We have 5 and I can normally do a load a day, but it would be 2 x half loads. with clothes and towels.

We also have clean towels for every shower/bath that happens can't stand to hang them up and reuse later.

I don't seperate my darks and whites though, they all just get thrown in together. If i buy something new where I think the colour may run then i do a seperate handwash first. We don't really where a lot of "light" colours anyway, having 4 boys in the house

How big is your machine, we have a 7.5kg. Upgraded from a 5kg when we had Ashton.

Love