Wash load

A wash load (also commonly referred to as a load of laundry) is a quantity of clothing, linens, or other washable items that are put into a washing machine for cleaning in a single cycle. The specific amount of items considered a "wash load" varies depending on the capacity of the washing machine, the type of items being washed (e.g., bulky items like towels versus delicate items like lingerie), and the user's preference for maximizing cleaning effectiveness and preventing overloading. Overloading a washing machine can reduce cleaning performance, damage the machine, or cause excessive wrinkling. Conversely, running a washing machine with a significantly under-filled load can be inefficient in terms of water and energy consumption. Many modern washing machines have load-sensing features to help users optimize water usage.

The term also encompasses the entire process of washing a load of laundry, from sorting the items to be washed, pre-treating stains, loading the washing machine, adding detergent and other washing aids (such as fabric softener or bleach), setting the appropriate wash cycle and temperature, and finally, transferring the clean items to a dryer or clothesline for drying. The term can also refer to the cost, in terms of time, effort, and utilities, involved in washing the items.