why ice cubes in washing machine

Why Ice Cubes in Washing Machine?

We know that you are thinking why someone would put ice cubes in the washing machine. You may have heard about it earlier, or you may have seen someone doing it, hence your interest in this topic. Well, the fact is that yes, people do put ice cubes in their washing machines, but why? In this article, we will explore this topic in detail.

The Short Answer to 'Why Put Ice Cubes in the Washing Machine?'

If you do not have time to read the entire article, here's the short answer - people put ice cubes in their washing machines to help with the washing process. However, it is not as simple as just putting ice cubes in the washer, which we will explain in detail later.

Why Would Someone Need to Put Ice Cubes in the Washing Machine?

You may be thinking that washing machines are already equipped with all the necessary features to clean clothes effectively. Then, why would anyone need to add ice cubes to help clean their clothes?

Well, adding ice cubes to the washing machine can help in specific washing situations such as:

- Stains that are tough to remove

- Odours that won't go away

- Refresh clothes without washing them, such as denim jeans

- Protect delicate clothes during washing

Let's look at these cases in more detail.

1. Stains That Are Tough to Remove

Often, stains on clothes, such as grease and oil, are difficult to remove with a simple wash cycle. In such situations, ice cubes can come in handy. By putting ice cubes in the washing machine, you can create a cold environment that will solidify the oil and grease on the fabric. This process will make it easier to remove the stains during the wash cycle.

2. Odours That Won't Go Away

We all have had that one time when our clothes just won't stop smelling bad. Maybe, it's because of the type of fabric, or because the clothes were left to dry in humid conditions. In such a situation, you can add ice cubes to the washing machine, along with the clothes. The ice cubes will make the water colder. Colder water will reduce the evaporation of the detergent, helping them to clean better. Furthermore, the cold temperature will help get rid of the odour-causing bacteria that may be present in the clothes.

3. Refresh Clothes Without Washing Them

Denim jeans look fabulous when they come right out of the dryer or off the clothesline. However, washing the jeans after every wash will break down the fibers, making them look faded and worn out sooner. In such situations, you can use ice cubes to freshen up the jeans. Put the jeans in a plastic bag, throw in a few ice cubes and close the bag. Shake the bag, and give it a few minutes. The ice cubes will create condensation that will moisten the fabric. Rub the spots that have the most dirt, then lay the jeans flat on a towel and let them dry naturally.

4. Protect Delicate Clothes During Washing

Some clothes are too delicate, and the washing machine can damage them. In such situations, you can add ice cubes to the washing machine to reduce the agitation. Ice cubes will help the water temperature down to reduce the agitation that can cause damage.

How to Put Ice Cubes in Washing Machine?

Now that you understand why ice cubes are added to the washing machine, let's look at how you can add them to your wash cycle.

- Start the washer with the desired water temperature and add the detergent as usual

- Add ice cubes to a plastic bag, then put it in the washer

- Wait for the ice to melt and the wash cycle to complete

- Dry the clothes as per usual

Conclusion

Ice cubes in the washing machine may seem like an odd idea, but it can be helpful in certain situations. Whether your clothes have odours that just won't go away, have stains that are hard to get out, or you need to clean your delicate clothes, ice cubes are an easy and accessible solution. However, always remember that you still need to use the right type of detergent and follow the washing instructions to ensure that your clothes last as long as possible.