These expert-approved fixes can save your appliance after a sandy beach day.
Summer and sand go together—in your shoes, on your towels, and in your clothes. It’s the beach-day souvenir that sticks with you long after the tan has faded. But sand in your washing machine is a mess you don’t need. Removing sand from your washing machine keeps your clothes (and home) free from grit, and helps your washing machine keep humming along. After all, a clean machine does a better job of cleaning clothes.
“A little sand here and there won’t kill your washer,” says Dennis Godynuk, the lead appliance expert at Comfort Appliance Repair. “But too much grit can wear out bearings and clog pumps over time.” Cleaning up the sand now will prevent long-term damage to your machine. If you have sand in your washing machine, try these expert-recommended methods.
1. Stop the Sand
Before tossing beach towels or mats in the washer, give each piece a good shake outside. Grab a soft brush or broom and sweep off as much sand as you can. This simple step keeps most grit out of the washing machine.
If your clothes are still damp, allow them to line dry outside. The sand will be more apt to release from the fabric. If your items are still sandy, spray them with the hose, then repeat the process.
“Removing sand from clothing before washing is important as the heavy, abrasive material can not only clog the filters and drainage system in your washing machine, but also cause premature wear and tear scratching to the drum,” says Ian Palmer-Smith, an appliance repair expert.
2. Spot Clean the Drum
“The best cure is prevention in the case of sand and washing machines,” says cleaning expert Nathaly Aminah Viera. “Before you wash beach gear, shake the items out thoroughly outside and rinse them with a hose to get rid of as much sand as possible.”
If you do get sand in your washer, Aminah Viera recommends wiping down the interior with a microfiber cloth to catch any loose grains of sand. Allow your machine to dry with the door open for a couple of days. Then vacuum the machine, using a brush attachment. This will remove loose grains from the drum and door seal.
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3. Remove and Clean the Filter
Many front-loaders have a small trap or filter at the front bottom of the machine where sand can settle. Place a towel and shallow pan under the opening, unscrew the cover and pull out any debris. Remove any sand, then clean the filter with water. This step prevents sand from clogging the pump. If you’re unsure, reference the machine’s owner manual. You can use a soft toothbrush to remove any stuck on debris.
4. Deep Clean If Needed
For really stubborn sand buildup, you may need to pull out the drum (check your manual or a DIY guide for your model). With the drum out, hose down the housing and seals, then reassemble.
5. Run a Maintenance Cycle (or Two)
Run an empty hot water cycle with 2 cups of vinegar to flush out any remaining sand. You can also add 1/4 cup baking soda to the drum. This also helps to remove any trapped summer smells.
“Set your washer to the quickest rinse or spin cycle and don’t use detergent,” says Godynuk. “Run it once or twice to flush out hidden sand. If you still see grit, repeat.”