If you’ve ever visited a beach, you are aware that sand will inevitably get on your clothes. What occurs, though, if the sand enters your washing machine? Does it simply wash off with the rest of your laundry or does it cause irreparable harm? We’ll talk about the effects of sand in washers as well as how to remove sand from a washer!
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What Happens If You Get Sand in Your Washing Machine?
There can be a lot of issues if sand gets into your washing machine. Sand will first begin to gather in the lint filter. This may stop the flow of water and lead to an overheated washing machine.
In addition, the sand will wear down the sides of your washing machine as it rubs up against them. This can cost you money in repairs over time by harming the washer’s seals and bearings. Consequently, it’s critical to release it as soon as possible!
How to Get Sand Out of Washing Machine
Wash With Vinegar Or Baking Soda
Include vinegar or baking soda and hot water in your washing machine. Before draining the water, let the cycle run for a few minutes. Any sand that is still lodged in your machine will be helped out by doing this.
To completely remove the sand from your washing machine, repeat this procedure several times. The washer drum should then be cleaned with a fresh microfiber cloth.
Clean Out the Filter
This can be achieved by taking the filter off and vacuuming up any extra sand that wasn’t captured by the filter. The remaining sand in your washing machine needs to be flushed out once it has been cleaned.
Remove Sand With a Shop Vac
Sand can be removed from your washing machine using a wet/dry shop vac if you have one. Turn on the vacuum and attach the hose. The washer’s drain hole should have the vacuum hose placed over it. This will remove all of the remaining sand in your machine by sucking it up.
Wipe Out the Sand With a Wet Paper Towel
There might be some sand in your machine after the washing cycle is finished. To get rid of any sand that may be left, wipe it out with a wet paper towel.
Use a Vacuum Cleaner
We can’t just assume that the sand will disappear with a load of laundry because it is heavy and does not float in water. Cleaning the drum of extra sand is your best option. For this job, a nozzle or crevice tool attachment—the one with the “skinny end”—is probably the best option.
Unfortunately, you can’t just assume that because of gravity, all the sand will fall to the bottom of the washer. The sides of some grains may become stuck. Therefore, it is crucial to vacuum everywhere!
Gravity will be somewhat more beneficial if you have a top loader. Sand can build up even more on the sides of front loaders. Therefore, it is crucial to continue manually turning the drum as you vacuum.
Wipe Your Washing Machine’s Drum
A wet cloth or wet paper towel should be used to thoroughly wipe your washing machine after vacuuming.
If you have a front-loading washer, now is a good time to also wipe and clean the rubber around the door, where mold is likely to grow and can result in an unpleasant laundry smell.
Run An Empty Cycle
Run an empty cycle after cleaning with the vacuum and the wipes but before adding more laundry.
Washers do not self-clean despite the amount of water and detergent that is run through them. Running an empty cycle with a suitable washing machine cleaner, such as Duracare or Affresh, is the best way to clean your appliance. These items are made to be used in situations where there aren’t any clothes to wash and aren’t laundry detergents.
Tips to Avoid Sand Mess
Check and Shake the Sand Off
Especially in the folds and pockets, thoroughly inspect your clothing for sand. Give any clothing that came into contact with sand a thorough shake, even if you can’t see any sand. Sand should go outside, where it should come back (kinetic sand may be an exception).
Shoes Stay Outside and Feet Get Clean
When it comes to bringing dirt inside, shoes are among the worst offenders. In particular, if they have been anywhere near sand, they should remain outside.
Before entering the house, one should hose or wipe one’s feet to remove any sand.
Sandproof Towel
A sand-proof towel is an excellent purchase for trips to the beach! They exist and are effective!
The fluffy nature of traditional towels makes them the ideal place for sand grains to get caught. Beach towels that repel sand, like Tesalate, are made of materials that don’t do this. It just shakes off and disappears.
Final Thought
When it doesn’t cover our clothes and is a ton of fun! The best way to remove sand from your washing machine is to vacuum, wipe, and run an empty cycle.
Because of its abrasiveness, sand rubs against objects, potentially causing long-term harm. It was advised to not be alarmed if your washing machine contains sand; it will probably survive after being cleaned.