Many people have noticed that clothes washed in a washing machine tend to wear out more quickly, losing their shape, softness, and vibrant colors — and in some cases, even tearing. This is true regardless of whether you use a top-loading or front-loading machine. While washing machines are extremely convenient and save us a lot of time and effort compared to hand washing, they use mechanical force that is significantly stronger and more aggressive. This mechanical action, which involves spinning, tumbling, and agitating, naturally leads to faster fabric breakdown over time.

When you think about it, washing machines work by rubbing clothes together and against the drum to remove dirt. But this same action also weakens fibers, causes pilling, and sometimes results in rips or holes — especially in delicate fabrics or clothes with embellishments like lace, beads, or thin embroidery.

One of the biggest mistakes that accelerates this damage is overloading the machine. Many people try to save time or reduce the number of loads by stuffing as many clothes as possible into the drum. However, when too many clothes are packed together, they become tightly compressed, losing the ability to move freely. As the drum spins and rotates, the clothes are forced to stretch, pull, and twist against each other under high tension. This extra friction and pressure significantly increase the risk of tearing or creating weak spots in the fabric. Over time, even the strongest items can develop holes or lose their shape entirely.

Another common but often overlooked mistake is carelessly loading clothes without arranging them properly. When clothes are thrown into the machine in a tangled or bunched-up state, they can twist together during the wash cycle. This can create knots or tight bundles that not only prevent thorough cleaning but also make it harder for the machine to distribute the load evenly. An unbalanced load leads to more intense drum movements, further stressing the fabrics and accelerating wear.

Fortunately, there’s a clever and simple trick that can help reduce this damage: placing two empty plastic water bottles into the washing machine along with your clothes.

As the machine spins and the drum moves, these bottles rotate freely inside, creating a kind of buffer. The bottles help separate the clothes and prevent them from tangling together or wrapping tightly around each other. This reduces friction between garments and minimizes the stretching and pulling that leads to tears and accelerated fabric wear. Additionally, the bottles can help improve water and detergent circulation around the clothes, leading to a more even and gentle wash.

Here are a few additional tips to further extend the life of your clothes:

Sort by weight and fabric type: Wash heavy items (like jeans and towels) separately from lightweight or delicate clothes.

Use a gentle cycle whenever possible: Delicate or slow-spin settings reduce mechanical stress on clothes.

Turn garments inside out: This can protect the outer surfaces and prints from friction and fading.

Use laundry bags: Place delicate items in mesh laundry bags to shield them from direct contact with other garments.

Avoid high temperatures: Hot water and high-heat drying can weaken fibers, shrink fabrics, and cause colors to fade faster.

Don’t overload: Leave enough space in the drum so clothes can move freely and get properly cleaned without excessive stretching.

By understanding the mechanics of your washing machine and taking small precautions like adding plastic bottles, you can help your favorite clothes stay in great condition for much longer. A little extra care goes a long way toward preventing unnecessary damage and saving money on replacements.

Next time you do laundry, try incorporating these tips — your wardrobe (and your wallet) will thank you!