A man holding a laundry basket full of clothes while loading a washing machine, illustrating the proper way to load a washer for effective cleaning.

How to load a washing machine in 5 steps

Loading a washing machine might seem like a simple task, but when done incorrectly it can lead to improper cleaning of clothes and extra wear and tear on your appliance. Learn more about how to properly separate and prepare your clothing items before loading them and best practices to follow when loading your washer.

Steps for Loading a Washer

Whether you’re washing delicate items, heavily soiled towels or a general mix of laundry, knowing how to properly load the washing machine will help ensure clothes are cleaned properly. Follow the steps below to efficiently load your washing machine.

Two piles of laundry, one with colorful clothes and another with white and light-colored clothes, demonstrating the process of separating clothes before washing.

1. Separate Clothes

Separate your clothing based on the following guidelines:

  • Separate clothes by color and fabric type before placing them in the washer. Make sure to also separate clothes based on the wash setting that will be used.
  • Separate white clothing from any colored clothing to avoid color transfer while washing.
  • Separate delicate fabrics from heavy fabrics to avoid any damage to delicate items during the wash cycle.
  • Separate clothes based on soil level. Heavily soiled clothing will most likely need to be pre-treated for stains and washed separately from lightly soiled clothing items.

Always check clothing care labels prior to washing to ensure clothes are cleaned according to their specific instructions.

2. Empty Clothing Pockets

Before you begin loading your washing machine, empty out the pockets of your clothing items. Removing any items found in pockets can help protect items from water damage and prevent any damage to your clothing items and to your washer.

3. Prepare Your Clothing Items

Take time to zip up any clothing items that have zippers, fasten any hooks and turn pockets inside out. If any of your clothes have buttons, unbutton them to avoid the clothes being torn or damaged while being agitated.

If you’re washing dark colored clothing, you can turn your items inside out to help reduce fading during the wash cycle.

A man standing in a laundry room, checking the pockets of a brown polo shirt before loading it into a washing machine.
Liquid detergent being poured into the detergent compartment of a Whirlpool washing machine.

4. Properly Separate Your Clothing

Always consult each clothing item’s individual care label to become familiar with any specific washing instructions. Most clothing labels will indicate the best washer settings to use for that piece of clothing. Separate your clothing based on the color, recommended wash setting and fabric type for the most optimal cleaning experience.

5. Load Your Washing Machine

Most washing machine models will include proper loading instructions on the inside of the washer’s lid. If your washer doesn’t include instructions, the most common order for loading a washer is:

  1. Add in laundry detergent
  2. Add in your laundry items
  3. Fill the washer tub with water
  4. Select the appropriate setting and promptly start the washer

What Happens if a Washer Is Overloaded?

When a washer is overloaded, clothing items are not able to move freely inside the drum during a wash cycle. This can result in the detergent not being able to circulate correctly, which can cause clothing to not be cleaned properly. Clothing can also become damaged from excessive friction during the wash cycle.

Also, excess detergent residue can begin to build up and over time lead to unwanted odors. An overloaded washer can also increase the strain on your washer’s motor and bearings, which can negatively impact the appliance’s lifespan over time.

How Do You Balance a Washer Load?

Always try to create an even balance of weight throughout the washer while loading to prevent the washer from shaking excessively while running.

To balance a load in a top load washer, distribute clothes evenly in the washer drum, including an equal mix of heavy and light items. When adding heavier items, such as towels, spread them evenly in the drum and add lighter items with them to even out the total weight.

When washing a single heavy item, such as a coat, it’s best to add one or two towels to distribute the weight and ensure the washer remains balanced.

Explore affresh® Washing Machine Cleaner

Whether you have a top load or front load washing machine, your appliance works hard to keep your favorite clothes clean and smelling their best. With regular maintenance and proper loading, your washer should be able to efficiently clean your clothes and run optimally.

Affresh® washing machine cleaner cleans deep inside the pump, valve, tub, drum, agitator, filter and hose of your washing machine to help ensure your appliance is free from odor-causing residues and grime.