Washing machines are a modern convenience, but many people have noticed that clothes often wear out faster when washed this way. Fabrics tend to lose their shape, softness, and color, and in some cases, even tear after repeated machine washes.

This problem occurs in both top-loading and front-loading machines. While these machines are great for saving time, they use powerful mechanical actions such as spinning, tumbling, and agitation to clean clothes.

These aggressive motions are effective at removing dirt but also put a lot of stress on fabric fibers. Over time, this mechanical force can cause pilling, holes, and overall deterioration of clothing.

One major factor that contributes to damage is overloading the machine. When the drum is packed too tightly, clothes can’t move freely, leading to increased friction and pressure during the wash cycle.

This pressure causes garments to rub against each other excessively, which wears down the fabric. Even sturdy clothes can be affected if overloaded or placed in the machine carelessly.

Another common mistake is placing clothes in a tangled mess. When garments are knotted or wrapped together, they don’t wash evenly and suffer additional stress from uneven movement inside the drum.

Luckily, there’s a simple and surprising trick that can help reduce wear: placing two empty plastic water bottles into the washing machine with your clothes. These bottles act as spacers, helping to separate garments during the cycle.

By keeping clothes apart, the bottles reduce tangling and minimize fabric stretching. They also allow water and detergent to circulate more evenly throughout the drum.

In addition to this trick, there are other ways to protect your clothes during washing. These include washing heavy and light items separately and using the machine’s gentle cycle when possible.

Turning clothes inside out, placing delicate items in mesh laundry bags, avoiding hot water and high dryer heat, and never overloading the machine can also extend the life of your garments.

By taking these small steps and using smart tricks like the plastic bottle method, you can reduce fabric damage and keep your clothes looking fresh and new for a much longer time.