Why Do So Many People Put Plastic Bottles in the Washer? The Answer May Surprise You

An ordinary plastic bottle may seem like something that belongs in the recycling bin, but some people have found another use for clean, empty bottles during laundry. A simple household trick involves placing a lightweight plastic bottle inside the washing machine with a load of clothes. The idea has attracted attention because it is inexpensive, easy to try, and does not require purchasing a special laundry product.

The basic method is straightforward. A clean plastic bottle is placed inside the washing machine together with the clothes, with the cap securely tightened. As the washing machine drum turns, the bottle moves around with the laundry. Supporters of the method believe that this extra movement can help prevent some garments from becoming tightly wrapped together during the wash. When clothing remains less tangled, water and detergent may have an easier time moving between individual items.