The Laundry Hack You Never Knew You Needed: Toss 2 Plastic Bottles in Your Washer
Household hacks come and go, but one surprisingly effective laundry trick has been quietly taking over washing machines—and it only requires something most of us already have at home: empty plastic water bottles.
At first, it might sound strange—why put bottles in your laundry? But this clever, eco-friendly technique is gaining attention for how it improves the look, feel, and freshness of your clothes—all while giving those empty bottles a second life.
How It Works
It’s simple: grab two clean, empty plastic water bottles (16–20 oz works best). Remove any labels, make sure the bottles are dry, and screw the caps on tight. Toss them in the washer with your regular load and run your cycle as usual.
As the drum spins, the bottles tumble with your clothes, creating extra movement, airflow, and spacing—much like dryer balls, but during the washing stage.
Why It Works Wonders
1. Fewer Wrinkles & Less Tangling
Say goodbye to clothes twisted into frustrating knots. The bottles help separate garments as they tumble, leaving your laundry smoother and saving you time on ironing or steaming.
2. Cleaner Clothes, Every Time
With clothes less bunched together, detergent reaches every nook and cranny. The result? Brighter whites, fewer detergent streaks, and cleaner seams and sleeves.
3. Faster Drying & Energy Savings
Smoother, untangled clothes dry more quickly. Whether in the dryer or on a rack, shorter drying times mean lower energy bills—and fewer wrinkles mean you might skip the iron entirely.
4. Reduces Plastic Waste
Instead of tossing bottles into the trash or recycling, this hack gives them a second life. It’s an easy, zero-waste-friendly way to help the planet while improving your laundry routine.
5. A Quieter, Balanced Wash
Some users report less noise during the spin cycle. The bottles can act as mini buffers, helping balance the load and reduce heavy thuds from thick fabrics.
Extra Tips for Best Results
- Don’t Overload the Washer: Leave enough room for clothes and bottles to move freely.
- Choose Durable Bottles: Thicker bottles last longer—skip thin, flimsy ones.
- Hang Clothes Promptly: Reduce wrinkles by removing clothes as soon as the cycle ends.
- Add Vinegar in the Rinse: Half a cup of distilled white vinegar softens fabrics naturally.
- Combine with Dryer Balls: Use with wool dryer balls for extra fluff and minimal wrinkles.
Small Change, Big Impact
This simple hack proves that even everyday items can dramatically improve your laundry routine. Better-looking clothes, lower energy bills, less waste, and a quieter wash—all from two empty plastic bottles.
Try it once, and you might never go back.