In the ever-evolving world of household hacks and eco-friendly habits, one surprisingly effective laundry trick has been making waves online—and in washing machines around the world. It involves something you probably already have lying around: empty plastic water bottles.
At first glance, it may sound odd—why put trash in your washer? But this clever, sustainable technique is being praised not just for its resourcefulness, but for how well it improves the look, feel, and freshness of your clothes.
How It Works
The concept is remarkably simple. Start with two clean, empty plastic water bottles (preferably in the 16 to 20 oz range). Make sure to remove any paper or plastic labels, tightly screw on the caps, and double-check that they’re completely empty and dry inside. Then, just place them directly into your washing machine drum with your usual laundry load and run the cycle as normal—detergent and all.
As your machine spins, the bottles tumble with the clothes, creating movement and space that can help clothes wash more effectively. The trick is based on principles similar to those of using dryer balls—agitation, spacing, and airflow—but adapted for the washing stage.
What Are the Benefits?
1. Fewer Wrinkles and Less Tangling
One of the biggest annoyances in doing laundry is pulling out a clump of clothes that are twisted into a frustrating knot. This hack helps prevent that. The bottles move freely in the drum, gently separating clothes and preventing them from wrapping around one another. The result? Your garments come out smoother, with fewer wrinkles, which means less time spent ironing or steaming.
2. Enhanced Cleaning Performance
When clothes aren’t all bunched together, detergent and water can reach more surface area. The bottles help keep space between garments, allowing soap to distribute evenly and rinse away more thoroughly. You may notice brighter whites, fewer detergent marks, and an overall cleaner result—especially for items that often get missed, like sleeves or inner seams.
3. Time and Energy Savings
Wrinkle-free clothes don’t just look better—they dry faster too. Less tangling allows for better airflow in the dryer or on a drying rack. That means shorter drying times and reduced energy bills. And since your clothes come out smoother, you may skip the iron entirely, saving both electricity and effort. It’s a small change that adds up over time.
4. Reduces Single-Use Plastic Waste
Rather than tossing empty plastic bottles into the trash or even the recycling bin, this method gives them a second life. Reusing everyday materials like this not only saves money but helps reduce your household’s plastic footprint. It’s a win-win for you and the planet—and it’s an especially appealing tip for anyone looking to embrace a zero-waste or low-impact lifestyle.
5. A Quieter, Smoother Wash
Some users also report that placing bottles in the drum reduces noise during the spin cycle. This is particularly helpful if your washing machine is near a bedroom, living area, or office space. The bottles may act as a buffer, balancing the load more evenly and softening the sound of heavy fabrics banging against the sides.
Extra Tips for Better Results
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Don’t Overload Your Washer: This tip works best when there’s still room for movement in the drum. If the washer is too full, the bottles can’t circulate properly.
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Use Durable Bottles: Thicker plastic bottles tend to last longer. Avoid very thin or crinkly types that might get crushed.
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Hang Clothes Promptly: Take clothes out of the washer as soon as the cycle ends to reduce wrinkling even more.
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Try Vinegar in the Rinse Cycle: A half cup of distilled white vinegar helps soften clothes naturally and reduce detergent residue.
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Add Dryer Balls or Tennis Balls in the Dryer: For even more fluff and fewer wrinkles, consider combining this bottle trick with wool dryer balls in the drying phase.
Small Change, Big Impact
This surprisingly simple hack is proof that even small, everyday items can have a big effect on your laundry routine. Whether you’re trying to make your chores more efficient, cut down on waste, or just save time in your day, adding a couple of plastic bottles to your wash cycle might just become your new go-to trick.
Better for your clothes. Better for your energy bill. Better for the environment. And all it takes is two empty bottles.
