How to Choose the Right Washing Machine Load Size

Picking the right washing machine capacity is one of the most important decisions you'll make when buying a new machine. Too small and you'll be doing laundry constantly. Too large and you're wasting water and energy on half-empty loads. Here's how to get it right.

How Washing Machine Capacity Is Measured

Washing machine capacity in Australia is measured in kilograms (kg) of dry laundry. A 7kg machine can wash 7kg of dry clothes in a single load. This is the weight of dry fabric, not wet clothes.

Household Size Guide

Use this as a starting point:

• 1 to 2 people — 6kg to 7kg is usually sufficient. This handles about 10 to 12 T-shirts, one or two pairs of jeans, underwear and socks.
• 3 to 4 people — 8kg to 9kg is a comfortable size. Handles a typical family week's worth of clothes without overloading.
• 5 or more people, or a family with lots of bedding — 10kg to 12kg gives you the capacity to wash large loads including king-size duvets and multiple sets of bedding at once.

Consider What You Wash

Load size requirements go beyond just the number of people:

• Do you wash a lot of bulky items like doonas, blankets and sports gear? Go larger.
• Do you have pets with lots of bedding? Go larger.
• Do you prefer to do laundry less frequently? Go larger.
• Living alone and doing small daily washes? A 6kg or 7kg machine is fine.

Front Load vs Top Load Capacity

Front load washing machines are generally more water and energy efficient than top loaders at the same capacity. For the same capacity in kg, a front loader uses roughly 40 to 50% less water. If water and energy efficiency matter to you, go front loader.

Top loaders are more convenient if you need to add clothes mid-cycle or have back problems that make bending to a front loader difficult.

Can You Wash a King-Size Duvet?

A king-size duvet typically weighs 2 to 4kg dry, but it needs significant space to wash properly. For a king-size duvet, you need at minimum an 8kg washing machine, ideally 9kg or 10kg. Never overstuff — the duvet needs room to move in the drum.

The Most Common Mistake

Buying too small. It's very common to underestimate how much capacity you actually need. When in doubt, go one size up. A 9kg machine handles everything a 7kg machine can handle, plus larger items, without costing dramatically more.

Oceania Appliances stocks washing machines in all popular capacities from 6kg to 12kg across Sydney. Free delivery and warranty on every purchase. Contact us to discuss which size is right for your household.