Quick Answer
A 7kg washing machine will use approximately 35-70 litres of water per wash cycle. The exact amount can vary based on the specific model, settings used, and soil level of the laundry. Most standard washing machines use between 40-60 litres per cycle for a full 7kg load.
How Washing Machines Use Water
Washing machines use water for several key functions:
- Dissolving and diluting laundry detergent
- Lifting and suspending clothes in the wash water
- Providing mechanical action for removing dirt and stains
- Rinsing soap and dirt away after washing
The total amount of water needed depends on the size of the machine, the wash settings selected, and how much laundry is in the load.
Water Usage by Washing Machine Size
In general, larger capacity washing machines will use more water per cycle than smaller models. Here are some typical water usages for different sized machines:
Washing Machine Capacity | Water Used Per Cycle |
---|---|
5kg | 25-40 litres |
6kg | 30-50 litres |
7kg (standard size) | 35-70 litres |
8kg | 40-80 litres |
10kg | 50-90 litres |
As you can see, a standard 7kg washing machine will use about 35-70 litres per wash. The range is due to different water settings and machine features.
Impact of Cycle and Settings
The wash cycle and settings you choose will also affect total water consumption:
- Shorter cycles use less water by design. For example, a 15-minute fast wash will use far less water than a standard 60-minute normal cycle.
- Lower water settings can reduce usage. Many machines allow you to manually select low, medium or high water levels.
- Load size affects water needs. A smaller load will use less water overall compared to a full 7kg capacity.
- Soil level of the laundry can impact cycle length and rinse times, influencing water use.
- Temperature only minimally impacts water usage.
By choosing faster cycles, smaller loads, and lower water settings you can reduce the total consumption per wash.
Front-Load vs Top-Load Machines
Front-loading washing machines tend to use less water than conventional top-loading designs. Here’s why:
- Front-load tubs rotate clothes through water saving significant water.
- Less water is needed to soak and circulate clothes.
- Their high-speed spin cycles extract more water, reducing rinse time.
On average, most front-load washers use 15-30% less water than equivalent sized top-loaders.
Average Water Usage of a 7kg Washing Machine
Based on typical water consumption figures, here are some general estimates for how much water a 7kg washing machine will use:
- Average top-loader: 60 litres per cycle
- High-efficiency top-loader: 45 litres per cycle
- Average front-loader: 40 litres per cycle
- High-efficiency front-loader: 30 litres per cycle
These averages can serve as a rough guideline. But the actual usage will vary based on specific models, cycles, settings and load sizes. Newer high-efficiency machines can use even less water when optimized.
Estimating Gallons Used
To estimate how many gallons a 7kg washer uses, simply multiply the litres by 0.26. This converts litres to gallons.
So for example, a typical 40 litre front-loading 7kg washer would use around 10 gallons per cycle (40 x 0.26 = 10 gallons).
Factors That Impact Water Usage
There are several factors that contribute to how much water a washing machine needs to use:
1. Machine Size and Capacity
Larger washers require more water to fill the drum and soak clothes sufficiently. A 10kg machine needs more water overall compared to a 6kg model.
2. Machine Age and Technology
New high-efficiency washers are specifically designed to conserve water. Older conventional models typically use more water.
3. Cycle Settings
Shorter and gentler cycles use less water. Heavy duty or very soiled washes require more water to clean effectively.
4. Water Level Settings
If your machine has adjustable water levels, choosing a lower setting will reduce water usage.
5. Load Size
For optimal efficiency, always wash full loads. Washing small half or quarter loads wastes water.
6. Clothing Material
Delicates and lightweight synthetic fabrics require less water versus heavy cottons and denims.
7. Soil Level
Heavily soiled laundry may need more rinse cycles, increasing overall water use.
8. Detergent Efficiency
High-efficiency detergents clean better with less water. Older detergents need more water to rinse away properly.
How to Conserve Water When Washing Clothes
Here are some tips to reduce water consumption when using your washing machine:
- Wash full loads whenever possible. This maximizes efficiency.
- Select an appropriate wash cycle and settings for each load. Avoid cycles that use more water than needed.
- Use high-efficiency detergent to improve cleaning performance with less water.
- Set your machine to the lowest suitable water level or setting.
- Choose a high-efficiency front or top-loading washing machine when buying new.
- Repair any leaks in hoses or valves which can waste water over time.
- Upgrade old water-intensive machines to new high-efficiency models.
- Adjust load sizes for small laundry amounts. Partial or small loads use less water.
- Pretreat heavily soiled clothing to maximize cleaning in shorter cycles.
Implementing some of these measures in your laundry routines can help conserve significant amounts of water over time.
Innovations in High-Efficiency Washing Machines
Washer technology continues improving water and energy efficiency. Here are some innovations in modern washing machines:
- More precise electronic sensors that adapt water use to load size and soil level.
- Faster spin speeds up to 1300 RPM to extract more water from clothes before rinsing.
- Spray rinses that evenly distribute and target water flow.
- Advanced tumble patterns that fully wet clothes while using less water.
- Built-in leak detection to prevent water wasting from hose failures.
- Use of stainless steel for drums and tubs to save water with long-lasting durability.
- Recycled water filtration systems to reuse rinsing water for the next wash cycle.
Continued improvements in washer design and technology will further optimize water efficiency in the years ahead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much water does a 7kg washing machine use in litres?
A 7kg washing machine uses approximately 35-70 litres of water per cycle. Normal average usage is around 40-60 litres. High-efficiency models can use as little as 30-40 litres.
How many gallons does a 7kg washing machine use?
Converting the litres to gallons, a 7kg washer will typically use 10-15 gallons per cycle. High-efficiency washers can use as little as 8-10 gallons.
Do front or top load machines use less water?
Front-loading washing machines generally use less water compared to top-loading machines of equivalent size and capacity.
Should I get a high-efficiency washer to save water?
Yes, high-efficiency washing machines can conserve significant water by optimizing cycle length, adapting water levels, and spin extracting more effectively. They are a wise investment for water savings.
What wash settings use the least amount of water?
Using faster, lighter cycles, lower water levels, and higher spin speeds are ways to reduce water consumption per wash. Additionally, washing full loads maximizes efficiency.
Conclusion
The average water usage of a standard 7kg washing machine is 35-70 litres per cycle. But newer high-efficiency models can use as little as 30-40 litres. Water consumption is also impacted by wash settings, cycle selections, load size, and machine capacity. Following high-efficiency laundry practices and investing in a high-efficiency washer are great ways to conserve water and save money on utility bills.