A washing machine advertised to hold about 20 pounds of laundry left one buyer frustrated after they determined that its drum could accommodate only about 12 pounds of clothing.
Here's what to know
In a post on Reddit's r/Appliances community, the buyer described purchasing a front-loading washing machine roughly 18-20 inches deep. The appliance had an advertised capacity of about 20 pounds (9 kilograms), but, due to its slim design, its drum measured barely 14.5 gallons (55 liters).
To avoid similar situations in the future, the buyer used a rule of thumb to estimate how much clothing would fit inside a washer, writing, "You need roughly 10 liters of drum space per 1 kg of dry cotton."
By that calculation, the machine would accommodate about 12 pounds (5.5 kilograms) of dry cotton clothing. The buyer also reported that some slim machines advertised for 17.6-pound (8-kilogram) loads have drums measuring just 13.2–13.7 gallons (50–52 liters).
More background
One commenter pointed out that, while ordinary clothing may not reach a washer's advertised weight limit, more dense items such as weighted blankets easily could. The commenter also pushed back on the original poster's advice to always go with a larger drum size if space allowed, arguing that, for the same size load, a larger washer generally uses more water, though some commenters disputed this.
"Most modern front loaders weigh the load and adjust the water and time accordingly," one wrote in response, to which the other commenter argued back that larger drums still required more water due to their larger volume.
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The OP's advice
When it came to picking out a new washing machine, the OP recommended comparing drum volume alongside the advertised kilogram or pound rating instead of relying on weight capacity alone.
"Don't sacrifice 15-20 liters of actual washing volume just to save five centimeters of floor space like I did," the OP advised.
Where can I learn more?
Whether it's a homeowner with their own in-house washer and dryer or a renter using a laundry service, everyone faces laundry-related headaches. These stories cover some other examples.
• In Washington, replacing an unwanted two-in-one washer could require relocating a water heater.
• A shopper whose washer died received repair shop advice favoring one brand over another.
• In the UK, a £20 quilt-washing bill prompted commenters to suggest cheaper laundry solutions.
• Apartment residents facing soaring laundromat prices turned to sink washing, shower spinners, and air drying.
• A washer owner discovered a 10-minute fix after clothes came out smelling musty.
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