Spin the drum: how to remove a foreign object from the washing machine with your own hands

A foreign object stuck in the washing machine drum is a common problem that can occur during any wash cycle. However, its frequency of occurrence does not in any way neutralize the potential harm that it can cause both to the item and to the washing machine as a whole.

Let's look at this problem from several aspects!

Features of troubleshooting: why did a foreign object get into the drum?

The first, and most obvious, reason is the design features of the drum.

Designers are trying to combine several main functions and tasks in this element: savings in production, washing efficiency, optimization of noise emissions, and others. Due to the multi-faceted nature of the task, it is impossible to calculate all the types of fabrics and shapes of clothing that will be used, which could mean an item entering the drum and stopping the entire wash cycle.

If this happens, it is recommended that the first thing you do is simply try to pull out the foreign object in the countercurrent movement of the drum, which in most cases will be successful - the object will be removed.

The main feature is that a foreign object can be removed by a “countercurrent” movement against the drum, or the object has already penetrated outside the drum and then outside help is needed. The second option is more complex and will require a more complex algorithm of actions from you.

How to remove a foreign object with your own hands?

As mentioned above, there are two extraction options:

• The movement of the item is against the movement of the drum. It is necessary to rotate the drum with your hands until the object can be removed - it is necessary to “rewind” everything back and safely remove the “clogging”. Also, on some models there may be installed automatic protection against such “extraordinary stops”, which will immediately stop the washing cycle at the first overload in the engine operation - if such protection is not installed (found on budget models and Soviet-made samples), it is recommended install it as an add-on.

It is important to note! Some washing machines have a built-in drum “reverse rotation” function, which allows you to manually rewind the moving part of the element to the moment the item was “placed”. This helps you remove items safely, with minimal potential damage to your appliance and clothing.

• Removing things from outside the drum. If the item is already outside the drum, it is necessary to remove it and disassemble the washing section. You can do this yourself or involve a specialized specialist in the work. In both cases, the machine must be disconnected from the power supply and all water drained. Next, following the factory recommendations and instructions for disassembling the “working compartment”, you need to open access to it.After this, it will be possible to remove the object - by pulling it along the movement or, conversely, to help it come out using a countercurrent.

You can use additional tools, such as a screwdriver or long metal pins, to help you remove things more efficiently. Try to use your fingers less - they can easily be damaged when working with rotating elements of mechanisms.

If the situation is critical and cure is impossible, mechanical cutting of the thing is necessary - you can use ordinary scissors or wire cutters, followed by removing all remnants of the “work”.

Of course, if possible, you should refuse to wash such things in the future that end up in the elements of the washing machine - use hand washing or another washing machine for them.

What to do if an object gets stuck in the washing machine tub?

The tank is the outer, sealed part of the drum, into which objects can also fall without the possibility of their easy removal.

If an object gets caught, without getting stuck and preventing the entire cycle from working, you just need to remove the protective, factory screen and take out the “lost”.

If the “loss” interferes with the operation of the drum, you must use the tips described above - disassemble the “working compartment”, followed by removal procedures - in no case should you continue the washing cycle any further - this can be dangerous for the household appliance.

Advice! Some small “losses” (phone cases, soft toys, socks, etc.) during washing can (sometimes with great surprise) be discovered in the tank - check it sometimes even for preventive purposes.

Some useful tips

Adviсe:

• Never ignore the washing instructions and recommendations that are indicated on the item's tag;
• Never use something that has already had a “precedent” of getting into a tank or drum.

Try to never leave your washing machine unattended.