How Do You Get Sand Out of Washing Machine?

Why Sand in Your Washing Machine Is a Big No-No

Let’s be real — nobody invites sand into their washing machine, yet it somehow always crashes the party after a beach day. But sand isn’t just a pesky guest; it’s abrasive and sneaky. Sand grains can scratch your machine’s drum, clog filters, and even shatter the pumps if left unchecked according to Weili Global experts. So, how do we evict this gritty intruder without calling a repairman? Spoiler: it’s all about prevention and some good cleanup later.

Prevention: Keep the Sand Outside the Machine

The best defense is a good offense. Before you ever toss beach clothes into the washing machine:

  • Shake it off: Take each item outside and give it a hearty shake to blast out as much sand as possible.
  • Brush away stubborn sand: Use a stiff brush for those clothes clinging to sand like your teenager clings to their phone.
  • Rinse sandy clothes: If shaking isn’t enough, hose down sandy items or try the “bucket and plunger” method — stick the clothes in a bucket and plunge like it’s laundry CPR to loosen residue (yep, it’s a thing).
  • Strategic doormats: Placing heavy-duty mats near your laundry area helps trap sand before it sneaks inside.

These steps might feel like a dance routine, but they save your washing machine years of silent suffering and the inevitable bills.

How to Extract Sand Once It’s Inside

If sand’s already snuck past your defenses, don’t panic — there’s hope:

  • Dry it out and vacuum: Leave your washer open until it’s completely dry, then wield your vacuum’s nozzle attachment to gently suck up any sand lurking in the drum and crevices (vacuum power to the rescue).
  • Wipe down the drum and seals: A damp cloth can pick up remnants hiding around the door seal and drum edges.
  • Filter fuss: Remove and thoroughly clean your washing machine’s lint filter to flush out trapped sand, preventing blockages and funky drains experts recommend.
  • Run a cleaning cycle: Give your machine a spa day with an empty, hot wash using a washing machine cleaner or grandma’s classic combo of vinegar and baking soda. This flushes out any remaining microscopic grit.

Repeat this routine after beach trips to keep your machine fresh and happy.

When to Call the Pros

For the brave souls who find sand invading deeper parts like the pump or bearings, resist the urge to DIY dismantle. Sand can fumble internal gadgets faster than your Wi-Fi dropping mid-Netflix binge. Contact a professional for repairs before you void your warranty or dismantle something crucial.

Quick Tips & Tools to Help

Final Takeaway

In the war against sand, prevention is your first and best weapon. Shake, brush, rinse, and trap sand before it infiltrates your machine. When it does slip through, drying, vacuuming, wiping, and filtering are your cleanup squad. And for the tough cases? Call in the pros before your washer starts making those scary noises.

So next trip to the beach, remember: your washing machine deserves a sand-free life — because it’s worked hard for you, and your socks will thank you.