Why So Many People Toss Wet Wipes into the Washing Machine — And What It Does to Your Clothes
You’ve probably seen viral videos telling people to throw a baby wipe into the washing machine—and you might have wondered: does it really help, or is it a laundry myth? The idea is to reduce lint, hair, and pet fur from clothing, but is this laundry “hack” truly effective—or could it actually backfire? Let’s dive into what really happens when you toss wet wipes into your laundry, plus smarter alternatives.
🧼 How the Hack Became Popular
On TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube, quick clips show someone adding a wet wipe mid-wash. Then, they post clothes seemingly free of fuzz and lint. Some posts claim washing machines no longer need fabric softener or special lint rollers. One TikTok video simply says, “¡Sorpréndete! Usa toallitas húmedas en la lavadora,” suggesting magical results huffingtonpost.es+1youtube.com+1tiktok.com+1youtube.com+1.
A Spanish-language HuffPost article reported that baby wipes can trap lint, pet hair, and dandruff. The article cautioned not to overuse—no more than three wipes per load—and to avoid using cloths or tissues instead. It also suggested adding fabric softener to prevent any wipe scent lingering .
The Theory Behind the Trend
The idea is simple: moist baby wipes are slightly adhesive and can cling to tiny fibers. As the machine tumbles, these wipes gather the foul fluff, keeping your clothes cleaner. According to HuffPost, their slightly damp texture effectively “attracts lint, pet hair and dandruff,” making for cleaner laundry huffingtonpost.es.
Users report softer clothes without extra chemicals. A Facebook post even warns, “No se deben poner toallitas húmedas en el lavarropas, pues se cuelan y tapan la cañería de desagüe, estropea el funcionamiento del lavarropas” (“Don’t put wet wipes in your washer— they slip into the drainage pipe and clog it, damaging function”) facebook.com+1tiktok.com+1.
What Could Go Wrong?
Multiple laundry experts note potential pitfalls:
- Clogged Drains & Dispensers
Wet wipes are thicker than dryer sheets or laundry balls. Some fragments can tear off and clog drain pipes or pumps, especially older machines amazon.com+5youtube.com+5tiktok.com+5tiktok.com. - Residue on Clothes
Baby wipes are designed for skin, not fabrics. They often contain oils, lotions, or moisturizers—including aloe, fragrance, or cleansing agents. While these make clothes soft, they may also leave residues or cause buildup inside your machine. - Unwanted Odors
Toss in a scented wipe but skip fabric softener, and your clothes may smell like baby wipes—lightly perfumed, but not everyone’s preference. HuffPost warns against overuse and solutions: “don’t use more than three per wash… add fabric softener if you don’t want the wipe smell” . - Environmental Cost
Most baby wipes are not biodegradable. Tossing multiple wipes per wash means increased waste—and more filters to clear later.
Reddit’s Take on Wet Items in the Wash
A relevant discussion on r/laundry focused on adding wet clothes to a load. While unrelated to wipes, one user said:
“Some washers weigh the load before starting a cycle. If you put wet clothes in, it can mess up the time/ water calculation.” reddit.com
This hints that adding anything unexpected—even wet wipes—could throw off a washer’s sensors and rinse cycles.
The Bottom Line: Helpful or Harmful?
Pros:
- Cuts down on lint, pet hair, and tiny fuzz balls during the wash.
- Quick and easy—most households already have baby wipes.
- Can soften clothes thanks to wipe ingredients.
Cons:
- Risk of clogging hoses, pumps, or filters.
- Possible residue buildup inside machine or on fabrics.
- May leave unwanted scent or film on clothes.
- Non-biodegradable—adds to household waste.
Better Laundry Alternatives
Instead of wet wipes, consider these safer and eco-friendlier options:
- Reusable Lint Trapping Balls:
Wool dryer balls or shower puff balls in the washer can collect lint and pet hair without residue. - High-Efficiency Lint Filters:
Install an inline mesh filter on your washer’s drain hose to capture debris before it reaches the pump. - Mesh Laundry Bags:
Place fuzz-prone items—like fleece or sweaters—in fine mesh bags during wash to contain lint. - Use Vinegar:
A half cup of distilled white vinegar in the rinse cycle helps remove detergent residue and soften fibers naturally. - Regular Machine Cleaning:
Run an empty hot wash with vinegar or washing machine cleaner monthly. Also, clear the lint trap and hoses frequently.
So, Should You Try the Baby Wipe Hack?
If you’re curious and your machine is modern and well-maintained, tossing in one unscented cotton baby wipe per mid-to-large load might reduce lint. But limit it to one or two wipes, skip scented versions, and always follow up with a proper rinse.
If you own an older machine or have suffered blockages before, avoid this trick altogether. The risks may outweigh any transient benefit.
Final Takeaway
- Baby wipes can reduce fuzz and lint, thanks to their slightly adhesive & moisturizing surface.
- Don’t overuse—top advice is to limit to 1–3 wipes and add fabric softener if you dislike the smell .
- Beware of downsides: clogged drains, residue buildup, and environmental waste.
- Instead, opt for eco-friendly tools and cleaner machines like lint balls, mesh filters, vinegar rinses, and regular maintenance.
In the quest for cleaner laundry, this baby wipe hack might offer a quick fix—but it’s likely not the smartest or safest long-term solution. Stick to traditional, sustainable methods—it’s better for your clothes, your washer, and the planet.