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Understanding G-Force in Soft-Mount Washers

Updated today

What It Really Means, Why Bigger Isn’t Always Better, and How to Choose the Right Balance

If you are shopping for commercial washers, you have probably noticed one number getting a lot of attention: G-Force.

It shows up in spec sheets, sales conversations, and side-by-side comparisons. Higher numbers are often framed as better performance, faster drying, or superior technology. That can make the decision feel simple. Just pick the washer with the biggest number.

But in real laundromats, it is not that simple.

The goal here is clarity, not persuasion. Think of this as a conversation over coffee with someone who has spent a lot of time around commercial laundry equipment.

Why G-Force Gets So Much Attention

G-Force is easy to compare.
It is a single number.
It feels scientific and objective.

For buyers comparing equipment, it can seem like a shortcut. If one machine spins at 350G and another at 450G, it is natural to assume the higher number must mean better extraction, faster dry times, and happier customers.

That assumption is understandable. It is also incomplete.

To make a good decision, it helps to understand what G-Force actually does and where its benefits level off.

What Is G-Force in Washing Machines?

In simple terms, G-Force measures how much force is applied during the spin cycle to pull water out of the laundry.

When a washer spins, centrifugal force pushes water outward from the fabric. The faster the spin, the more force is applied, and the more water is removed before the load goes into the dryer.

G-Force is a way of expressing that force relative to gravity.

Higher G-Force means stronger extraction.

In commercial washers, this extraction phase matters because it directly affects how wet the load is when the wash cycle ends.

How G-Force Affects Dry Time

This part is straightforward.

More water removed in the washer means less work for the dryer.

When extraction is effective, clothes start the drying cycle lighter and less saturated. That typically leads to shorter dry times, lower energy use, and faster customer turnover.

This is why G-Force matters.
But it is also where diminishing returns come into play.

Why Higher G-Force Is Not Always Better

Up to a point, increasing G-Force produces meaningful improvements in moisture removal. Beyond that point, the gains become smaller while the tradeoffs increase.

This is what people mean when they talk about diminishing returns.

At very high spin speeds:

  • Each additional increase in G-Force removes only a small amount of extra moisture

  • Mechanical stress on the machine increases significantly

  • Vibration, bearing load, and suspension strain all rise

From an operator’s perspective, this matters because laundry equipment is not judged only by peak performance. It is judged by how reliably it performs day after day, year after year.

Soft-Mount Washers and G-Force Explained

Soft-mount washers use an internal suspension system rather than relying on concrete anchoring for stability. That design allows them to reach higher extraction speeds compared to traditional hard-mount machines.

This flexibility is one of the advantages of soft-mount technology.
It also means engineers have choices.

Instead of pushing the machine to the highest possible G-Force, manufacturers can choose a speed that balances extraction, durability, and real-world operating conditions.

That balance is where thoughtful design shows up.

Why SIMPLECLEAN USA Optimizes Soft-Mount Washers at 350G

SIMPLECLEAN's soft-mount washers are capable of spinning faster than 350G.
That is intentional. Capability matters.

But capability is not the same as optimization.

After looking at extraction results, component stress, vibration behavior, and long-term service considerations, SIMPLECLEAN chose 350G as the operating sweet spot.

Here is why that decision makes sense in everyday laundromats.

1. Real-World Moisture Removal

At 350G, most of the available water that can be removed mechanically has already been extracted.

Pushing beyond that point does remove slightly more moisture, but the difference is often small compared to the jump in mechanical stress required to achieve it.

In practical terms, the dry time difference between a well-designed 350G extraction and much higher speeds is often marginal.

2. Reduced Stress on Internal Components

Higher G-Force increases the load on:

  • Bearings

  • Suspension systems

  • Shafts and mounts

  • Seals and structural components

Over time, that added stress can show up as more frequent maintenance, earlier part replacement, or increased downtime.

By optimizing at 350G, SIMPLECLEAN aims to reduce unnecessary wear while still delivering strong extraction performance.

3. Better Long-Term Stability in Real Stores

Laundromats are not controlled lab environments.

Floors vary.

Loads are not always perfectly balanced.
Usage patterns change throughout the day.

Operating at a slightly lower but still effective G-Force gives the machine more tolerance for real-world conditions. That helps maintain smooth operation over time, especially in busy stores.

4. A Total Cost of Ownership Perspective

From an ownership standpoint, performance is not just about the fastest possible cycle.

It is about:

  • Consistent operation

  • Predictable maintenance

  • Fewer service interruptions

  • Equipment that holds up over years, not just months

Optimizing at 350G supports those goals.

Higher G-Force vs Smarter G-Force

It is easy to frame G-Force as a competition.
Higher number wins.

A more useful way to think about it is smarter G-Force.

Smarter G-Force means:

  • Enough extraction to meaningfully reduce dry time

  • Controlled forces that protect the machine

  • Settings that work well across a wide range of loads

  • Performance that holds up over time

This approach prioritizes thoughtful engineering over headline numbers.

Does Higher G-Force Ever Make Sense?

In some cases, operators or facilities may want to adjust extraction behavior.

For example:

  • Certain specialty textiles

  • Controlled environments with consistent loads

  • Situations where operators fully understand the tradeoffs

SIMPLECLEAN machines are designed with flexibility in mind. The ability to reach higher speeds exists for a reason.

The key is understanding when that capability should be used and when it should not.

For most laundromats, especially customer-facing stores with varied loads, the optimized 350G setting provides the best balance.

How to Choose the Right G-Force for a Laundromat

Instead of asking “What is the highest G-Force available?”, consider these questions:

  • How much dry time improvement will actually be noticeable to customers?

  • How does increased extraction affect machine longevity?

  • What are the long-term maintenance implications?

  • How important is stability across unbalanced or mixed loads?

The right answer is rarely the extreme. It is usually the most balanced option.


Frequently Asked Questions About G-Force

What is G-Force in washing machines, in simple terms?
G-Force describes how strongly a washer spins to remove water from laundry during extraction. Higher G-Force means stronger water removal.

Is higher G-Force always better for commercial washers?
Not always. Beyond a certain point, higher G-Force produces smaller gains in moisture removal while increasing stress on the machine.

What is the difference between 350G and higher G-Force machines?
350G removes most of the extractable water efficiently. Higher speeds remove a bit more moisture but place more strain on components.

How does G-Force affect dry time?
Better extraction means less water for the dryer to remove. This can shorten dry cycles, but the improvement levels off at higher speeds.

Does higher G-Force reduce machine lifespan?
It can. Increased spin forces place more load on bearings, suspension systems, and structural components over time.

Why do soft-mount washers support higher G-Force?
Their internal suspension systems allow higher spin speeds without relying on concrete anchoring.

How should laundromat owners think about G-Force when buying equipment?
Focus on balance. Look for extraction that meaningfully improves operations without sacrificing durability or increasing maintenance risk.


The Bottom Line on G-Force

G-Force is an important part of washer performance, but it is not the only part. The highest number on a spec sheet does not automatically translate to the best experience in a working laundromat.

The right G-Force supports faster drying, protects the machine, and delivers consistent performance over time.

By optimizing soft-mount washers at 350G, SIMPLECLEAN USA focuses on what matters most to owners and operators: practical efficiency, durability, and long-term value.

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