That headline—“Put an empty plastic bottle in the washing machine…genius-level IQ”—is typical of viral life-hack clickbait. The trick is real, simple, and clever once you understand it. Here’s what it’s about:
The Plastic Bottle Washing Machine Trick
What It Does
- Placing a clean, empty plastic bottle in the washing machine can help save energy, water, and detergent by reducing wash time or improving agitation, depending on the method.
- More commonly, people use it to prevent laundry from tangling or to clean the drum.
How the Trick Works
1. Reduce Laundry Clumping (Especially Towels or Bedding)
- Put a clean, empty 1–2 liter plastic bottle in the drum with your laundry.
- The bottle moves around as the drum spins, helping separate clothes.
- Benefits:
- Towels and sheets dry more evenly.
- Reduces tangling and wrinkling.
2. Clean the Washing Machine Drum
- Fill a bottle with hot water and a little vinegar or baking soda.
- Place it in the drum during a hot wash cycle.
- The movement of the bottle helps scrub the drum and remove residue or odors.
Safety Tips
- Use empty, clean, and intact plastic bottles to avoid leaking or breaking inside the drum.
- Avoid glass bottles—they can shatter and damage the machine.
- Check the washing machine manual if you are unsure about adding objects to the drum.
Bottom Line
This is a clever, low-cost hack to help your laundry wash more evenly and prevent clumping. It’s simple, effective, and safe when done correctly.
If you want, I can make a list of 10 genius washing machine hacks, including tricks with bottles, tennis balls, and household items to improve cleaning, save energy, and reduce wrinkles.
Do you want me to make that list?