Today, washing machines have become an essential appliance in almost every household. They save hours of scrubbing, rinsing, and wringing—especially when dealing with heavy fabrics like jeans, coats, or bedding. Yet, despite their convenience, many users face one persistent problem: clothes tend to twist, knot, and stick together during the wash cycle. This not only makes it annoying to separate them later but can also cause wrinkles and even stress on the fabric fibers.

After getting frustrated multiple times untangling laundry, I discovered a surprisingly simple hack: just add one empty plastic bottle into the drum before starting the wash.

How It Works

The method is straightforward. You can use any type of bottle—mineral water, soda, or juice bottles. The only important rule is to keep the cap tightly sealed so water cannot seep inside. Once you place the bottle into the washing machine with your laundry, it rotates along with the clothes. This gentle movement helps keep fabrics apart, reducing the chance of them knotting or clumping together.

Because the bottle has a smooth and rounded surface, it doesn’t damage delicate materials. Instead, it acts as a harmless buffer, allowing fabrics to move more freely in the water. As a bonus, the reduced tangling means fewer wrinkles, so ironing becomes faster and easier.

More Than Just Untangling

Surprisingly, the plastic bottle does more than stop clothes from twisting. By altering the flow of water inside the drum, it improves how detergent dissolves and spreads. The result? Soap particles are evenly distributed, stains are better removed, and fabrics come out cleaner and fresher.

In addition, the bottle creates a gentle churning effect, which enhances the washing action without putting extra stress on the garments. This little adjustment ensures that heavy fabrics are thoroughly cleaned while delicate fabrics are protected.

A Simple Fix With Big Benefits

It’s hard to believe that something as ordinary as an empty plastic bottle can deliver so many advantages. For anyone who often deals with twisted, wrinkled laundry, this trick is a lifesaver. Best of all, it doesn’t cost a single extra cent.

Don’t Forget the Detergent Drawer

While the plastic bottle hack is brilliant, it’s equally important to use your washing machine correctly to get the best results. Many people complain that their clothes don’t feel clean enough or sometimes smell strange after washing. The problem may not lie in the machine itself but in how the detergent drawer is maintained.

Over time, detergent residue, dirt, and even mold can accumulate inside the drawer. If not cleaned regularly, this buildup affects how detergent flows into the drum, leaving clothes smelling musty or not fully clean.

Cleaning the drawer is simple: press the small button or latch, remove the compartment, and wash it thoroughly with warm water. Use a soft brush or cloth to scrub hidden corners where dirt tends to hide. Once it’s dry, reattach it securely. Doing this once every few weeks helps your washing machine stay efficient and keeps your laundry smelling fresh.

The Right Way to Add Detergent

Another common mistake is pouring detergent directly into the drum. While it may seem easier, this method often reduces cleaning efficiency. The proper way is to add detergent into the main compartment of the drawer. For heavily soiled clothes, use the pre-wash section, and for fabric softener or color protectants, place them in the designated compartments. Following this order ensures each substance is released at the right time in the cycle, maximizing their effect.

A Handy Safety Reminder

Lastly, be cautious when loading laundry. It’s surprisingly easy to accidentally toss in small valuable items like phones, earbuds, or keys. If this happens, don’t panic. Most washing machines have a small emergency release near the base that can be opened with a coin or key to retrieve items safely before any damage occurs.

Final Thoughts

By combining a simple plastic bottle hack with proper machine care, you can make your laundry routine smoother, cleaner, and more efficient. Not only will your clothes come out fresher and less wrinkled, but you’ll also extend the lifespan of your washing machine. Sometimes, the smartest solutions really are the simplest ones—and this clever trick proves it.