Makes me wonder if I should be charging a “filter cleaning fee” for all the lost treasures I rescue...
Honestly, you might be onto something with that fee. Last time I cleaned mine, I pulled out a Barbie shoe, a bobby pin, and enough dog hair to knit a small sweater. No cash, though—my luck’s not that good.
I’ve always wondered how people manage to lose coins in there. Maybe my family’s just too careful (or broke). The weirdest thing I ever found was a tiny screwdriver, which actually came in handy later for tightening the dryer vent. Guess it pays to check.
I’m with you on the chopsticks—metal tools make me nervous around wires. And yeah, vinegar is magic for getting rid of that musty smell. Still can’t believe how much gunk builds up in those filters... kind of makes you rethink what’s really getting “clean” in the wash.
I’ve pulled out some wild stuff from filters—once found a Lego head and a wedding ring (owner was relieved). Honestly, it’s surprising how much debris gets trapped. If the spin cycle’s acting up, I’d check the filter first before messing with resets. Usually saves time.
I’ve lost count of how many times a “broken” washer was just a filter jammed with coins, hairpins, or even socks. Resetting the machine is almost never the fix—just delays the inevitable. I always go straight to the filter now, especially in rentals where tenants toss in all sorts of stuff. It’s wild what people forget in their pockets. If you’re not checking the filter first, you’re probably wasting time and risking a bigger headache down the line.
I get where you're coming from, but I’ve actually had a couple of cases where unplugging and resetting did help—though it’s rare. Still, I agree: checking the filter first is usually more effective, especially if you’re trying to avoid unnecessary water waste or energy use. It’s wild how much stuff ends up down there... found a Lego piece once.
It’s wild how much stuff ends up down there... found a Lego piece once.
That's for sure—I've pulled out everything from socks to coins. I hear you on the reset trick, though. It worked for me once when the machine's board glitched, but like you said, it's rare. Still, always worth checking the filter first, especially if you want to avoid bigger headaches later. Safety-wise, unplugging before poking around is never a bad idea.
