It sounds strange, but a growing number of people are tossing two empty plastic bottles into their washing machines — and swearing by the surprising results.
This viral laundry hack, which has taken social media by storm, is as simple as it sounds: you take two empty plastic water bottles, remove the caps and labels, and toss them into your washer along with your laundry. But what could this possibly do?
The Secret Behind the Trick
The idea isn’t just some random internet prank. It’s based on the principle of agitation — the movement inside your washing machine that helps remove dirt and grime from clothing. The bottles bounce around and act like extra scrubbing tools, breaking up stubborn dirt, loosening pet hair, and dislodging debris trapped in fabric.
Some laundry pros say it works similarly to those expensive “laundry balls” sold in stores, but without the cost.
The Claimed Benefits:
- Cleaner clothes without using more detergent
- Less pet hair and lint sticking to clothes
- Better stain agitation, especially on tough spots
- Improved circulation of water and detergent in the load
Important Tips:
- Use empty plastic bottles with no caps — capped bottles can burst under pressure
- Avoid bottles with sharp edges or rigid plastic
- Don’t overload your washer; leave space for bottles to move freely
- Don’t try this in delicate or hand-wash cycles
Does It Really Work?
While there’s no scientific consensus, many users report seeing noticeably cleaner clothes, especially when dealing with gym gear, pet bedding, or workwear. Some people have even started customizing their bottles by poking holes to create water jets — turning them into DIY laundry tools.
Final Thought
It may sound too simple to be effective, but this two-bottle trick is gaining fans for a reason. If you’re curious, give it a try — just don’t forget to remove the labels first!