How to Keep Clothing from Going Into Your Washing Machine Parts

How to Keep Clothing from Going Into Your Washing Machine Parts

Your washing machine is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home. But small clothing items like socks, undergarments, and even strings or drawstrings can sometimes slip past the drum and into the machine’s internal parts. When this happens, it can cause clogs, strange noises, or even damage to your washer’s pump, hoses, or gearcase.

At PRS Parts Inc., we’ve seen how these small issues can lead to costly repairs—and the good news is that with the right care and preventive steps, you can avoid them.

Why Clothes Get Stuck in Washing Machine Parts

  • Overloading the washer: Packing too many clothes increases the risk of items being forced into gaps.

  • Loose or small items: Baby socks, underwear, and washcloths are common culprits.

  • Worn-out door boot/gasket: A damaged boot or loose seal may allow items to sneak into the drum cavity.

  • Broken lint filters or strainers: Without proper filtering, lint and fibers can travel into the drain system.

Tips and Tricks to Prevent Clothing from Slipping Into Washer Parts

1. Use Mesh Laundry Bags

Place small items like socks, bras, or baby clothes in mesh bags. This keeps them contained while still allowing water and detergent to flow through.

2. Inspect and Maintain the Door Boot

Front-load washers have a rubber boot that seals the door. Check it regularly for wear, cracks, or buildup. If damaged, replace it promptly with an OEM replacement boot from PRS Parts Inc.

3. Avoid Overloading

Follow the manufacturer’s load size recommendations. Overloading puts extra strain on the washer and increases the risk of small items sneaking into the wrong places.

4. Check and Clean Pockets

Coins, tissues, and small accessories can damage internal parts. Always double-check before starting a load.

5. Balance the Load

Unbalanced loads can shake clothes loose and push items into cracks or seams. Distribute clothing evenly to reduce stress on the machine.

6. Keep Zippers and Strings Secured

Tie up hoodie strings, close zippers, and fasten Velcro straps to prevent snagging and pulling clothes into gaps.

When Clothes Already Slip Through

If you hear strange noises, notice water draining slowly, or smell burning, a clothing item may have gotten stuck in the pump or belt system. In that case:

  1. Turn off the washer immediately.

  2. Check the lint trap and filter for blockages.

  3. If the issue persists, you may need to replace affected parts such as the drain pump, hose, or belt—all available at PRS Parts Inc.

Final Thoughts

Small items slipping into your washing machine can cause bigger problems than you’d expect. With preventive steps like using mesh bags, inspecting the door boot, and avoiding overloads, you can protect your washer and keep it running smoothly.

If damage does occur, don’t stress—Visit PRS Parts Inc. at 540 Lagoon Dr. for authentic OEM replacement parts and expert repair assistance.

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