Many people have noticed that clothes often wear out faster when washed in machines, losing their shape, softness, and color, or even developing tears. This happens with both top-loading and front-loading washers due to the strong mechanical forces involved, such as spinning, tumbling, and agitation. While these motions are effective at removing dirt, they also weaken fabric fibers, causing issues like pilling and holes over time.

A major factor contributing to this damage is overloading the washing machine. When too many clothes are packed into the drum, they can’t move freely, which causes excessive friction and pressure as the drum rotates. This increased stress often leads to fabric wear and tearing, even in durable garments. Another common mistake is loading clothes in a tangled or disorganized way, which causes garments to knot together, making them harder to clean and placing uneven strain on fibers.

Fortunately, there is a simple trick to help reduce wear and tear during washing: placing two empty plastic water bottles inside the machine with your clothes. As the machine spins, these bottles act as spacers that keep garments separated, reduce tangling, and minimize stretching. Additionally, they help detergent and water circulate more evenly, resulting in a gentler wash for your clothes.

To further protect clothing, consider washing heavy and lightweight items separately and always use the gentle cycle when possible. Turning clothes inside out, placing delicate items in mesh laundry bags, avoiding hot water and high heat during drying, and never overloading the machine will also help preserve fabric quality.

By combining these small but effective steps—including the plastic bottle trick—you can significantly reduce damage and keep your clothes looking fresh, soft, and new for longer.