Whether you live on your own or you have a large family, there is one laundry hiccup everyone is bound to face – lost socks. For as long as most of us can remember, the lost sock blame game has been going on and, as a supposed last resort, many people blame their washer. Little do we know just how right we have been all along! Yes, it’s true! Your washing machine really does ‘eat’ your socks and other small items for that matter. Not only is it inconvenient and annoying, but it’s also a hazard for your washer if left unchecked. It’s also important to note that this problem can occur with washers of all makes and models.
If you have a top-loading washer, the drum rests in an upright position whereas a front-loading machine has the drum resting on its side. Either way, you will notice a rubber gasket between the drum and the door. No gasket is perfect and there is always a slight gap between the seal and the drum. It’s this gap that provides the perfect escape for socks and small items. For the most part, the adventurous sock will make its getaway during the spin cycle. That’s when your washer is spinning at it’s greatest speeds. The speed of the machine helps the sock edge its way through the gap within minutes which leaves many people scratching their heads as they search high and low for that missing sock.
Now that you know how they get out of the drum itself, the next question is where do they go from there? There are a number of possibilities. One of the most common of which is the drain pump filter. While this can result in significant damage if left unchecked, it is also an easy fix. All you need to do is open, clean, and inspect the filter regularly. The filter is usually located on the lower front part of the washer and is relatively easy to access. Even if you don’t suspect a lost sock, this filter should be cleaned on a regular basis all the same.
It’s also possible that the missing sock could have somehow found its way to the heating element or even between the interior and exterior drums. Either way, various parts will need to be removed in order to check and clear out these areas. If you notice that there is some more resistance than usual when you manually spin the inner drum, this could indicate a sock or other clothing item stuck between the two drums. Before calling an expert washer repair technician, you can try to see if the foreign object can be reached. Gently pull the gasket slightly away from the drum. Just enough so that you can see between the drum and the gasket. Then gently turn the gasket while looking for any foreign objects, socks, or clothing. If this still doesn’t work, it’s best to call a professional.
One of the main reasons for so-called ‘hungry’ washers is overfilling. When you overfill your washer, you are putting added pressure on the washing machine as a whole. As the washer fills with water, the drum becomes even more overloaded and the smaller items have a way of finding their way to that cozy spot between the drum and the gasket. All it takes is for a small corner of the sock to catch between the moving and non-moving parts before it is whisked away to the other side.
As briefly mentioned above, the first key is to avoid overfilling your washer. This will ensure that your clothes, including your socks, are not forced and they can tumble around easily. Another good tip to try is to use a mesh bag. These bags are designed for delicate items but you can use them for your socks too! As soon as your laundry is done, pair your socks so that you can quickly determine whether one has gone missing. That said, it’s also worth looking around your laundry room, in your bedrooms and even in your kids’ beds. You never know where a loose sock can end up! Try not to wash large items like fitted sheets and duvet covers with your socks. Socks love playing hiding and seek! Which means that you could accuse your washer when it really was a bed sheet to blame.
Finally, if you notice a number of missing socks, strange noises, or if you believe that a sock has gotten stuck inside your washer, contact Express Appliance Repair at (647) 492-7773 for speedy washer repairs.
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