Calculator
Example data table
| Scenario | Inputs | Output summary |
|---|---|---|
| Mud-season clothing | Mixed, Medium soil, Damp, 5 kg, 10% margin | Suggests Standard size, with safe fill guidance. |
| Soaked towels after hose cleanup | Heavy, Heavy soil, Wet, 6 kg, 15% margin | Often recommends Large size or splitting loads. |
| Light gloves and shirts | Light, Light soil, Dry, 2 kg, 5% margin | Usually fits Compact or Standard size. |
These are illustrative examples; your items may compress differently.
Formula used
The calculator estimates how much drum space your garden-cleanup load needs, then adds headroom for agitation. It uses weight-based bulk estimates, because muddy fabrics and towels behave very differently.
- Effective weight = Load weight × Moisture multiplier
- Bulk volume (cu ft) = Effective weight (kg) × Bulk factor (cu ft per kg)
- Fill fraction = Base fill (front/top) + Soil adjustment − Safety margin
- Required capacity = Bulk volume ÷ Fill fraction
Bulk factors are tuned for garden clothing, towels, and wet debris. Use a higher safety margin for sandy or gritty loads.
How to use this calculator
- Weigh your load in a basket, then enter the weight.
- Select moisture based on how wet the items feel.
- Pick load type that matches bulkiness, not just weight.
- Set soil level based on mud, sand, and plant debris.
- Increase safety margin if items are gritty or bulky.
- Press Submit to see results above the form.
- Use CSV or PDF buttons to save your report.
Practical garden-wash tips
Practical guidance
Capacity matters for soil removal
Garden garments hold grit in folds and seams, so they need space to tumble. When the drum is overfilled, items slide as one mass and mud redeposits. This calculator estimates bulk volume and applies a usable fill fraction so agitation remains effective. A larger recommended capacity often improves rinse quality and reduces repeat cycles, especially after digging or edging work.
Moisture changes the true load
Damp and wet loads weigh more and compress differently than dry ones. The moisture multiplier increases the effective weight so bulky wet towels or soaked gloves are not underestimated. For wet loads, splitting the basket into two smaller cycles typically improves spin performance and shortens drying time because water can escape more evenly.
Load type reflects bulk, not only weight
Two loads can weigh the same but occupy very different space. Light items pack tightly, while denim, canvas, and towels create air gaps and require more drum volume. The load type option adjusts the bulk factor used in the estimate. Choose “Very heavy” for soaked canvas aprons, thick hoodies, and multiple towels from hose cleanup.
Safety margin protects machines and fabrics
The safety margin reduces the allowed fill fraction to lower strain on bearings, belts, and suspension. Increase it for sandy, gritty, or sharply soiled items because extra water and movement help carry particles away. A higher margin also reduces wrinkling and abrasion on delicate garden clothing by avoiding tight packing.
Use outputs to plan supplies and time
Along with capacity, the calculator provides estimated water use, detergent dose, and cycle time so you can plan a cleanup session. If your existing capacity is smaller than the requirement, the recommendation is to split the load. After calculating, export a report as CSV or PDF for maintenance logs, rental properties, or shared gardens.
FAQs
1) What does “required capacity” represent?
It is the estimated drum volume needed to tumble the load with enough headroom for cleaning. It is not a strict manufacturer rating, but a practical planning figure for garden-soiled laundry.
2) Should I use weight from a dry basket or a wet basket?
Use the basket weight that matches the moisture setting you choose. If items are wet from rain or rinsing, enter the wet weight and select Wet to avoid underestimating volume and strain.
3) Why does soil level reduce the safe fill?
Heavy soil needs more water and movement to flush grit out. Lowering the fill fraction increases agitation space, improving rinse quality and reducing the chance of residue staying in cuffs, seams, and pockets.
4) Can I compare different washers with this tool?
Yes. Enter your current washer capacity to see whether the load likely fits. Then adjust the safety margin and load type to evaluate realistic scenarios before buying or using a shared machine.
5) How accurate are the water and detergent estimates?
They are planning estimates that scale with drum size and soil level. Actual usage varies by cycle selection, water pressure, and washer design. Use your product label and local water conditions for final dosing.
6) What should I do if the calculator says to split the load?
Split by bulk, not only weight. Keep heavy towels separate from lighter clothing, shake off debris first, and run a rinse-first option if available. Two balanced loads clean better than one overloaded load.