Sand in Washing Machine? Here's what you can do

Last Updated on 14 February, 2024 by Sourav Roy

Welcome back to my blog! Here’s a washing machine tip about something which all my beach lover readers are puzzled about. Sand in washing machine? Yes, I am here to talk about it today.

To begin with, let me tell you what has inspired me to speak on this subject. Well, I know how much you love planning a long beach vacation with your friends and family. Sun, sea and smiles!

This dreamy holiday brings along a small issue. Having sand in the washing machine can certainly be problematic to your clothes and appliance.

Whether you have or have not faced this issue, this blog is going to benefit you in many ways. Because if you are not doing the right thing, you will be facing this dilemma sooner or later.

As fun as beachy holidays sound, putting the clothes straight away in the washing machine is a big no. These tiny little grains can ruin your appliance, and here’s how.

Can sand in a washing machine be harmful?

The answer is a clear yes. Sand can defile your washing machine as well as your clothes.

It can stop your washing machine from functioning.
It can damage the drum.
It can cause clogging of the drain.
It can wear out clothes.
It can result in fading of clothes.

So, a washing machine clogged with sand can certainly have these frustrating aftermaths. Therefore, please stay away from it as much as you can. Even the best washing machines can fail to be efficient if you do not follow the self-care algorithm.

Sand in washing machine? How to avoid the situation

Toss all the beach clothes.
Soak them in a bucket for a while.
Wear the clothes into the shower post-beach time.
Avoid putting swimsuits in the washer.
De-sand your beach towel.
Empty the pockets. They can collect a significant amount of sand.
Do not put anything wet inside the machine if you do accidentally put sand in.

How to get sand out of washing machine?

Unintentionally, if you are trapped in this situation, here’s what you need to do. I have jotted down some uncomplicated ways in which you can get sand out of your washing machine. Let us find out.

1. Basic cleaning

Begin cleaning your washing machine with basic methods. First, remove all the dirt visible to the naked eye. Now, you can make use of your basic home cleaning solution and a clean wiper. However, it may be difficult for the cloth to reach minor areas. That’s where the cotton swabs and toothbrush come into the picture. These two basic tools can enter any hard to reach area and clean it as efficiently as you want it to.

2. Run a hot cycle with vinegar or baking soda

Running an empty, hot water cycle can be magical in such a situation. Instead of adding detergent, add some white vinegar or baking soda directly into the drum. Keep the setting as the highest and hottest. Once the cycle is done, wipe it off with a microfibre cloth.

3. Vacuum it

A good quality vacuum cleaner or a dustbuster can be obliged to eliminate all the sand in the washing machine. Run the appliance in the entire drum to sand out all the grains. Please make sure it has a soft bristle attachment, so there are no scratches whatsoever. Undoubtedly, you can accomplish removing all the tiny sand grains. A vacuum cleaner can surely suck up all the sand. However, you need to make sure your washer is completely dry to avoid blowing up your vacuum.

4. Wet paper towel

Clean all the excess sand from the rim of the washer with a wet paper towel. Yes, as easy it sounds, it can certainly do an extensive job of removing a big chunk of sand from your washer. A washing machine does require periodic cleaning to maximize the lifespan and deliver clean clothes. To know more on this, you may also check my blog on the Best Ways To Clean Your Washing Machine.

5. Remove the tub

If the sand has progressed further than the tub, you only have to remove it. A vigorous move can eradicate all the dunes forming at the bottom of your washer. I would recommend you go through the instruction manual to dismantle everything. This situation is slightly tricky. So, seeking professional help can be the best option. Once you have removed the tub, you can clean it off with a damp cloth.

6. Clean the drain pipe

There is a high possibility of the drain pipe getting clogged with all the sand pile. In this situation, the water will not be getting drained properly. Therefore, you must clean it properly. Pour some hot water down the pipe. It will help in unclogging it completely. If you see no improvement, then detach the pipe and use a hot water solution. It would be safe to look into the instruction manual for a detailed guide on cleaning the drain pipe.

7. Clean the filters

If the sand has entered your washing machine, it surely has entered the filters. Therefore, you cannot ignore it. Consider cleaning or replacing these filters. Although, cleaning the filter is fairly easy. Simply remove it and soak it in hot water for a few hours. All the sand particles will loosen up and ultimately get dispersed. Let it dry out naturally before you put it back.

8. Scrub the seal

Sand, being such a tiny element, can get in any possible area in your washer. Therefore, there are high chances you find some sand accumulation around the gasket. However, there is nothing to worry about it. You can easily remove it with the help of a home solution and a soft brush. Make sure it is a narrow brush so you can clean all the tough-to-reach spots.

So, how to get sand out of the washing machine? You now know of all the effective ways. Easy-peasy, lemon squeezy.

You need no second help, no exorbitant remedies, but only need to provide some well-deserved care. Besides sandy clothes, is there anything else you should avoid putting in the washing machine? Yep.

Things you should avoid putting in a washer

Whether you are concerned about your apparel or your appliance, you need to think wisely. Here’s a list of items you cannot afford to put in the washer at any cost. Giving a blind eye to it will certainly harm your appliance and apparel. Are you up for it? No right? Therefore, act as a responsible user and swear to follow my list.

Pet clothes and blankets
Coins
Keys
Leather shoes
Baby socks
Windsheter
Embroidered clothes
Stuffed toys
Excessive detergent
Too many clothes

DONTs of a Washing Machine

Let’s be grateful for this invention and treat it with maximum vigilance. Here’s my compiled list of the ‘DONTs of Washing Machine’ exclusively for my readers.

DONT overfill the washer
DONT put in too much detergent
DONT use any chemical cleaning agent
DONT expose your washer to the sunlight
DONT underfill the appliance
DONT put in swimwear or beachwear
DONT forget to check the pockets
DONT leave the clothes in for a long time
DONT forget to pretreat tough stains

One Last Thought

Along with treating sand in washing machine, you must also be aware of the basic laundry tips. Now that you are, here’s another tip. If you have reached a point where your appliance is not getting fixed, it is best to get it replaced than repaired. Mending it after a certain point can be a sheer waste of money.

Well, are you considering buying a whole new appliance? Check our blog on:

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Sourav Roy

Chief Editor at Homeliness

Sourav Roy understands the inconveniences people go through after buying a product based on the little information they find or based on what an overeager shopkeeper tells them about it. So, to save them the trouble, he dedicates his time to Homeliness, working with an experienced team to test and review new products, picking out the best on the market.