Drop 3 Ice Cubes into the Washing Machine: Here’s What Happens to Your Laundry



When it comes to simplifying your laundry routine, small hacks can make a big difference. One surprising tip involves dropping three ice cubes into your washing machine during the drying cycle—or in certain cases, the rinse cycle—depending on the laundry machine you use. While it may sound like an odd trick, this method can help you remove wrinkles, refresh clothes, and even reduce the time spent ironing. Here's how it works and how to do it step by step.

Why Ice Cubes Work in the Laundry

The science behind this trick is straightforward: when ice cubes are exposed to heat inside the dryer, they melt and create steam. The steam, in turn, works like a wrinkle remover for your clothes, relaxing the fibers and leaving your garments smoother and fresher. This is especially effective for items prone to wrinkles, like shirts, pants, and dresses made from cotton or polyester blends.

What You’ll Need

  • 3-5 ice cubes (depending on the size of your load)
  • A dryer with a heat setting (this trick works only in dryers, not washing machines)
  • Wrinkled clothing or items that need refreshing

Step-by-Step Method

Step 1: Load Your Dryer

  1. Sort Your Clothes:
    Select clothes that are wrinkled but otherwise clean. This trick is best for small to medium loads—overloading the dryer can reduce the effectiveness of the steam.

  2. Shake Out the Items:
    Shake each garment before putting it into the dryer to remove any large creases or folds.

Step 2: Add the Ice Cubes

  1. Place the Ice Cubes in the Dryer:
    Drop 3-5 ice cubes directly into the drum of the dryer. There’s no need to use a special container or tray; just toss them in with the clothes.

  2. Distribute Evenly:
    Ensure the ice cubes are evenly distributed among the garments for maximum steam production.

Step 3: Start the Dryer

  1. Select the Heat Setting:
    Set your dryer to a high heat cycle. The heat will melt the ice cubes, creating the steam necessary to relax wrinkles in the clothes.

  2. Run the Cycle:
    Allow the dryer to run for 10-15 minutes. Check periodically to ensure the ice cubes have melted and steam has been generated.