08 Jun The $0 Hack That Could Save Your Washer (and Your Sanity)
Sometimes life hands you lemons…and sometimes it locks your favorite jeans in a washing machine for days.
Today, I’m sharing a little public service announcement (and okay, maybe a bit of a rant) inspired by a recent household fiasco.
You know those appliances we take for granted—like the humble washing machine? Well, let me tell you, you don’t realize how much you depend on it until it holds your clothes hostage.
How It Started…
It was a normal Monday. I tossed a load of laundry into my washer like I’ve done hundreds of times. But instead of the usual hum and spin, my machine went rogue. Bells and whistles went off, lights blinked, and suddenly—it locked up. Literally. The door wouldn’t open, and my clothes were stuck in water that I’d rather not describe in detail.
The technician couldn’t come for four days. Four days! That meant four days of wondering if my clothes were slowly morphing into a mildew mess. When the repair tech finally arrived, he opened the washer’s filter compartment and pulled out…well, a treasure trove.
What Was Hiding in the Filter?
Let’s just say Jerry Seinfeld was wrong. Socks aren’t disappearing in the dryer—they’re taking refuge in your washer filter. Here’s what came out:
- A missing sock
- Nuts and bolts (thanks, hubby’s jeans)
- A face mask
- Random debris
Turns out, many newer washing machines have a filter that’s accessible through a front panel—designed for cleaning and maintenance. Who knew? Certainly not me. And apparently not most people, judging by the stories the technician shared.
The Saga Continues
We thought cleaning out the filter would fix it, but no such luck. Another part needed replacing. The good news? I finally got my clothes out. The bad news? I spent nearly a week waiting to get my clothes back.
Why You Should Check Your Washer Filter
Here’s the real reason I’m sharing this story: I don’t want this to happen to you. If you’ve never checked your washer’s filter—or didn’t even know it had one—now is the time. Trust me, it could save you a ton of time, stress, and a very unpleasant call to appliance repair.
And that’s why I’m officially declaring June “National Washing Machine Month.”
Here’s what you can do right now:
- Find Your Filter. Look up your washer model online and find out where the filter is. In many front-load washers, it’s behind a small panel on the lower front of the machine.
- Clean It Regularly. Make it a habit to check the filter every few months. You might be amazed (and horrified) at what’s in there.
- Don’t Wait for a Problem. Just because everything seems to be working doesn’t mean there isn’t a sock clogging the drain. A little maintenance now can prevent a laundry nightmare later.
Final Thoughts
Sometimes it’s the little things—like a washer filter—that make a big difference. So before your machine locks you out or floods your laundry room, take a moment to show it a little love.
And if you ever need a great referral for a reliable appliance tech in the Northwest Valley, I’ve got a guy.
—Elise Fay
Realtor, Sibbach Team | eXp Realty
Call/Text: (602) 329-7782