Many people find that clothes washed in a washing machine tend to wear out quickly, sometimes even tearing. Regardless of the machine type, its mechanical force is significantly stronger than hand washing, making fabric wear inevitable.

Overloading the machine further accelerates damage. When too many clothes are packed into the drum, they become compressed. As the drum spins, the clothes stretch and pull against each other, increasing the risk of tearing.

Another common mistake is carelessly loading clothes without proper arrangement. When clothes are thrown in haphazardly, they can twist together, making them more prone to wear and tear as the machine struggles to distribute them evenly.

A practical trick to reduce damage is placing two plastic water bottles inside the washing machine. As the machine operates, the bottles rotate with the clothes, creating a buffer that minimizes fabric friction and prevents clothes from tangling and tearing. Additionally, during the spin cycle, the bottles act like small agitators, gently knocking against the clothes to help loosen dirt and enhance cleaning. Always ensure the bottle caps are tightly sealed before placing them in the machine to ensure effectiveness.

Beyond that, here are some other essential tips for preserving your garments and improving washing results:

Sort Clothes Properly
Separate clothes by material and color before loading them into the washing machine. Always check pockets for small or sharp objects that could damage fabric or harm the machine. Sorting also prevents light-colored clothes from picking up stains from darker or lower-quality dyed fabrics.

Soak Clothes Before Washing
Certain fabrics, like cotton or thick materials, are harder to clean, especially when stained. To improve washing results, fill the machine with water, dissolve detergent, and soak clothes for 20–30 minutes before starting the wash cycle. This helps loosen stubborn stains, making them easier to remove.

Use Rice Vinegar for Stain and Odor Removal
For tougher stains, a handy trick is to add 200ml of rice vinegar to the washing machine along with your 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 usual.