How to Keep Your Clothes from Twisting in the Washing Machine

Introduction

We’ve all been there—you open your washing machine after a cycle, only to find your favorite clothes tangled into one giant twisted ball. Not only is it frustrating to untangle, but constant twisting can stretch fabrics, damage seams, and shorten the life of your clothes. Luckily, preventing this problem isn’t as complicated as it seems. With a few simple techniques and adjustments, you can keep your laundry neat, untangled, and looking fresh.

Why Clothes Twist in the Wash

Before we fix the problem, it’s good to know why it happens:

• Overloading the washer: Too many clothes crammed in creates friction and twisting.
• Unbalanced loads: A mix of heavy and light fabrics can cause uneven spinning.
• Spin cycle speed: Higher spin speeds extract water but often twist clothes.
• Fabric types: Items with straps, strings, or thin fabrics naturally tangle more.

Methods to Prevent Clothes from Twisting

1. 

Sort Your Laundry Properly

• Separate heavy items (like towels and jeans) from light fabrics (like t-shirts and blouses).
• Wash clothes of similar weights together to avoid twisting.

2. 

Don’t Overload the Machine

• Leave about one-third of the drum empty. This gives clothes enough room to move freely without tangling.

3. 

Use Mesh Laundry Bags

• Place delicate items (like underwear, camisoles, or clothes with straps) in mesh bags.
• This prevents twisting, stretching, and damage.

4. 

Adjust the Spin Cycle

• Choose a lower spin speed for delicate or easily tangled fabrics.
• For heavier loads, medium speed is best—high speed should only be used when necessary.

5. 

Fasten Before Washing

• Close zippers, button shirts, and tie drawstrings.
• Loose straps and ties are one of the main culprits of twisting.

6. 

Distribute Evenly

• Place clothes evenly around the drum rather than dumping them in a pile.
• Balance prevents the machine from over-spinning on one side.

7. 

Shake Out Clothes Before Drying

• When the wash is done, give each item a quick shake before putting it in the dryer.
• This helps untangle minor twists and reduces wrinkles.

Extra Tips for Special Fabrics

• Silk & Delicates: Always use a mesh bag and the “delicate” cycle.
• Denim: Wash inside-out to reduce twisting and color fading.
• Sheets & Bedding: Wash one at a time or with small items like pillowcases to avoid “laundry burritos.”

Benefits of Preventing Twisting

• Longer-Lasting Clothes: Less stretching and wear on seams.
• Less Ironing Needed: Clothes come out smoother with fewer wrinkles.
• Time-Saving: No more untangling big laundry knots.
• Energy Efficiency: Balanced loads improve washing machine performance.

History & Fun Fact

Laundry tangling has been a problem ever since the invention of the first drum washing machines in the early 1900s. Back then, people often had to untwist their clothes manually after every wash. Modern washers are designed with better balance and spin systems, but fabric twisting still remains one of the most common laundry complaints worldwide.

Conclusion

Keeping your clothes from twisting in the washing machine isn’t about buying fancy detergents or gadgets—it’s about small adjustments to how you load, wash, and handle your laundry. By sorting clothes, using mesh bags, avoiding overloads, and adjusting the spin cycle, you’ll enjoy fresher, smoother, and longer-lasting garments. Next laundry day, try these tips—you’ll notice the difference right away.