Household hacks often come from unexpected ideas, and sometimes the simplest objects turn out to have hidden uses. One of the latest tricks making its way into the world of cleaning enthusiasts involves something you’d normally find in the bathroom rather than the laundry room—hair rollers. While they are traditionally used to curl and style hair, when placed in the washing machine, they can completely change the way your laundry comes out. The result is surprising, practical, and worth trying at least once.
Why Hair Rollers Work in the Washing Machine
At first glance, the idea may sound unusual. Why would you mix hair accessories with clothes? The secret lies in the structure of traditional hair rollers. Many of them are made with a velcro-like surface or small bristles designed to grip strands of hair. That same surface can act as a lint and hair collector inside the washing machine.
We all know that washing clothes often leaves behind tiny particles—pet hair, lint, fluff, or fibers that don’t completely rinse out. These can cling to fabrics, especially dark clothing, making them look less fresh and harder to keep clean. By tossing a few clean hair rollers into the drum before starting a cycle, they act like little traps, catching all those particles before they stick to your garments.
Perfect for Homes with Pets
If you live with dogs or cats, you know the struggle: even after washing, their hair tends to cling stubbornly to clothing and bedding. This trick can make a noticeable difference. The rollers collect a surprising amount of fur, leaving fabrics cleaner and saving you time when folding or ironing later. Instead of rewashing or reaching for lint rollers after every load, this one step in the washing machine helps prevent the problem altogether.
Safe and Gentle on Clothes
One common concern is whether adding foreign objects to the washing machine might damage delicate fabrics. Fortunately, when using soft, velcro-type rollers, there is little to no risk. They are lightweight, gentle, and don’t have sharp edges. Unlike items such as dryer balls or tennis balls, which are used in tumble dryers, hair rollers don’t create extra agitation or friction—they simply move around and attract lint.
To be safe, it’s best to use rollers without metal parts or clips. Plastic or soft foam versions work best, as they won’t scratch the drum or snag delicate garments.
How to Use This Hack Step by Step
If you’re curious to try this trick at home, here’s a simple guide:
-
Choose the Right Rollers – Opt for velcro or soft foam rollers. Avoid ones with metal pins or hard plastic ends.
-
Place Them in the Drum – Add 3 to 6 rollers directly into the washing machine along with your laundry.
-
Run the Cycle as Usual – Wash your clothes normally with detergent. The rollers will move freely, collecting lint and hair.
-
Check the Rollers After Washing – Once the cycle is done, you’ll likely find hair and fluff stuck to them. Rinse them out and let them dry before reusing.
-
Repeat as Needed – Keep a set of rollers specifically for laundry, and reuse them multiple times.
Other Benefits of Using Hair Rollers in Laundry
-
Cost-Effective Solution: No need to buy special lint-collecting products when you can reuse something you already have at home.
-
Eco-Friendly: Reduces reliance on disposable lint rollers and sticky sheets.
-
Time-Saving: Less time spent removing hair from clothes after they’re washed.
-
Gentle and Reusable: Rollers last for years and don’t wear out easily.
Not Just for the Washing Machine
While this hack works wonders in the washing machine, rollers can also be used in the dryer. Just like dryer balls, they can move around with the laundry and help keep items separated, allowing hot air to circulate better. If lightly sprayed with a bit of water or infused with essential oils, they can even give your laundry a fresh scent.
A Hidden Household Secret
Many people are surprised the first time they try this. The amount of lint and hair collected on the rollers after just one wash can be shocking, especially if you live with pets or wash a lot of fleece or wool clothing. This hack proves that sometimes the simplest household items can have unexpected benefits when repurposed in creative ways.
Final Thoughts
Who would have thought that something designed to style hair could also revolutionize the way you wash clothes? Adding a few hair rollers to your washing machine is an easy, low-cost trick that helps keep your laundry fresher, cleaner, and virtually hair-free.
Instead of fighting with lint brushes and sticky rollers after every wash, you can let these little helpers do the work while your clothes are being cleaned. It’s a practical solution for pet owners, families, or anyone who wants their laundry to come out looking spotless.
So, next time you’re about to start a load of laundry, grab a few unused hair rollers from your bathroom drawer. Toss them in with your clothes, and see for yourself just how effective this quirky but brilliant trick can be.
