Written by Angela Reviewed by Daniel

Don’t Let Your Pockets Destroy Your Washing Machine

You’re staring at that never ending pile of laundry, psyching yourself up to finally tackle it. You gather it all up, throw it into the washer, and press start. Job done, right? But wait, what’s that sound? Something’s rattling inside the machine, and it’s not happy.

We’ve all been there. It might be your keys, your coins or your favourite lighter. But trust me, there’s more at stake than just a noisy cycle. This could be the last time your washer ever washes your laundry. You could have caused enough damage that your machine gives up the ghost.

Stick around, and we’ll show you why a little pocket checking can save your clothes, your machine, your money and maybe even your sanity.

Table of Contents

Why Your Pockets Are Secret Laundry Saboteurs

Pockets are brilliant, aren’t they? Little hidey holes for all your daily essentials. But they’re also ticking time bombs when it comes to laundry day. If you’re not careful, what’s in them can turn a simple wash into a disaster. Here’s why you’ve got to check them every single time.

Your Clothes Will Pay The Price

Ever pulled a fresh load of laundry out of the washer only to find everything covered in a fine layer of… what even is that? Oh yeah, it’s the tissue you left in your jeans pocket. Well done, you’ve just snow globed your entire wardrobe.

And don’t even get me started on lipstick, crayons or pens. One little biro left behind, and suddenly your favourite white tee shirt is rocking a blue tie dye look you definitely didn’t ask for.

Sharp objects, like a stray nail or screwdriver (why was that even in your pocket?), can snag, tear, or straight up destroy your clothes. No one wants to walk around with mystery holes in their favourite jumper.

Pro tip: Found ink stains on your clothes? Stick a towel underneath the spot and douse it with rubbing alcohol. It’s not magic, but it’ll help.

Your Washing Machine Could Take A Hit

Now here’s where it gets proper serious. Coins, keys, and other metal bits are the sworn enemies of your washing machine. These little devils can scratch the drum, dent the door, or, if the universe really hates you that day, get jammed in the pump.

Plus if one of those metal objects damages the inner drum of your machine, you could be looking at a flood of epic proportions! And it’s not just the inner drum, don’t forget the rubber hoses which all the water runs through. If one of them gets pierced you can say goodbye to your smart wooden floors or even the structure of your home.

If a coin or a key makes its way into the filter, it will cause other items like fluff or buttons to build up and eventually the machine won’t drain and you’ll end up with wet, stinking clothes and a houseful of dirty washing water.

And it’s not just the hard stuff. Even innocent seeming things like tissue paper can build up over time and clog your machine’s filter. That’s how you end up with a machine that can’t drain, overheats, and then costs you an arm and a leg to fix.

Life hack: Got coins in your washer’s drum? That’s a sign you need to check your pockets before they go in the hamper. Make it a habit!

Your Valuables Might Not Survive

If you’ve ever accidentally washed your wallet, you’ll know this pain all too well. Wet cash? Ruined cards? It’s a nightmare. And don’t get me started on jewellery. Rings, earrings, and other little treasures have a way of vanishing into the abyss of your washing machine.

Worst-case scenario: your phone takes an unplanned bath. Yes, people do actually forget their phones in their pockets. (If this is you, we’re not judging… much). And while those little rice tricks might save your phone, wouldn’t it just be easier to not dunk it in soapy water in the first place?

What’s The Lesson Here?

Empty your pockets. It’s not rocket science, but it can save you a whole load of hassle. Think of it as a tiny ritual before you throw your clothes in the wash. Pat down your jeans, check your hoodies, and give your coat pockets a once over. Your clothes, your wallet, and your washing machine will thank you.

Who’s Responsible For Checking The Pockets On Laundry?

A person putting clothes into a washing machine

Ideally checking the pockets on dirty laundry should be everybody’s responsibility. If you put your clothes in the wash, you should check the pockets beforehand.

The reality though, that’s a different country, it ultimately comes down to whoever is doing the laundry to check or double check that all pockets are empty. If the worst does happen, playing the blame game won’t get your washer fixed.

If you’re the one that pays the bills and the one that typically gets lumbered with doing the laundry, then you’re the one that needs to check those pockets. Or else you’ll be the one forking out for a hefty repair bill or a new washing machine…

Got A Laundry Horror Story?

Ever turned your washer into a drum kit with forgotten coins? Or dyed your whole wardrobe a lovely shade of pen ink? We want to hear about it! Drop your stories in the comments below, and let’s laugh (or cry) together.

And hey, share this with that one mate who’s always wrecking their clothes. You know the one. They’ll thank you later.

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