Last updated on August 14th, 2022 at 01:27 pm
After trying to move your washing machine, probably from the supplier’s shop, to your home, you realize that it is cumbersome.
But you can’t just keep the question of why these machines are so heavy out of your mind.
Now, you aren’t the only person wondering about this phenomenon.
Many people who have experienced similar circumstances are out there, wondering why washing machines are that heavy.
Washing machines are so heavy because they usually carry several solid blocks. These blocks work to keep the devices from tossing about during washing cycles. However, the spin cycle generates significant quantities of force which can unbalance the machine, so the weight of these washing machines is quite crucial to their functioning.
Why Are Washing Machines So Big?
One question that lingers in the minds of washing machine users is why they are so big.
But for one, washing machines come in gigantic sizes because modern homes carry enough space and even dedicated rooms for these machines.
Consequently, there is a need to place efficient and large appliances to deal with the tons of laundry from home.
However, in societies where homes are tiny, and people generally install washing machines in their kitchens, most people go for compact and small-sized devices.
Top-loading washers aren’t really popular in these places because there would be no space to place them in these homes.
On the other hand, large washing machines are the deal in places where people would instead enjoy the convenience of doing all the laundry at once.
But, then, it’s just a simple cycle of wash, wear, wash again, and an unending repeat of this process.
As opposed to the above, people who prefer compact washing machines wash as though they were shopping for groceries.
They wash when needed and wear clothes a few times before dumping them in the washer.
Worthy of note is that washing machines are getting bigger and bigger each year.
Previously, the standard sizes of washing machines fell between 3.6 cubic feet and 4.3 cubic feet; however, these appliances have overtaken these sizes for a while now.
Just recently, Samsung released its 5.0 cubic foot WA50F, and others are coming to surpass the landmark.
It was quite a spinoff from the 5.0 cubic-foot front load washers that dominated the market.
However, many people deviate from front load washers and go for the more convenient top-loading washing machines.
Also, the demand for large washing machines has increased in line with the tightening of federal water and energy efficiency standards.
So, these machines are attractive because they use less water even though they’ll need more time to do your laundry.
So, big washing machines are becoming the real deal.
How Heavy Is A Washing Machine In KG?
Usually, washing machines weigh about 60 Kg to 90 Kg; this weight depends on the size, design, and wash capacity.
However, the most in-use washing machines weigh around 70 Kg.
Some of these washers can weigh as much as 110 Kg, but these machines’ drum capacity mainly dictates how much they’ll weigh.
On the other hand, washing machines with concrete blocks weigh considerably higher than those without these blocks.
Also, the size and number of these blocks determine how heavy your washing machine would be.
After purchasing a washing machine, you would see weight labels such as seven Kg, eight Kg, and nine Kg.
These numbers signify the load capacity of the device and not its weight.
Note that the load capacity here refers to the weight of dry clothes the washing machine can carry at once.
In the future, when trying to manoeuver a washing machine, it is always better to overestimate the weight.
It would help if you did this to avoid damage and injury due to underestimating the machine’s weight.
However, you can still find specific weights of washing machines from several merchant websites.
In most instances, there’s a listing of the unboxed and boxed weights of the product.
Why Are Front-loading Washers So Heavy?
Front-loading washing machines are pretty heavy compared to top-loading washers due to the difference in functionality.
Front-loading washers use less water, so they need more counterweight to hold it down firmly so it doesn’t dance about.
Front-load washers possess a water-efficient design that allows them to use less water to wash more clothes.
However, to wash your clothes properly, it has to use a higher amount of force which threatens to unbalance the machine and toss it about.
Consequently, the concrete counterweights that help keep these machines stable are larger and heavier.
This increases the overall weight of the front-loading washer and allows it to overtake its top-loading counterpart in terms of weight.
In the future, if you’re worried about the weight of your washing machine, keep in mind that the weight increases with the addition of water to the device.
So, if you’ve got a cranky wooden floor, you should try out other washing machine alternatives to prevent eventual damage to your home due to the weight.
To understand how much a front-loading washer weighs, always browse through the dimension chart of the manufacturing company.
Is A Heavier Washing Machine Better?
Heavier washing machines are a great choice when looking to make a purchase.
Therefore, if you live in a modern home with an excellent concrete floor that is strong enough to handle these weights, you should go for heavier machines.
These monsters allow you to enjoy an incredible gravity-enhanced washing experience and also benefit from their large capacity.
As a result, they are a great buy in all aspects.
For people with large small families, large and heavy washing machines are the ideal appliance to own.
But maybe you won’t realize how incredibly convenient these large machines are until you try to do your family’s laundry in a mini washing machine.
Well, everyone will surely go for carrying out one gigantic washing cycle.
Also, a heavy washer is still an added advantage for people with smaller families. This is because not everyone enjoys taking their time to do the laundry.
Well, with these larger and heavier machines, everything gets easier.
Well, looking at things from another angle, the weight of these machines alone prevents them from dangling about during washing cycles.
This goes on to increase efficiency and avoid damage to the washing machine during use.
How To Move A Washing Machine?
Moving a washing machine can be quite a daunting experience, especially if it’s a heavy appliance; however, there are a few steps to follow to achieve this feat.
#1. Remove All Materials From The Washing Machine And Properly Clean It.
Before getting on with the process of moving your washing machine, emptying it and cleaning it is usually an excellent move.
So, to clean the machine, run an empty wash cycle. However, use a cleaning agent such as vinegar in place of a washing detergent.
Allow the machine to dry.
#2. Put Off The Water And Power And Unplug The Machine
After your washing machine has dried, turn off its water supply from the supply rings. Afterward, switch off the power and remove the device from the outlet.
#3. Loosen The Valves For Water Supply And Remove Them
Once you’ve turned off the water supply, you should loosen the supply valves and remove them.
These valves are mostly attached to the wall at the back of your washing machine; a plier will do the job for you if these valves are tightly fastened.
#4. Attach Transit Bolts
Although it may seem like the washing machine transit bolts are not strictly necessary, these little devices prevent imminent damage to your machine during its transport.
Because your washing machine consists of many moving parts, there’s always a risk of harm.
However, these bolts secure these parts in place to prevent any injury.
#5. Move Your Machine Into The Trolley
Here, ensure that you wrap your washing machine in its protective cover before softly moving it into the trolley.
Again, it would help if you asked for help to complete this step because you cannot do this alone.
#6. Safely Load Your Washing Machine Into the Truck In An Upright Position
With a lot of strength needed for this step, you should be very careful with moving your machine from the trolley into the truck.
Also, do not forget to always keep it in an upright position and fasten it once you’ve placed it in.
How Many People Are Needed To Move A Washing Machine?
Although it is possible to move your washing machine without hiring movers, you should ask for the assistance of friends and family.
So, at least three people should work together to move this device in an ideal circumstance.
Conclusion
The weight of washing machines has always drawn people into awe. However, this feature allows the device to function correctly without dragging itself all over the place.
So, the weight of these machines adds to their safety and general functionality.