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Would full length drum paddles improve washing performance?

M1ndfvl.one

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Joined
Jul 14, 2025
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Curious thought while doing laundry, has anyone ever wondered why most washers only have short paddles or lifters spaced around the drum, instead of ones that run the full length? it got me thinking, if the paddles extended the entire width of the drum, would that create better agitation and possibly lead to cleaner clothes? or... is there a specific reason manufacturers keep them short, has anyone seen a machine designed that way or has insight into whether that would actually make a difference in wash quality
 
Hmmm. I love these random thoughts. Anyway I think full-length paddles might boost agitation, but they would probably mess with the balance and may even increase wear on clothes.
 
Full-length paddles wouldn't clean clothes better, they'd just use more energy and strain the motor. Short paddles work because they create strong water movement, not just raw agitation. It's not manufacturers being cheap; short paddles are actually more efficient for cleaning and protecting your clothes
 
The shorter paddles help tumble clothes more gently and efficiently/ if they ran the full length, it could be too harsh and strain the motor or bearings.
 
Haha was having the same thoughts! I was staring at my washer the other day thinking that maybe longer paddles might clean better? But I read that short paddles are enough to lift and move clothes around and longer ones might cause too much wear or noise. Also, I haven't seen a full-length paddle design yet, does any brand have it?
 
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