Can you wash only one item in a washing machine?

Everyone knows you shouldn't overload your washing machine. Filling the drum to the brim won't clean your laundry, and the motor will wear out faster due to the increased load. But is it okay to wash just one item at a time, like a shirt or t-shirt? Let's find out whether this is harmful or completely safe.

Is this dangerous for the equipment?

Manufacturers typically only specify the maximum load capacity for each washing machine model. The minimum load limit is rarely mentioned in the instructions. Therefore, it's a good idea to first consult the user manual.

The service life of a washing machine directly depends on the intensity of its use. If you wash one T-shirt every day, the likelihood of equipment failure is higher. The more often you run the cycle, the faster some element of the machine will fail.

Besides accelerated wear and tear on components, there are a couple of other arguments against washing just one item in a washing machine:

• Increased water and electricity consumption, and, as a result, higher utility bills. It's better to "save" dirty clothes for 2-3 days and then wash a whole load than to "spin" one shirt every day;
• overconsumption of detergents: powder and fabric softener.

It's a different matter when you need to refresh a silk or wool item. Delicate fabrics are washed separately from synthetics or cotton. In this case, "spinning" just one dress or sweater is entirely justified.

The conclusion is simple: you can wash one item at a time in the washing machine, but you shouldn’t overdo it.

If you need a specific T-shirt urgently, it's recommended to refresh it by hand to avoid unnecessary disruption to the machine. This will help it last much longer.

Follow the advice of experts

After purchasing a washing machine, be sure to read its instructions. They indicate the optimal frequency for using the machine. This may vary depending on the model, but the average is 3-4 times a week. If necessary, the machine can withstand daily use, but this may reduce its service life without repair.

Experts recommend using only high-quality detergents. Cheap powders negatively impact the washing machine's internals and don't soften hard tap water, which can lead to scale buildup. It's better to buy modern washing gels and tablets. They won't clog the appliance, as they dissolve completely and are flushed out of the system.

The amount of laundry loaded into the washing machine should not exceed the recommended load, as specified in the instructions. Otherwise, the machine's main components will be overloaded, leading to rapid wear and tear. An overly crowded washing machine can overheat during operation, posing a fire hazard. Furthermore, laundry in cramped spaces will not wash and rinse properly.

Your washing machine's manual provides a table of maximum load weights for different fabric types. While cotton items can be loaded up to 6 kg, the limit for woolen items is lower, approximately 1.5-2 kg.

Here are a few more seemingly trivial, but important recommendations for using your washing machine:

• do not forget to immediately remove washed items from the drum after the end of the cycle;
• When washing shoes, be sure to use special covers, which can be purchased at hardware stores;
• Remember to wipe the drum surface and the rubber seal after each use, rinse the detergent drawer, and leave the door open to allow the machine to air out;
• Observe the dosage of powder or gel, do not use products that are too foamy.

A fun life hack is to place a whole chest of drawers next to the washing machine, not just a regular laundry hamper, and label the sections, for example: "Shirts," "Whites," "Coloreds," and "Socks." This will make it easier to keep track of when a load is piling up. It also saves a lot of time sorting clothes.

You should take care of your machine and try not to wash just one T-shirt every day. Using it too often isn't good for the machine. However, if absolutely necessary, you can still wash a single item.

   

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