How to Keep Your Clothes from Twisting in the Washing Machine

Have you ever opened your washing machine only to find your clothes in a tangled mess? It’s a frustrating sight that can leave your garments wrinkled—or worse, damaged. The good news is, you can easily avoid this with a few smart adjustments to your laundry habits. These simple tips will help protect your clothes and make post-wash ironing a whole lot easier.

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1. Sort Clothes by Fabric, Not Just Color

Proper sorting goes beyond just separating lights and darks. Pay attention to fabric type too. Lightweight, delicate materials like muslin or microfiber respond well to faster spin cycles and are less prone to wrinkling. Heavier items—think denim or canvas—tend to crease more and may tangle with softer items. To avoid this, try not to mix stretchy, delicate garments with bulkier fabrics like jeans.

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2. Use Plastic Bottles as Spacers

It may sound unusual, but tossing a couple of clean plastic bottles into the wash can help reduce tangling. These bottles help change the flow of water, encouraging better movement of clothing inside the drum. For best results, slightly loosen the caps to let water pass in and out of the bottles during the cycle.

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3. Choose the Right Spin Speed

The spin speed setting on your washer can make a big difference. Lower spin speeds are better for lightweight or delicate clothing, minimizing wear and reducing the risk of twisting. Everyday clothing typically does well on a standard setting. For thicker fabrics, higher speeds can help speed up drying—but keep in mind, faster spins can lead to more tangling and wrinkles.

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4. Use Mesh Laundry Bags

To keep delicate or small items safe during the wash, use laundry bags. These mesh pouches help garments retain their shape and prevent them from getting wrapped around other clothes. They’re especially useful for lingerie, baby clothes, or items with straps and hooks.

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5. Add White Vinegar to the Load

Vinegar is an excellent laundry aid. Adding a small amount to your wash can help soften fabrics, neutralize odors, and remove stubborn residues. It also helps reduce wrinkling, allowing clothes to come out of the washer feeling smoother and looking neater.

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6. Don’t Wait—Hang Clothes Immediately

As soon as your wash cycle ends, take the clothes out and hang them up. Wet fabrics are much easier to smooth and reshape than dry ones. Give each item a quick shake to release water and loosen creases. This step alone can drastically cut down on ironing time later.

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In summary, avoiding tangled clothes is all about smart prep and timing. By sorting garments properly, adjusting machine settings, and making use of helpful tools like vinegar and laundry bags, you can make laundry day much less of a hassle—and much easier on your wardrobe.