One of the most frustrating aspects of doing laundry is when you don’t have enough clothing to fill your washing machine.
As a result you may be tempted to ask yourself: can you run a washer empty?
Let me first assure you that you are not alone in this conundrum.
Many people have asked the same question and it’s not as simple as a yes or no answer.
The truth is that it depends on a variety of factors such as the type of machine you have and the types of fabrics you’re washing.
Factors to Consider
To answer the question of whether or not it’s safe to run a washer empty you must first consider the type of machine you have.
If you have a standard top-loading machine the answer is generally no.
It’s not safe to run a washing machine without clothes in it as it can cause damage to the motor.
However if you have a front-loading machine the answer is slightly different.
Front-loading machines are built to be more efficient and can often handle running without any clothes inside.
That being said it’s still not recommended as it could damage the drum and other components of the machine.
What to Do When You Don’t Have Enough Clothing
If you don’t have enough clothing to fill your washer there are other options available.
For example you can fill the machine with towels or other items such as stuffed animals or blankets.
This will help protect the drum and other components from any damage while still allowing you to get your clothes washed.
Another option is to wait until you have enough clothing to fill the machine.
While this may seem like a hassle it’s the safest option for ensuring the longevity of your machine.
The Science
The science behind running a washer empty is simple.
The washing machine is designed to move water and soap through the clothes in order to clean them.
When the washer is empty the water and soap cannot circulate and the machine will not work properly.
This can cause the machine to become unbalanced leading to loud noises and even damage to the internal parts.
Benefits of Running an Empty Washer
Despite the potential for damage there are a few benefits to running an empty washer.
It can be helpful for cleaning the lint trap and also for running small loads if the clothes are light enough.
Additionally running an empty washer can help to clean any residue from the laundry detergent that has built up in the machine.
Drawbacks of Running an Empty Washer
Although there are a few benefits to running an empty washer it can also create a few problems.
The biggest problem is that it can cause the machine to become unbalanced and lead to loud noises and even damage to the internal parts.
Additionally running an empty washer can cause the machine to overheat leading to further damage.
Conclusion
So can you run a washer empty? While the answer may depend on the type of machine you have it’s generally not recommended.
The safest option is to fill the machine with other items or wait until you have enough clothing to fill it.