A washing machine is now a staple in almost every modern household, making life easier many clothes at a time.
However, moving one is no easy feat.
Whether you’re moving into a new place or buying a washing machine for the first time, you might be wondering: How much does it weigh? How do I move it? Can I do it myself?
Knowing the average weight of this heavy and clunky device can prepare you for what you are dealing with, and in this case, an overestimate is always better to avoid any injury or damage.
Washing machines generally weigh around 130-200 lbs, with the most common models falling around 170 lbs. Smaller washers may weigh as little as 100 lbs, while extremely large ones can also exceed 250 lbs up.
Knowing how much a washing machine weighs is imperative so you don’t harm yourself or others while trying to move it. This article talks about common weights and what you should know before attempting to move one.
Average Weight of a Washing Machine
Mainly depending on its drum capacity, the weight of a washing machine is also determined by other factors such as the type of machine (front-load or top-load), brand, features, and how latest the model is.
When you go out into the market to purchase a washing machine, you may notice numbers such as 7, 8, or 9kg labeled alongside the product.
That is the weight of dry clothes that the machine can accommodate, which is why you should not confuse it with the weight of the washing machine itself.
If you are buying or relocating a washing machine, you may also be on the lookout for a dryer.
Since a washer contains two drums and suspensions, dryers are comparatively lighter even though they have a larger capacity to fit an entire load of laundry while leaving enough space for hot air to circulate.
They usually range from 100 to 150 pounds, averaging around 124 pounds.
Types of Washing Machines
The washing machine’s type has a significant effect on the weight it carries.
Front-load washers and top-load washers are the two common forms of a washing machine, and the difference in their functionality is well illustrated by their names.
You load clothes from the front in a front-load washer, and you can guess how a top-load washer works.
A typical 7kg capacity (mid-sized) washer weighs around 150 pounds (68kg) in the top-load form, and between 200 to 250 pounds (91 to 159kg) in the front-load.
As the size would increase, these weights would also increase but regardless of that, the size and shape of both remain the same.
A regular size of both of them falls between 3 and 4 cubic feet, accommodating up to 7.2kg of clothes.
This low weight deems heavier hardware necessary as a counterweight to prevent the machine from sliding throughout its wash cycle.
Washer and Dryer Combinations
Since people need both of these, a popular choice is buying them together.
Rather than investing in two separate units, a washer-dryer combo contains both in one, whereas a laundry center contains a dryer vertically stacked atop a washer.
These compact machines are ideal for smaller apartments and lofts where space is a constraint.
However, the availability of two products in one also raises the weight.
The average weight of a washer-dryer combo is around 185 pounds, while that of a stacked washer-dryer laundry center is 238 pounds.
Why Are Washing Machines Heavy?
Although the weight ramps up the inconvenience, you do not want your washing machine to be light.
Significant movement occurs inside a washing machine during each washing cycle, and its weight prevents it from sliding around or dancing on your laundry room’s floor.
Washing machines are manufactured with a solid block of concrete generally weighing at least 55 pounds (25kg) to act as a counterweight.
This adds balance and enhances stability to the base of the machine so it doesn’t topple over during use.
Additionally, washing machines contain numerous other heavy components such as two steel tubs, a motor, a metal frame, and a gearbox.
Almost all of its infrastructure is metal-based, which explains why a washing machine is usually heavy.
Moving a Washing Machine
Despite its high weight, moving a washing machine is not only a common occurrence but easily doable if you know how.
Rather than going into it blindly, the right way prevents any unnecessary damage to the machine or yourself.
Most washers are roughly the same size and shape, standardizing the equipment and protocol you need to be aware of.
1. Clean
Make the machine as light as possible by removing all clothing and water.
Rub a homemade or store-purchased washing machine cleaner on the control panel, lid, exterior, drum, and every other part before running it under the washer’s self-cleaning cycle.
If it does not have that, filling it with hot water and bleach for an hour works too.
2. Unplug
Shut off the water supply going into the washer before unplugging all cords, vents, tubes, and pipes.
Place a bucket behind your appliance after switching the water valve off for any remaining water.
Disconnecting the hot and cold water hoses with a wrench or plier is usually the first step, followed by the power outlet.
Make sure you turn the electricity off as well before you do this. If you are unsure about it, contacting a plumber or electrician is the safe way ahead.
3. Protect
Once the cords and tubes are out, secure them onto the machine’s back with packing tape so you don’t mix them up or trip over them during the move.
Furthermore, you don’t want these wires to scratch up your expensive washer.
You can further cover the washing machine with blankets, padding material, bubble wraps, appliance boxes, or moving packs to protect it from undue contact with anything else.
4. Prepare
Assess the area you are moving in and plan the path you will take before taking out the equipment.
Using a dolly is the best way to go about this, as it bears most of the weight with even balance, making it easy to wheel around.
While walking it on slopes, stay on the dolly’s high side so it doesn’t feel as heavy.
5. Connect
Use the transit bolts that came with your washer to secure the drum of the machine.
It hangs on a suspension and this is what moves during each spin cycle, making it extremely delicate.
If unsecured, you can easily damage the suspension system of your washer. Follow this by positioning the dolly onto the back or side of the washer.
6. Move
You are now ready for the part of the move that should always be done with three to four other people.
If taking the elevator or a ramp is not an option, manually lifting it up or down the stairs is easily manageable with efficient coordination.
The Bottom Line to How Much a Washing Machine Weighs
Even though a washing machine is heavy at around 170 pounds, the high weight is not something that can be compromised.
It is integral to the safety and efficacy of the machine, which is why people now have enough experience moving it to know what works.
With proper cleaning, preparation, equipment, and your strongest buddies, you too can move your beloved washer into your new home.
