweight size duvet. This is suitable for a medium size family. A 9 kg machine can wash a whole king size duvet and is the best option for large families.