An 8.5 kg washing machine can hold roughly 40-50 clothing items, like 40 t-shirts or 7 outfits/towels, suiting a medium to large household (3-4+ people) for regular washes, but you should avoid overfilling to ensure proper cleaning and prevent machine strain, especially with bulky items like doonas. For bulkier items, an 8.5kg machine can often manage a queen-size doona, but it might need multiple spin cycles or be better suited for slightly smaller bedding.
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.
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.
An overloaded washer works harder than it should, putting stress on the motor, drum, and bearings. This can lead to: Snapped belts. Broken suspensions.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
Fisher & Paykel washing machines generally receive positive reviews, praised for being quiet, efficient, easy to use, and effective at cleaning, with features like quick washes, steam cycles, and auto-dosing getting highlights; however, some users report issues with long cycle times, water intake noise, and occasional reliability problems, especially with older models or certain top-loaders.
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.
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.
Washing machine load size chart
Medium/regular load: This works out to a load of approximately 6 pounds. Large load: A large load in a HE machine is approximately 11 pounds. Extra-large load: If you have a HE machine, then an extra-large load at full capacity is around 21 pounds.
A towel helps darken the room for better sleep. 2️⃣ To Prevent Odors or Smoke Whether it's someone smoking nearby or strong cleaning chemicals, a towel helps block unpleasant smells from creeping in. 3️⃣ To Protect Against Smoke in Emergencies In case of fire, smoke can quickly enter through door gaps.
You can either roll or fold bath towels for storage and neither approach is inherently better. Some people appreciate the appearance of a neat stack of folded towels, while others prefer the space-saving benefits of rolling. Both methods prevent wrinkles and make it easy to access your linens.
The Tea Towel Trick
To prevent water from dripping back onto food in a slow cooker, some people place a clean, folded kitchen towel or a few layers of paper towels between the lid and the pot to absorb moisture. If you use the technique, make sure you still have a tight seal between the lid and the pot.
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.
'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.
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.
While it may be tempting to throw dripping clothes into the dryer, it's not a recommended solution. Putting soaking wet clothes in the dryer can create excess moisture and make it more difficult for them to dry. Additionally, when clothes are exposed to moisture for too long they can develop a mildewy smell.
To fix a washing machine that won't spin, first check for an unbalanced load and redistribute the articles before resuming the cycle. Check for a clogged pump or drain hose and clear any blockages before you restart the cycle.
If the laundry is very hot at the end of a cycle, this indicates that the clothes have been rinsed in hot water, usually caused when the cold water inlet hose has been accidentally connected to the hot water tap. For more information on how to correctly install the cold water inlet hose: Installation.