Many people find that clothes washed in a washing machine tend to wear out quickly, sometimes even tearing. Regardless of the type of machine used, its mechanical force is much stronger than hand washing, making fabric wear inevitable.
Overloading the machine further accelerates damage. When too many clothes are packed into the drum, they get compressed together. As the drum spins, the clothes stretch and pull against each other, increasing the risk of tearing.
Another common mistake is loading clothes carelessly without proper arrangement. When clothes are thrown in haphazardly, they can twist together, making them more prone to wear and tear as the machine struggles to distribute them evenly.
A Simple Hack to Protect Clothes
A practical trick to reduce damage is placing two plastic water bottles inside the washing machine. As the machine operates, the bottles rotate along with the clothes, creating a buffer that minimizes fabric friction and prevents clothes from tangling and tearing.
Additionally, during the spin cycle, the bottles act like small agitators, gently knocking against the clothes to help loosen dirt and enhance cleaning.
Important: Make sure the bottle caps are tightly sealed before placing them in the machine to ensure effectiveness.
Other Washing Machine Tips for Cleaner, Longer-Lasting Clothes
- Sort Clothes Before Washing
Separate clothes by material and color before loading them into the washing machine. Always check pockets for small or sharp objects that could damage fabric or harm the machine. Sorting also prevents light-colored clothes from picking up stains from darker or lower-quality dyed fabrics.
- Soak Clothes Before Washing
Certain fabrics, like cotton or thick materials, are harder to clean, especially when stained. To improve washing results, fill the machine with water, dissolve detergent, and soak clothes for 20–30 minutes before starting the cycle. This helps loosen stubborn stains, making them easier to remove.
- Use Rice Vinegar for Stain and Odor Removal
A handy trick for tougher stains is adding 200ml of rice vinegar to the washing machine along with detergent. Run the cycle briefly to mix the vinegar and detergent, then turn off the machine and let the clothes soak for 20 minutes before washing as usual.
Rice vinegar helps break down stains like fruit juice or oil and effectively eliminates lingering odors, leaving clothes fresher and cleaner.