How Fast Does a Washing Machine Spin in RPM and MPH?

Most of us are always tempted to go for a higher spin when using the washing machine to reduce drying time and do more laundry. However, the fear of damaging the fabric makes us skeptical. We can’t help but wonder, ‘how fast does a washing machine spin?’

Generally, an average top loading washer spins at an average of 600-700 RPM while its front loader counterpart averages 900-1400 RPM. In terms of miles per hour, a top-loader can hit 300-360MPH while a front loader can average 450-700MPH.

Other determining factors I’ll discuss are the model, fabric type, washer performance, economy, noise or vibration level, detergent, and nature of the load.

We’ll not just look at these factors and their influence on the washer’s RPM, but we’ll also discuss the effects of a higher spin, what to do if your washer is not spinning fast, and the relationship between spin speed and residual moisture.

Let’s get started!

What Determines a Washing Machine’s Spin Speed?

Essentially, a washing machine’s speed is dependent on the type of washer. That brings us to top-loaders vs. front-loaders discussed next.

a) How Fast Does a Top Loading Washing Machine Spin?

The average top loader spins at a speed of 600-700RPM. There are, however, a few high-end top-loading washers that can hit 1600 RPM or thereabout.

You can expect such models, however, to cost more. So, you are more likely to find a top loader with a 600-700 RPM spin rate than an option with a 1600RPM spin rate.

Overall, top-loaders are not as fast as their front-loader siblings. In terms of the wash cycle, top loaders have a shorter wash cycle (averaging 25 minutes) compared to the front loader’s 45 – 90 minutes.

But why? That’s because top-loaders use more water and detergent, which enables them to clean faster even though they have a slower spin.

b) But How Fast Does a Front Load Washer Spin?

While a front loader happens to have a slightly longer spin cycle for being economical with water and detergent, it spins much faster than a top loader.

The average front loader averages 900-1400 RPM, which translates to a shorter drying cycle.

On the one hand, a top loader’s slower spin means using more water and detergent but having a shorter wash cycle. On the other hand, a front loader’s faster spin means saving on water and detergent and less drying time.

So, these are the compromises you must make when choosing between the two washers.

How Fast Does a Washing Machine Spin MPH?

After indicating a washing machine’s spin speed in revolutions per minute, you are likely to ask, ‘how about miles per hour?’

Well, let’s do a bit of calculation;

If your washer spins at 1,000 RPM, that translates to 17 revolutions per second (RPS) if you divide by 60. To get the speed in MPH, you need to multiply the RPS with the washer’s circumference.

If we take the standard washer’s circumference of 30 inches, we will have a speed of 510 MPH. Let’s go to the RPM mentioned earlier for the top-loader and front-loader.

how fast does a washing machine spin MPH

a) Top Loaders Washing Machines Spin in MPH

A top-loading machine spins at a rate of 600-700RPM, which translates to 10-12 RPS if we divide by 60. If we multiply that by a washer’s circumference of 30 inches, we will have 300-360 MPH.

So, expect a standard-size top-loading washing machine (with a 30-inch circumference) to spin at a speed of 300-360 MPH.

b) Front Loading Washing Machines Spin in MPH

If we convert the standard top-loaders RPM of 900-1400 RPM into RPS (by dividing by 60), we will have 15-23 RPS. And if we multiply this RPS by 30-inch (the washer’s circumference), we will have a speed of 450-700MPH.

So, it’s fair to say that a standard front loading washing machine (with a 30-inch circumference) averages a top spin of 450-700MPH.

What Spin Speed Should I Use?

Generally, the fabric type that your wash dictates what spin speed to use. Usually, the lighter and more delicate it is, the lower the spin, preventing wrinkling. On the other hand, the thicker or heavier it is, the faster the spin, resulting in a shorter drying period.

And since the two washing machine types have different potentials, the spin rate between fabrics may differ slightly, as the table below shows:

Fabric Type	Top Loader	Front Loader
Delicate (silk, thin blouses and lace socks and underwear)	300 – 400 RPM	400 – 600 RPM
Shirts	300 – 400 RPM	400 – 600 RPM
Wool	400 – 500 RPM	700 – 900 RPM
Synthetics (acrylic and polyester garments and sportswear)	500 – 600 RPM	800 – 1,000 RPM
Denim/jeans	600 – 1,000 RPM	900 – 1,200 RPM
Cotton (bedsheets, clothes, and towels) and other thick fabrics	600 – 1,000 RPM	900 – 1400 RPM

Other Factors that Determine the Washing Machine Spin Speed

Other than the washer type and fabric, other factors that determine the washer’s spin rate include:

1. Model

Some washing machine models spin faster than others. For example, while standard top-loaders average 600-700 RPM, some top-tier models clock 1600RPM, which is faster than a typical front loader.

Meanwhile, some front loaders will start at a much slower spin before averaging 900-14oo RPM at full speed.

2. Noise/ Vibration level

Generally, a faster spin means excessive vibration and noise from your washer. So, for those users who like keeping their washing machine’s noise level low, a slower spin is highly recommended.

But overall, stabilizing the washer’s feet goes a long way in keeping the spin noise at a minimum. However, the noise won’t concern you if the washer is a few yards away. Hence, you can spin the washer as fast as possible. (Valium)

3. Washer Performance and Economy

Larger families usually prefer faster spins to complete the laundry on time since higher speed translates to a reduced drying period.

For that reason, most of them often go for the front loaders for their faster spin. Besides, not only do the washers guarantee a shorter drying period, but they are also economical in water and detergent use.

4. Type of Detergent

The laundry detergent that you employ also dictates the washer’s spin speed. Heavy laundry detergents such as Persil and Tide require washers that spin much faster, at least 1000 RPM.

The detergent residues will likely remain behind if you use a low spinning washer with such detergents. On the other hand, lighter detergents only need a slow-spinning washer, about 600-700 RPM.

So, it’s fair to say the top loader is best for lighter detergents, while a front loader is ideal for Persil, tide, and other thick detergents.

4. Nature of The Load

It’s not just about the fabric type when picking a washer’s spin speed. It’s also about the nature of the load. If the load is thicker or dirtier, you’ll need a much faster spin than when dealing with lighter and less messy loads.

Remember, the faster the spin, the more water the washer removes, which means you require a fast-loading cycle for dirtier and heavier loads.

what is the fastest spin speed for a washing machine

Washing Machine RPM Vs. Residual Moisture

Typically, a washing machine with a higher RPM takes more water out of the laundry load, which means less drying time.

In other words, the higher the RPM, the less residual moisture. That brings us to the comparison below:

Washer’s RPM	Residual Moisture (%)
1200 RPM	52%
1400 RPM	50%
1600 RPM	44%

What Is the Fastest Spin Speed for A Washing Machine?

From the above table, it’s clear that the highest spin speed is 1600 RPM. Such a spin promises the least residual moisture, translating to the shortest drying period.

But generally, 1600 RPM is only ideal for the heaviest, thickest, and dirtiest clothes. If you use the spin on light and delicate fabric, you are likely to ruin them.

Should I Go for A Higher Spin Speed On My Washing Machine?

Several advantages come with a higher spin. They include:

Reduced drying time – As stated earlier, a high spin speed equals lower residual moisture, which means the clothes are likely to dry faster.
Economy – Fast spinning washers tend to economize on both water and detergent. They use less water and detergent than slow-spinning washers.
Bulky wash – A high spin is ideal if you want to wash lots of clothes, especially heavy and dirtier ones. It’ll get the job done much more effortlessly.

On a negative note

A high speed is not the best for the most delicate and lighter fabrics because of possible damage. Let’s explain more about that.

Does High Spin Speed Damage Clothes?

High spins don’t always damage clothes. It generally depends on the type of clothes you wash. If you wash thicker fabrics like Denim and cotton (towels and bedsheets) at high speed, you won’t have anything to worry about.

However, if you wash delicate options such as silk and linen, you could damage the fabric. Such fabrics are prone to easy tear under high-speed washing.

The other issue is that they are also prone to shrinkage at high speed. For that reason, keeping the pace below 1000 RPM is advisable.