To get sand out of a washing machine drum, the most effective methods involve physically removing it before running any cycles.
Dealing with sand in your washing machine drum is a common issue, especially after washing items like beach towels or swimwear. Sand can be abrasive and potentially damage your machine or redeposit onto your clothes. The key is to remove as much as possible before running a wash cycle.
According to the reference "Here's How to Get Sand Out of Washing Machine Tubs", the best way to do this is to shake them out or brush them off. This applies to the items being put into the machine, but the principle extends to the drum itself.
Here are the recommended steps:
Methods for Removing Sand
There are a couple of primary ways to tackle sand residue left inside the drum:
- Manual Removal:
- Open the washing machine door.
- Use a soft brush (like a clean paintbrush or a soft-bristled cleaning brush) to gently brush the sand towards the bottom of the drum and out of the opening.
- For tougher spots or crevices, you can also use a damp cloth to wipe the surfaces, but be careful not to push sand into small gaps.
- Reference Insight: The reference states "The best way to do this is to shake them out or brush them off." While this primarily refers to shaking items before washing, brushing is directly applicable to cleaning the drum itself.
- Vacuuming:
- The reference also suggests using a vacuum cleaner. "You can also try using a vacuum cleaner with the hose attachment to suck up any remaining sand."
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool or brush attachment.
- Carefully vacuum the inside of the drum, paying close attention to the bottom, sides, and around the agitator (if applicable) or paddles.
- This method is particularly effective for picking up fine grains that brushing might miss.
Post-Cleaning Steps
After manually removing or vacuuming the visible sand:
- Wipe Down: Use a damp cloth to wipe the drum interior to catch any lingering dust or fine particles. Dry it thoroughly.
- Run a Cleaning Cycle: Although not explicitly mentioned for sand removal in the reference, running a short cycle (like a rinse and spin) or a dedicated drum clean cycle with no detergent can help flush out any residual sand that might have been missed, especially from the drainage system. Check your washing machine's manual for specific cleaning cycle instructions.
By following these steps, you can effectively remove sand from your washing machine drum, protecting your appliance and ensuring your clothes come out clean.
