Not many people know that adding a few ice cubes to the washing machine when doing laundry can bring surprising benefits.

Benefits of Adding Ice Cubes to the Washing Machine
– Reduce Wrinkles in Clothes
One of the most notable effects of adding ice to the washing machine is its ability to reduce wrinkles in clothing. As the machine starts operating, the ice gradually melts, creating cold steam that helps soften the fabric, thereby reducing the formation of wrinkles during the washing process.
This is an extremely useful tip for fabrics that are prone to wrinkling, such as cotton, linen, or natural fiber fabrics.
– Brighten Clothes
Ice cubes not only soften the fabric but also help remove stubborn dirt and fine dust particles that cling to the surface of the fabric, making the clothes look cleaner and brighter. Especially for light-colored clothes such as white, beige, or pastel shades, ice cubes will help maintain the color and make it look brighter.
– Effective Odor Removal
Have you ever experienced your clothes still having a musty or body odor even after washing them thoroughly? Ice cubes can help you solve this problem. When the ice melts, it helps to “lock” and neutralize odor-causing molecules, giving your clothes a fresh and pleasant feeling after washing. Adding a few drops of natural essential oil along with the ice cubes can also help your clothes smell nicer for longer, eliminating the need for fabric softener.
– Fabric Softener Alternative
Another great benefit is that ice cubes can gently and safely soften fabrics. For those with sensitive skin or who want to avoid using chemical fabric softeners, utilizing ice cubes in the washing machine is an ideal choice. Due to the cold temperature, the fabric fibers will be “soothed,” resulting in softer clothes when dry.
How to Use Ice Cubes in Laundry
For the best results, use about 2-3 medium-sized ice cubes for each load of laundry. Avoid using too much ice as it may disrupt the washing cycle or affect the spinning mechanism of the machine. It is recommended to use clean ice (boiled and cooled water or filtered water) to ensure the safety of the machine and prevent any residue.
It is best to add ice cubes to the washing machine during the main washing cycle or when the machine starts the final rinse cycle. Alternatively, you can put the ice cubes into the dryer.
This method is most suitable for thin, lightweight, and wrinkle-prone clothing that needs to maintain its softness, such as shirts, t-shirts, shorts, cotton dresses, etc. For thick and stiff fabrics like denim, canvas, or fur coats, this method may not be as effective.