How do I know if something is stuck in my washing machine?

Author: Coleman Stamm  |  Last update: Monday, August 11, 2025

If you spin the drum by hand and feel a lot of resistance, making the drum difficult to turn, it may mean that there's something stuck between the inner drum and the outer drum.

How do I find something I lost in my washing machine?

You can retrieve them by simply reaching in between the door gasket/seal to find your missing items. If this does not work, you can use a flat head screwdriver and wedge that between the inner drum and the door seal so you can reach for the item that is trapped inside more easily.

Where do things get stuck in a washing machine?

Examine the Drum: Open the washing machine's door and feel around the drum's interior, paying special attention to the areas near and under the gasket (the rubber seal). Small items like coins, buttons, or even socks can get trapped here, impeding the drum's movement.

How do you find a blockage in a washing machine?

To check for blockages, remove the drain hose from the drain outlet and visually inspect it. If you find any obstructions, remove them, and reattach the hose, ensuring it's securely in place.

How do I clear my washing machine blockage?

Use A Drain Snake

Use a plumber's drain snake to clear lint and clogs from the hose and drain line. Push the snake through the hose until it hits the clog, then use liquid and the snake's twisting motion to break it up. Slowly pull the snake out, bringing any debris with it.

How to Remove a Stuck item from a Washing Machine Drum

How do you check if the filter is blocked in a washing machine?

If you do not already clean your washing machine filter then the following indications mean it is overdue:
  1. Deposits or residue on your clothes.
  2. The unusual smell from your clothes or machine.
  3. Build up of leftover laundry detergent.
  4. Mould or mildew around the lid or door.
  5. The water doesn't drain fully from the machine.

How do I find something in my washing machine?

Common Hiding Spots for Lost Items

Lost items often find their way into the machine filter. I've retrieved countless socks and small items from there. It's like a treasure trove of missing pieces. Checking the filter regularly not only helps you find lost items but also keeps your machine running smoothly.

How do you get stuff out of a locked washing machine?

If you've left something in the pocket of your jeans and would like to take it out, simply press the Start/Pause button, or turn the dial to the 'Off' position. This will make the washer drain the water, and after a few minutes, you'll be able to open the door easily.

Can small items get stuck in washing machine?

stuck in a drum perforation.

Yes, those bumps all across your inner drum can actually catch hold of tiny items like jewellery! Slowly turn the inner drum, checking the tiny perforations for small items.

Is there a hidden compartment in a washing machine?

The filter compartment is often hidden and needs to be emptied and cleaned.

Does every washing machine have a trap?

No, not all washing machines have filters. Many modern, high-efficiency machines use a self-cleaning pump to remove lint instead of a traditional lint trap. Look for a symbol shaped like a whirlpool with a lowercase “he” inside the symbol.

What is the easiest way to find lost items?

How to quickly find something you lost: 10 clever and practical...
  1. What to do if you've lost a wallet. ...
  2. Watch things fall as you drop them. ...
  3. Don't ever put it in a "special place" ...
  4. Use a flashlight. ...
  5. Start cleaning. ...
  6. Check favorite hangout spots. ...
  7. Make a mental note of something you're likely to lose. ...
  8. Come back to it.

How to find lost items in a washing machine?

Stick your head in the inner drum and get you face right up by the holes in the tub. Put your light directly against the tube facing down so it shines through. Carefully look through the holes to see if it may still be lying in the outer tub... Get someone with good eyes to do this.

What happens if you leave something in the washing machine?

If your laundry has been waiting in the drum for 8 to 12 hours, then we would strongly recommend re-washing. In this space of time, bacteria and mould may have easily begun spreading. You should try to stay one step ahead of it. Don't worry, if your laundry was only left for just a few hours, it will be totally fine.

Where would a bra wire go in a washing machine?

If not, look carefully inside and feel through the hole in the bottom of the tub. The wire should be around here, possibly under the heating element. If you still can't see it, try rocking the machine gently from side to side to allow the wire to drop through the sump hose.

What to do if something is stuck in the washing machine?

Loosen the clip that keeps the sump hose attached to the outer drum, then pull the sump hose off the outer drum. You will then be able to see underneath the inner drum through the sump opening, which will allow you to look for any trapped items and remove them.

Does unplugging a washing machine unlock it?

If the cycle has finished and the door is still locked, it may be due to a power outage or a fault in the machine's electrical system. In this case, try unplugging the machine and waiting for a few minutes before plugging it back in.

How do I get a blockage out of my washing machine?

There are three recommended methods of unblocking a washing machine drain yourself. These are to use baking soda and vinegar, a chemical drain cleaner, or do it manually. You can also potentially fix the issue by straightening out the washing machine drain hose if it has become twisted.

Where do things go in the washing machine?

Inside will be 3 separate compartments, each with their own symbol: I - 'Pre wash' II - 'Main wash' Flower symbol - 'Fabric softener'

How to find lost jewelry in top loading washing machine?

Laundry room: Use a flashlight and/or feel around the inside of your washer and dryer. If you have a top-loading washing machine, check the lint trap inside. While inspecting your dryer, check the lint screen/filter.

Where do my missing socks go?

Two common plausible explanations for missing socks are that they are lost in transit to or from the laundry, or that they are trapped inside, between, or behind components of ("eaten by") washing machines or clothes dryers.

Where is the hidden filter in the washing machine?

It's usually a removable filter that you can access by lifting or pulling it out. The lint filter is usually positioned inside the front door on front-load washing machines. You can locate it by opening the door and inspecting the bottom-right corner.

How do I know if my washing machine is blocked?

As a result, you should clean your filter whenever you see a build up of laundry detergent or residue on your clothes, your clothes are too wet when you take them out of the washing machine, there is a high lint build-up when cleaning your lint filter and also when you see that the water doesn't drain fully from the ...

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