Loading a washing machine
Aim for around 80% drum capacity – enough room for laundry to move freely as the drum turns, but not so little that heavy items can clump on one side. Overloading causes poor wash results. Under-loading causes unbalanced loads that can result in violent spin banging or the machine refusing to spin at all.
Getting the drum loading right makes a significant difference to wash quality, spin efficiency, and the long-term health of the machine. Both extremes – too much and too little – cause distinct and avoidable problems.
Overloading the Drum
An overloaded drum leaves laundry with no room to move. Items circulate as one large compressed mass rather than tumbling freely through the wash water and detergent solution.
What overloading causes
- Poor wash results – detergent cannot circulate or dissolve properly
- Laundry comes out badly creased – see our guide on laundry coming out badly creased
- Excess strain on the motor, drum bearings, and suspension
- In extreme cases, manufacturers have warned that door glass can shatter under the pressure of an overfilled drum – over 90 cases of exploding door glass have been reported. See our guide on washing machine door glass danger
Bear in mind that a full dry drum looks larger than it will be once wet. Many items compress significantly when wet, so a drum that looks very full when loaded will have considerably less bulk once the cycle is underway. Pat the clothes down and check there is a clear hand-width gap between the top of the load and the top of the drum before closing the door.
Under-loading the Drum
Under-loading is a less obvious problem than overloading but causes just as much trouble. With too few items inside, there is not enough laundry distributed around the drum to keep the load balanced on spin.
What under-loading causes
- Unbalanced spin loads – heavy items clump on one side with nothing to counter their weight
- Violent banging on spin if the machine does not detect the imbalance in time – see our guide on washing machine jumping and banging on spin
- Machine refusing to reach fast spin speed – modern machines detect imbalance and will not accelerate if the load is too unevenly distributed. This is protective but leaves laundry wet at the end of the cycle
- Particularly problematic with single heavy items – a bath mat, a duvet, or a single large towel. See our guide on machines that won’t spin single items or small loads
An overfull drum may wash poorly, but an underfull drum with a heavy item on one side can produce a dramatically unbalanced spin. Heavy bath mats are a well-known example – washing one alone almost always results in imbalance. Adding old towels or sheets to the load gives the machine enough material to distribute weight evenly.
How to Load Correctly
-
Aim for 80% drum capacity. Fill the drum to roughly four-fifths full. This gives laundry enough room to tumble freely while ensuring sufficient mass for balanced spinning. Pat the load down and confirm there is a clear gap between the top of the load and the top of the drum.
-
Mix item types and weights. Avoid washing a single heavy item alone. If washing a bath mat, heavy jumper, or single duvet, add lighter items – old towels or sheets work well – to pad out the load and distribute weight around the drum.
-
Avoid mixing very heavy and very light items. A few dense, absorbent items alongside very lightweight fabrics can result in the heavy items bunching to one side. The lighter items cannot counterbalance their weight effectively. Keep heavy loads together or add more items of a similar weight.
-
Check your machine’s manual for specific guidance. Drum capacity ratings and loading recommendations vary by machine, particularly for items like duvets and pillows which have specific guidance on whether they can be washed at all and what load size works best.
Occasional vs Persistent Imbalance
An occasional unbalanced load – even with loads you have washed successfully many times before – is an inevitable part of using a washing machine. Items settle differently each time and sometimes simply end up on the same side. This is not a cause for concern.
Persistent unbalanced loads, or regular violent banging on spin with correctly loaded machines, suggests an underlying fault rather than a loading issue. See our guide on washing machine jumping and banging on spin for more on mechanical causes.
Related Guides
Related Guides
Washing Machine Jumping and Banging on SpinHow to tell whether spin banging is load-related or a mechanical fault – and what to do about each.
Won’t Spin Single Items or Small LoadsWhy washing machines refuse to spin with very small loads – and how to work around it.
Washing Not Getting CleanHow overloading and other loading mistakes affect wash results – and how to fix them.
Drum Capacity ComparisonHow different drum sizes compare in practice – including how a duvet fits into 5kg, 7kg, and 8kg drums.
Frequently Asked Questions
How full should I fill a washing machine?
Around 80% of drum capacity is the general guidance. Pat the dry load down and check there is a clear gap between the top of the load and the top of the drum before closing the door. Remember that many items compress significantly when wet – a drum that looks full when dry will have noticeably less bulk once the cycle starts.
Can under-loading damage a washing machine?
It can, if the machine allows a severely unbalanced load to spin at full speed. Heavy items bunching on one side of the drum create an imbalance that strains the bearings and suspension with every revolution. Most modern machines detect severe imbalance and refuse to reach full spin speed rather than allow this – but this protection is not guaranteed in every circumstance.
Why won’t my machine spin when I wash a bath mat alone?
A single heavy bath mat almost always ends up unbalanced in the drum. Modern machines detect this and refuse to accelerate to full spin speed rather than allowing a violent and potentially damaging spin. The solution is to add other items to the load – old towels or sheets are ideal – to give the machine enough material to distribute weight evenly around the drum.
Is it bad to sometimes have an unbalanced load?
An occasional unbalanced load is normal and not damaging in isolation. Items settle differently each time and sometimes simply end up on the same side regardless of how carefully the machine was loaded. The machine’s out-of-balance detection system should handle most cases. It is only persistent or severe imbalance that indicates either a loading problem or an underlying mechanical fault.
Washing machine instruction books and user manuals
To find the correct manual you need the full model number – not just the name shown on the front of the appliance. These are often different. The full model number is usually on a sticker inside the door, behind the kick-plate on built-in appliances, or behind the pump filter door on some washing machines. See our guides on how to find the model number on a washing machine and model number on a fridge or freezer before starting.
Links to official manufacturer manual download pages for the most common white goods brands sold in the UK. Where the manufacturer’s manual page is unavailable, contact details or alternative routes are noted. If a link appears broken, manufacturer websites frequently move pages without redirecting – go directly to the manufacturer’s website and search for their support section.
A to H
| Brand | Manual download page | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AEG | AEG instruction manuals | Via Serviceforce |
| Ariston | Ariston instruction manuals | Via Hotpoint Service – both brands are part of the same group |
| Beko | Beko instruction manuals | |
| Bosch | Bosch instruction manuals | |
| Candy | Candy instruction manuals | UK site |
| Creda | Creda instruction manuals | Creda is part of Hotpoint – manuals are on the Hotpoint site |
| Electrolux | Electrolux instruction manuals | Via Serviceforce |
| Gaggenau | Gaggenau website | Part of the Bosch Group – search for manuals on their support pages |
| Haier | Haier instruction manuals | |
| Hoover | Hoover appliance manuals | |
| Hotpoint | Hotpoint instruction manuals | US visitors may be redirected to GE – UK Hotpoint and US Hotpoint are different brands |
I to Z
| Brand | Manual download page | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Indesit | Indesit instruction manuals | Indesit is part of the same group as Hotpoint – manuals are on the Hotpoint site |
| LG | LG instruction manuals | |
| Miele | Miele instruction manuals | |
| Neff | Neff instruction manuals | |
| Samsung | Samsung support and manuals | |
| Servis | Not available | The brand has been discontinued and revived multiple times – their website is currently unavailable. Contact Whitegoods Help if you need assistance tracing a manual. |
| Siemens | Siemens instruction manuals | If the direct link does not work, search for “user manuals” on the Siemens home appliances UK site |
| Smeg | Smeg instruction manuals | Search for your model number or browse by category on their download page |
| Tricity Bendix | Not available | Discontinued in the UK. Manuals have been removed from the Electrolux parent company site. Contact Electrolux directly to request documentation. |
| Whirlpool | Whirlpool instruction manuals | |
| Zanussi | Zanussi instruction manuals |
Manufacturers frequently reorganise their websites and move support pages without redirecting old links. If a link above no longer works, go directly to the manufacturer’s main website and look for their support or customer service section. If you find a broken link, please use the contact page to let Whitegoods Help know so it can be updated.
If the manufacturer’s site does not have your specific manual available, the manufacturer’s customer service team should be able to supply a copy on request – by email or post where download is not available. Whitegoods Help does not hold copies of instruction manuals and cannot supply them directly.
Soda Crystals and washing machines
Soda crystals are a cheap, multi-purpose cleaner that can be used in washing machines to dissolve grease, soften water, and clean the drum and drum spider. They are safe to use despite the aluminium warning on the packet – the soda crystals manufacturer confirms the warning relates to visible surface pitting only, not structural damage to internal components.
Soda crystals (sodium carbonate) are an old household cleaning staple that costs a fraction of branded washing machine cleaners and performs many of the same functions. They are worth knowing about for both regular maintenance and occasional deep cleaning.
What Soda Crystals Can Do for a Washing Machine
Maintenance washing – cleaning the machine
Soda crystals dissolve grease effectively. Putting them directly into the drum and running a hot wash (60 degrees or above) helps clear grease, detergent residue, and mould build-up from the drum, door seal, and inner workings. This is particularly useful if the machine is run mostly on low-temperature programmes or with liquid detergent – both of which tend to leave more residue over time. See our guide on washing machine smells and how to clean the machine for the full maintenance wash process.
Water softening in hard water areas
Soda crystals soften water by precipitating calcium and magnesium ions – the same minerals that cause limescale. Adding them to the drum alongside detergent in hard water areas means you can use the soft-water dosage of detergent rather than the hard-water dosage, reducing detergent cost. Given that soda crystals are significantly cheaper than detergent, this can save money over time in hard water areas. See our guide on limescale in washing machines for more on managing hard water.
Washing aid
Soda crystals can be added to wash cycles alongside detergent to boost cleaning performance, help remove stains, and improve results in hard water. They are not a substitute for detergent but work alongside it.
Are Soda Crystals Safe for the Drum and Internal Parts?
Soda crystals packaging carries a warning against use on aluminium. Washing machines contain aluminium components internally – most notably the drum spider, the cast alloy component that connects the drum to the shaft. This naturally raises the question of whether using soda crystals could cause damage.
“There shouldn’t be anything to worry about. The only reason we advise against using soda crystals on aluminium is that they can cause pitting – small indentations on the surface. This would be undesirable on anything visible. But as the drum spider is not on show and is not a surface finish concern, the pitting would not undermine the strength or stability of the component.”
Soda crystals manufacturer – in response to a direct question about drum spider safety
The conclusion is that soda crystals are safe to use in a washing machine. The aluminium pitting concern applies to visible, cosmetic surfaces – not to structural internal components. The drum spider is a functional component not a surface finish, and small surface pitting does not compromise its strength.
How to Use Soda Crystals in a Washing Machine
Put a full cup (approximately 500g) of soda crystals directly into the empty drum – not in the dispenser drawer. Select the hottest programme available (60 degrees minimum, 90 degrees for a thorough clean). Run the cycle with no laundry inside. Do this every few months, or more frequently if the machine has a smell or is mostly used at low temperatures.
Add a tablespoon or two of soda crystals to the drum with the laundry. Also put the detergent in as normal, but use the soft-water dose shown on the detergent packet rather than the hard-water dose. Soda crystals are not suitable as a replacement for detergent – they do not contain surfactants and will not clean effectively alone.
Soda crystals are sold in most supermarkets, hardware stores, and online. They are one of the cheapest cleaning products available – typically less than £2 for a 1kg bag. They should be stored in a dry place as they absorb moisture from the air.
Related Guides
Related Guides
Washing Machine SmellsCauses of grease, mould, and bad smells in washing machines – and how to clean them effectively.
Is Calgon Worth Using?Whether dedicated anti-limescale products add protection beyond what detergent and soda crystals already provide.
Limescale in Washing MachinesHow limescale builds up in hard water areas and what approaches genuinely protect against it.
Which Type of Detergent Is Best?Powder, liquid, and tablet detergents compared – and how detergent choice affects machine hygiene.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can soda crystals damage a washing machine?
No, not in normal use. The warning on soda crystals packaging against use on aluminium refers to visible cosmetic surfaces – the crystals can cause minor surface pitting on aluminium that is unsightly on anything on show. Internal components such as the drum spider are structural, not cosmetic, and small surface pitting does not affect their strength. Soda crystals manufacturer advice confirms they are safe to use in washing machines.
How often should I use soda crystals in my washing machine?
For maintenance washing, every two to three months is a reasonable frequency for most machines. If the machine is used predominantly on low-temperature programmes, with liquid detergent, or shows signs of grease build-up or smell, cleaning more frequently – monthly – is worthwhile. Regular maintenance washing significantly extends the useful life of a washing machine by preventing grease and residue accumulation.
Are soda crystals better than branded washing machine cleaners?
Soda crystals are effective at dissolving grease and are much cheaper than dedicated branded machine cleaners. Branded products may include fragrance and additional cleaning agents that soda crystals do not, and some include specific agents for removing mould. For general grease dissolution and maintenance, soda crystals work well. For a machine with established mould or a persistent smell, a dedicated machine cleaner used alongside soda crystals may give a more thorough result initially.
Washing dog bedding or basket
Two problems arise when washing dog bedding in a washing machine: pet hair blocking the pump filter, and an unbalanced load that refuses to spin or spins violently. Remove as much hair as possible before loading, and always add extra items (old towels or blankets) alongside the bedding to help the machine balance the load. Check the care label on manufactured dog beds before washing.
Problem 1: Pet Hair and the Pump Filter
Dog bedding and blankets can carry significant quantities of loose hair. When washed, this hair comes free in the water and is caught by the pump filter. Enough hair can block the filter completely, causing the machine to fail to drain and display a drain error.
-
Remove as much hair as possible before loading. Shake the bedding vigorously outside to dislodge loose hair. A stiff brush or a rubber-bristled pet hair brush works well on fabric surfaces. Wet rubber gloves are also effective – run a damp gloved hand firmly across the fabric and the hair clumps together and lifts away easily. -
Check and clean the pump filter after washing. Even with pre-removal, some hair will make it through to the filter during the wash. Clean the pump filter after every wash involving pet bedding. See our guide on where to find and how to clean the pump filter.
Problem 2: Unbalanced Load and Spin Failure
A single dog bed or a few blankets is a classic unbalanced load. The items are heavy when wet, absorbent, and tend to clump on one side of the drum. Modern machines detect this and refuse to spin. Older machines without out-of-balance protection may attempt the spin – with potentially violent results.
The solution – add items to balance the load
Always add extra items alongside dog bedding. Old towels, old blankets, or similar absorbent items work well. The more evenly the mass is distributed around the drum, the more likely the machine is to proceed to full spin speed. Start with two or three large towels and add more if the machine still refuses to spin.
If the machine still won’t spin
If spin is refused even with additional items, the load may simply be too heavy or too bulky to balance in that machine’s drum. Accept the outcome and allow the bedding to drip dry, or try a lower spin speed – most machines offer a reduced spin option that requires less precise balance. Do not attempt to override out-of-balance protection.
Out-of-balance protection refusing to spin is not a fault – it is protecting the machine and its surroundings from a violent uncontrolled spin. See our guide on why a washing machine won’t spin single items or small loads for a full explanation of how this works.
Washing Manufactured Soft Dog Beds
Shaped foam or fibre-filled dog beds need extra consideration before going in the machine.
Check the care label first
Many manufactured dog beds have a sewn-in care label specifying whether machine washing is safe, the maximum temperature, and whether spinning is permitted. Some labels say “do not spin” – in this case the bed must be washed on a no-spin programme or the spin disabled, and the bed will need to dry out naturally. Ignoring a no-spin label risks the filling clumping or the cover distorting permanently.
Size and drum capacity
A large dog bed may simply not fit or tumble freely in a standard drum. If it cannot move during the wash it will not be cleaned effectively and the spin will almost certainly fail due to imbalance. A larger-capacity drum – 8kg or above – gives the best chance of successfully washing a medium or large dog bed. Small dog beds in a standard drum are usually manageable.
Monitor the spin stage
Stay close to the machine during the spin stage when washing any bulky single item. If the machine starts to move across the floor or produces unusual banging, pause the cycle immediately. See our guide on washing machine jumping and banging on spin.
Related Guides
Won’t Spin Single Items or Small LoadsWhy modern machines refuse unbalanced loads – and what to add to the drum to help the machine balance.
How to Load a Washing MachineCorrect loading technique to avoid unbalanced spins and get the best wash results.
Washing Machine Pump FilterHow to find and clean the pump filter – essential after washing anything with pet hair.
Machine Jumping and Banging on SpinWhen spin banging is load-related and when it indicates a mechanical fault.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I wash dog bedding in a washing machine?
Yes, but with preparation. Remove as much pet hair as possible before loading to avoid blocking the pump filter, and add extra old towels or blankets alongside the bedding to help the machine balance the load for spin. Check the care label on manufactured dog beds for temperature and spin instructions. Clean the pump filter after the wash.
Why won’t my washing machine spin the dog bed?
The machine’s out-of-balance protection has detected that the load is unevenly distributed and is refusing to spin to prevent damage. This is normal behaviour – it is not a fault. Add more items (old towels or blankets) to the drum to help distribute the mass more evenly, or try a lower spin speed. If the machine still refuses, the load may be too bulky or too heavy for that drum size and the bedding will need to drip dry.
Will dog hair block my washing machine?
Pet hair that comes loose during washing is caught by the pump filter. A large amount of hair can block the filter and cause the machine to fail to drain. Always remove as much hair as possible from bedding before loading, and clean the pump filter after every wash involving pet items.
Can you wash bras in washing machine?
Washing machine breakdowns caused by bra underwires are surprisingly common. The wire works free from the fabric casing during washing, slips through a drum hole, and can cause a scraping noise, block the pump, pierce a hose, or snag and tear other laundry. The simplest prevention is a zipped mesh laundry bag – it costs very little and protects both the bra and the machine.
Check the Care Label First
Before washing any bra in a machine, check the care label. If it states hand wash only, that is the manufacturer’s instruction and machine washing risks damaging the garment. If it specifies a wash cycle and temperature, use those settings. A 30 or 40 degree delicate or synthetics cycle is appropriate for most machine-washable underwired bras.
What Can Go Wrong When Washing Bras in a Machine
Even bras that are technically machine washable carry risk when washed loose in a drum. The stitching that holds the underwire in its fabric channel degrades with repeated washing and wear. Once it fails, the wire can pull free during a wash.
Metallic scraping noise
The underwire passes through a drum hole into the space between the inner drum and the outer tub. As the drum rotates, the wire scrapes against the outer tub. The noise is rhythmic and metallic, and can be reproduced by turning the drum by hand. See our guide on metallic scraping noise from the drum for how to locate and retrieve the wire.
Pierced sump hose – water leak
A wire that has broken in two or had its protective tip worn away can develop a sharp end. Lying in the base of the tub, a sharp wire can pierce the sump hose connecting the tub to the pump, causing a water leak underneath the machine. This is less common than other underwire faults but does happen.
Snagged and torn laundry
An underwire lying in the tub base can catch other laundry as it is forced through the drum holes during spin. Items of clothing can be snagged and torn, particularly delicate fabrics. The damage can be significant and is usually irreparable.
Blocked pump filter or pump
A wire that makes it as far as the pump filter can physically jam the pump or provide a point for fluff and lint to accumulate until the filter is fully blocked. A blocked or jammed pump causes the machine to fail to drain and display a drain error. Check the pump filter if the machine is not draining – see our guide on washing machine pump filters.
Tangled straps
Bra straps can become tangled around other laundry during the wash. In severe cases a strap can get caught between the drum and the door seal and be ripped from the bra. Tangled straps can also cause an unbalanced load that refuses to spin.
How to Protect Bras and the Machine
-
Use a zipped mesh laundry bag. A purpose-made bra washing bag – a rigid or semi-rigid mesh container with a zip – keeps the bra contained throughout the wash. The underwire cannot escape into the drum even if the stitching fails during the cycle. Straps cannot become tangled. The bag also prevents the bra’s underwires from distorting against the drum. These are widely available and inexpensive. -
Check the underwire channel stitching before every wash. Run a finger along the base channel of each bra before putting it in the machine. If the stitching has broken or the wire is already starting to poke through, do not machine wash it. Either repair the stitching first or retire the bra. -
Use a cool wash and a delicate programme. Higher temperatures accelerate the breakdown of the delicate fabric and stitching in underwired bras. A 30 or 40 degree delicate cycle extends the life of both the garment and the integrity of the underwire channel. -
Do not wash bras labelled hand wash only in the machine. The care label is there for a reason. Hand wash only bras are made with materials or construction that cannot withstand machine washing – and underwire failure is more likely when the garment is stressed beyond its design limits.
If the drum is making a metallic scraping noise when it turns, or if the pump is not draining correctly, a bra underwire may already be inside the machine. Check the pump filter first, then inspect through the drum holes with a torch. If the wire cannot be retrieved through a drum hole, disassembly is required. See our guides on metallic scraping noise and removing objects stuck in the drum.
Related Guides
Metallic Scraping Noise From the DrumHow a bra underwire causes a scraping noise and how to locate and retrieve it.
Remove Something Stuck in the DrumHow to retrieve objects from the tub space when they cannot be reached through the drum holes.
Washing Machine Pump FilterWhere to find the pump filter and how to check and clean it – the first place to look for a trapped wire.
Washing Machine LeakingDiagnosing water leaks – including from a pierced sump hose caused by a sharp underwire.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you wash underwired bras in a washing machine?
Many underwired bras can be machine washed if the care label permits it – check before washing. Even machine-washable bras carry risk when washed loose in the drum. The underwire stitching can fail during washing, allowing the wire to escape into the machine and cause damage ranging from a scraping noise to a blocked pump or snagged laundry. Using a zipped mesh bra washing bag eliminates this risk while still allowing machine washing.
What does a bra washing bag do?
A bra washing bag is a zipped mesh container that keeps the bra fully enclosed throughout the wash cycle. The underwire cannot pass through the mesh and escape into the drum. Straps cannot become tangled with other laundry. The structure of the bag also helps maintain the bra’s shape during washing. They are inexpensive and widely available online and in supermarkets.
How do I know if a bra wire is stuck inside my washing machine?
The most common sign is a rhythmic metallic scraping or rasping noise when the drum turns – including when turned by hand with the machine unplugged. The noise repeats with every revolution of the drum. If the pump is not draining correctly, a wire may have reached the pump filter. Check the filter first, then inspect through the drum holes with a torch for a wire visible in the tub space.
Can you wash trainers in a washing machine?
Trainers can be washed in a washing machine and will come out clean, but heavy footwear being tossed around the drum risks breaking or loosening the plastic drum paddles (lifters). On modern machines where the drum or paddles cannot be replaced, a broken paddle can write off the machine. If the machine has a dedicated trainer programme, use it – and if the paddles break as a result, the manufacturer is responsible. Otherwise, reduce the risk by washing with old towels and using a gentle, slow-spin programme.
The Risk: Drum Paddle Damage
Drum paddles (also called drum lifters or drum baffles) are the raised plastic fins inside the drum that lift laundry up as the drum rotates, allowing it to tumble. When trainers are washed, they get carried up to the top of the drum and then fall back down – directly onto the paddles. Heavy footwear falling repeatedly onto plastic paddles can crack, break, or work them loose from their fixings.
What happens when a drum paddle breaks
- The broken paddle leaves a sharp-edged hole in the drum surface where it detached – subsequent laundry can snag on this and be torn or damaged
- On many modern machines, drum paddles are not replaceable as spare parts
- On some machines the drum itself cannot be removed due to a sealed outer tub design – a broken non-replaceable paddle in a sealed tub renders the machine effectively unrepairable and beyond economical repair
- Budget machines with cheaper plastic paddles are most at risk – but the problem can occur on any machine with trainers that are heavy enough
If the Machine Has a Trainer Wash Programme
Some washing machines include a dedicated trainer or sports shoe programme. If the machine has this feature and the drum paddles break as a direct result of using it, the manufacturer is responsible for the damage. A machine that advertises a trainer wash programme must be capable of completing that programme without damage to itself.
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, a product must be fit for purpose – including all purposes advertised by the manufacturer. If using the dedicated trainer programme causes drum paddle damage, raise the issue with the manufacturer first and the retailer second. See our guide on consumer rights and faulty appliances.
How to Reduce the Risk When Washing Trainers
-
Add old towels to the drum with the trainers. Several old towels alongside the trainers cushion the impact as the footwear tumbles. This is the most effective risk reduction measure – the towels fill the drum space and prevent the trainers from dropping freely onto the paddles from height. -
Use a slow, gentle programme. A slower drum rotation means the trainers are not carried as high before falling. Lower spin speeds reduce the overall force of impact. Use the coolest and slowest programme available – a 30 degree delicate or sports programme rather than a standard cotton cycle. -
Check the drum paddles before and after each trainer wash. Look for any movement, cracking, or looseness in the paddles. Push each one firmly – a securely fitted paddle should not flex or move. If a paddle is already working loose, stop washing trainers in that machine. -
Only wash lighter trainer styles. Heavier, bulkier footwear (thick-soled boots, heavy-duty sports shoes) carries significantly more risk than lightweight fabric trainers. Assess the weight before deciding whether to machine wash. -
Remove the laces and insoles first. Laces can tangle around the drum paddle fixings and cause damage independently of the impact risk. Wash laces and insoles separately or in a mesh bag.
Mesh bags marketed for washing trainers provide some containment but are unlikely to significantly reduce drum paddle impact risk. Placing both trainers together in one bag may actually increase the combined weight hitting the paddles. They may be more useful for protecting the trainers’ exterior and preventing laces from tangling than for protecting the machine.
If a Drum Paddle Has Already Broken
Check whether the paddle is available as a spare part for the specific machine model. Search by model number at Spares4Appliances – drum paddles and lifters are stocked for many models. If the paddle is available, replacement is a straightforward DIY repair on most machines – the paddle clips or screws into position from inside the drum.
If the paddle is not available as a spare part, the machine may need an engineer assessment to determine whether the drum assembly can be replaced or repaired.
Need Parts or a Repair?
Related Guides
How to Load a Washing MachineCorrect loading technique to protect the machine and get the best wash results.
Washing Machine Drum Not TurningDiagnosing drum faults – including issues caused by damaged drum components.
Washing Machine Is NoisyIdentifying drum and mechanical noises – including sounds caused by damaged or loose paddles.
Washing Dog BeddingSimilar considerations for heavy or bulky items – balancing the load and protecting the drum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can washing trainers break a washing machine?
Yes – heavy trainers being carried around the drum and falling onto the plastic drum paddles (lifters) can break or loosen them. On machines where the paddles cannot be replaced, or where the drum is sealed and cannot be accessed, a broken paddle can make the machine uneconomical to repair. The risk is real but can be reduced by washing with old towels, using a slow gentle programme, and checking the paddles regularly.
What are drum paddles / drum lifters?
Drum paddles (also called drum lifters or drum baffles) are the raised plastic fins inside the drum of a front-loading washing machine. They lift laundry as the drum rotates, allowing items to tumble through the water rather than just sliding around the bottom. They are typically made of plastic and are the most vulnerable part of the drum to impact from heavy items.
Should I use a trainer wash bag?
Trainer wash bags provide some benefit – they prevent laces from tangling and contain the shoes to some extent. However, they are unlikely to significantly reduce the risk of drum paddle damage from impact. Placing both trainers in one bag increases the combined weight and may make impact worse rather than better. Adding old towels to the drum alongside the trainers is more effective at cushioning the impact.