The visual aspect also makes the trick perfect for social media: a completely ordinary object is placed somewhere unexpected, and people naturally want to know why.
But a viral trick isn’t necessarily a scientifically proven one.
Could It Help With Lint or Pet Hair?
Some versions of this hack claim that the bottle can help collect loose fibers or pet hair during washing.
There may be some movement-related effects depending on the load and washing machine, but results are likely to vary considerably.
If pet hair is a major problem, more reliable approaches include removing loose hair before washing, using appropriate laundry settings, and cleaning the machine regularly.
The Shape and Material Matter
Not every plastic bottle is suitable for this experiment.
A thin, disposable bottle can become crushed or deformed as it moves around the drum.
A damaged bottle could also develop sharp edges or pieces that may become separated.
If someone chooses to experiment with this kind of hack, a clean, intact, sturdy plastic bottle with a secure cap is much safer than a fragile or damaged container.
Don’t Use a Bottle With Water Inside
The trick specifically involves an empty bottle.
Adding water changes the weight of the object considerably and can create unnecessary imbalance inside the washing machine.
