How many kilos of laundry the drum can hold
Short answer: How many kilos the drum can hold is stated in the machine manual, and the figure usually applies to dry cotton laundry. As a rule of thumb the drum should not be crammed full but have air, so the clothes can move. Thick items such as bedding and towels take up more room than their weight suggests.
The capacity is in the manual
Every washing machine has a stated capacity, most often given in kilos of dry laundry on the largest programme. The figure varies between models, and I will not guess what your machine can do. Look in the manual or on the label on the machine. Remember that the capacity typically applies to the toughest programme, and that many programmes for delicate items have a lower limit. Use the figure as an upper frame, not as a target to hit every time.
The hand-width rule of thumb
A simple rule is that about a hand's width of air should remain at the top of the drum once you have filled it. The clothes must be able to move so that water and detergent can reach everything. If the drum is packed full, the clothes come out less clean, and detergent residue can be left behind. It also wears the fabric more, because the items rub against each other. If you are in doubt, take a little less, especially with clothes you care about.
Thick items take up more room than their weight says
Bedding and towels soak up water and become heavy and bulky. See bamboo bedding. A large set of duvet covers and sheets can fill the drum even if the weight looks low. Wash them in smaller portions so they have room. See bamboo towels. Many people find that towels turn stiff if packed too tightly, so give them air. The same applies to everything that must dry afterwards, because wet, clumped pieces dry slowly.
Mix large and small items
It can help to mix large and small pieces so that the drum is filled evenly. Socks and underwear can fill gaps between the large items. But do not mix colours and fabrics that need different programmes. Sort by colour and by how intensive the wash needs to be. An even mix keeps the machine running calmly and stops it going out of balance, especially at a high spin speed. If the machine is out of balance you can hear it, and then it is worth spreading the clothes better.
Split the laundry as needed
It is not necessary to fill the machine completely every time. If you have a little laundry that needs washing quickly, a smaller load can be fine. But a half empty machine can also use more water and power per item, so choose as needed. See also home and homewear in bamboo if you want to gather the soft things for the home in one wash. What is most practical depends on your machine and your habits.
Check after the wash
When the wash is finished, look at the result. Are the clothes clean, and is there no detergent residue? If they are very creased or twisted together, the drum was probably too full. Adjust next time. Take the laundry out straight away, shake it out and hang it up. Then it dries faster and gets fewer creases. With a little practice you find the load that gives clean clothes without straining the machine or the fabric.
Frequently asked questions
How many kilos can the drum hold
It is in the manual or on the label and varies between machines. The figure usually applies to dry cotton laundry on the largest programme.
How full may the drum be
Leave about a hand's width of air at the top so the clothes can move. If it is crammed full, the wash gets worse.
Should I wash bedding on its own
Often that is a good idea, because bedding takes up a lot of room and soaks up water. Give it space so it is rinsed properly.
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