Washing machines are one of the heaviest devices in every home which make users wonder if there are weights in the washing machine.
Not every washer has the same weight since a variety of models are available in different sizes, but the question is what makes them heavy.
Manufacturers add concrete counterweights in washing machines to gain overall weight. Making the device heavy is necessary as weights help the device to stay stable by handling spin cycle movements. Some companies add weight at the top and some at the bottom. Besides, if weights get removed, the machine can damage itself.
Let’s dive into the guide!
Table of Contents
Weight Location in a Washing Machine?
Every manufacturer uses their suitable plan and body structure design to fit and position parts in their products. Most manufacturers make their product fitting and specification unique so they make their product outstanding in the market.
Generally, some washing machine models contain weights at the underside of the tub(washing drum) and some at the top near the tub. However, quite a few heavy load capacity washers have concrete eight at both sides – bottom and top. Companies apply their engineering structure for positioning weights, that’s the reason few washing machines have weights in different positions.
Engineers test washers after developing a new model to detect where the design requires more weight to deal with sip cycles. After noticing, engineers add weights where the new models need more strength by improving gravity with the floor.
As the market has uncountable models in washing machines, it is hard to say where weights are located in your washer model. Users are required to open the cover of the washer to look inside to find the weight location.
If you’re replacing the existing concrete blocks, fit them in place of the existing blocks. Don’t try to add blocks where you want to place them since they can imbalance the washer during the wash spin cycles.
What are Washing Machine Weights made of?
As technology in the electronics sector is increasing rapidly, manufacturers are using a variety of materials to build parts of their products.
Usually, washing machine weights are made of concrete, called concrete blocks. In some models, plastic mixed material weights blocks work fine. Every washer company uses its preferred way to make its machine parts and engineers’ recommendations are followed to decide which material is used for its product part.
If no concrete material is used in any washing machine, the weight of the machine will be less. Furthermore, a maximum cloth washing drum capacity washer model contains more weight than regular models. In simple words, the more capacity a washing machine is, the more weight it has.
Companies use concrete and thick iron wire to build Concrete weights, which typically have square block shapes. Most companies use concrete to gain the washer weight.
Some washers have a balance ring instead of concrete which helps the washer to stay stable. It has heavyweight-like concrete blocks. These balance rings have plastic covers but inside them, manufacturers use different materials.
Can the Weight of a Washing Machine be taken out?
Typically most washing machines have 55-70 kg weight, and large capacity models mostly have 80-90 weight. The weight of the washing machine depends on the size, model, and material used in its manufacturing. Most quality washers have more weight since these devices are assembled of high-quality durable parts.
If you want to know the actual weight of your washer, read the bill or user manual of the machine. Companies break down every product specification on the user manual and product bill.
Users have to open the body of the washer to take out the concrete counterweight from the machine. If you want to take out concrete blocks, open the upper cover of the machine. As we discussed earlier, different models have concrete blocks at different positions, if there is no block top side then check underneath.
Sometimes concrete blocks inside break and cause sound during the spin cycle which may damage internal parts. If you are facing the recently described issue, you need to replace it by opening the body of the washing machine.
Do Washing Machines Have Weight Limits?
Yes, every washing machine has eight limits. If the user overloads the drum, it will bust the washing machine motor. In addition, once damaged, the washing machine motor cannot be repaired.
The washing drum capacity of the machine is responsible for handling the laundry load. Every washing machine comes with the laundry capacity limit tag, read that tag to operate and use it correctly.
In the following list, we described the washing machine’s weight limits according to their load capacity:
- Low-capacity top-loaders: 5 – 6 pounds
- Medium-capacity top-loader: 7– 9 pounds
- Large-capacity top-loaders: 10–16 pounds
- Regular-size front-loader: 8 – 10 pounds
- Medium front-loader: 12 – 18 pounds
- Extra-large front loader washer: 20 – 22 pounds
Note: every company has its rules and regulations to operate its developed devices. First, check the specification of your washer, then make sure you’re not putting in excessive amounts of clothes.
Conclusion
Every washing machine has concrete blocks or other materials-made weights to stabilize the device during the spin cycle. It protects the appliance from damage and helps it to work without jumping and too much vibrating.
These weights can be located inside the body. Some companies add them at the top, others at the bottom, and a few at both sides of the washer tub.