Protecting Your Clothes in the Washing Machine
Many people notice that clothes washed in a washing machine wear out fast and might even tear. No matter the type of machine, its mechanical force is much stronger than hand – washing, so fabric wear is hard to avoid.
Overloading the machine makes the damage worse. When too many clothes are stuffed into the drum, they get squished together. As the drum spins, the clothes stretch and pull on each other, increasing the chance of tearing. Another common error is throwing clothes in carelessly without arranging them. When clothes are jumbled up, they can twist together, making them more likely to get worn as the machine tries to spread them out evenly.
A Simple Way to Protect Your Clothes
A useful tip to cut down on damage is to put two plastic water bottles in the washing machine. As the machine runs, the bottles spin with the clothes. They act as a buffer, reducing fabric friction and stopping clothes from tangling and tearing. Also, during the spin cycle, the bottles are like small agitators, gently hitting the clothes to loosen dirt and boost cleaning. Remember, tightly seal the bottle caps before putting them in the machine for this to work well.
Other Washing Machine Tricks for Cleaner, Longer – Lasting Clothes
- Sort Clothes Before Washing
Separate clothes by material and color before putting them in the washing machine. Always check pockets for small or sharp things that could harm the fabric or the machine. Sorting also stops light – colored clothes from getting stains from darker or lower – quality dyed fabrics. - Soak Clothes Before Washing
Some fabrics, like cotton or thick materials, are tough to clean, especially when stained. To get better washing results, fill the machine with water, dissolve detergent, and soak the clothes for 20 – 30 minutes before starting the cycle. This loosens stubborn stains, making them easier to remove. - Use Rice Vinegar for Stain and Odor Removal
For tough stains, add 200ml of rice vinegar to the washing machine along with the 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 normal. Rice vinegar helps break down stains like fruit juice or oil and gets rid of lingering odors, leaving clothes fresher and cleaner.
