Your washing machine is a must-have for keeping clothes clean, but did you know there are little tricks that can make it work even better — and protect your clothes in the process? One unexpected method involves something you probably already have at home: empty plastic bottles.

Yes, it might sound odd, but tossing two empty plastic bottles into the drum of your washing machine can help prevent tangling, improve how your clothes are cleaned, and even make your garments last longer.

How Does It Work?

This simple trick doesn’t require any fancy tools or machine modifications. Here’s how to do it:

• Load your laundry into the machine as usual.
• Take two empty plastic bottles (with the caps screwed on tightly so no water gets in) and place them directly inside the drum.
• Start the wash cycle with your regular settings.

As the machine spins, the bottles act as gentle spacers, helping keep clothes from wrapping around each other.

Benefits of Using Plastic Bottles in the Wash

• Reduces tangling: Clothes often get twisted together during a wash, which can stretch or damage fabrics. The bottles help separate them.
• Better detergent and water flow: With less clumping, water and soap move through the fabric more evenly, improving cleaning performance.
• Protects delicate items: Light garments like underwear or sweaters are less likely to lose their shape or get stretched.
  Less friction = longer garment life: By minimizing rubbing between clothes, the overall wear and tear is reduced.

More Tips to Maximize Your Washing Machine’s Performance

Want to go even further? Here are a few extra tips to help your clothes come out cleaner and last longer:

• Don’t overload the machine — leave enough space for movement.
• Measure your detergent — too much or too little both cause problems.
• Clean the drum monthly — run an empty cycle with vinegar or baking soda to remove residue.
• Use the right wash program for each type of fabric.
• Check your pockets — keys, coins, and tissues can cause serious mess.
• Try laundry balls or tennis balls when washing bulky items like puffer jackets — they help keep the filling from clumping.

Final Thoughts

The plastic bottle trick is simple, low-cost, and surprisingly effective. Give it a try, and you might be surprised by how much cleaner and untangled your clothes come out. Combine this with a few basic washing habits, and your laundry routine (and your wardrobe) will thank you.