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This is a quick reminder to not forget to do your laundry today. This is also another quick reminder that not everything is washing-machine-and-dryer friendly.
To save you the trouble of finding that out for yourself, the lovely folks at Bored Panda have compiled this listicle to showcase all the nightmarish things that can happen if you don’t watch what you’re throwing into the wash. Or just nightmarish things that can happen, period. Washing machines do be evil like that sometimes.
This post may include affiliate links.
#1
Shrunk My Favorite Top But There Was A Silver Lining
Sue Denham 2 years ago
You say "silver lining"; your dog says "hours of embarrassment until I dig a hole and bury it".
Ruth Harper 2 years ago
Good thing you have a dog and not a cat. Dressing cats is a very good way to end up in pain.
RELATED:
#2
Our Dryer Was Making A Strange Noise. My Mom Took It Apart And Collected The Contents
Russ Kincade 2 years ago
That's what happens when you clean your sharks in the washing machine instead of dry cleaning them properly.
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David 2 years ago
Most of this thread wouldn't exist if folks followed a few basic rules. 1. Check all pockets / shake out large items like blankets and sheets. 2. DO NOT store the soap on top of the machines. 3. Clean the lint trap. And apparently 4. Don't wash pillows except I've washed a number of pillows over the years and never had a problem. The only issue (for me) is drying them on low and then letting them sit for a couple days to finish air drying.
featherytoad 2 years ago
And, who doesn't check pockets if you have kids.
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Susie Elle 2 years ago
My boyfriend is a chef. So far I've fished out a gazillion pens, several lighters, a foldable thermometer and a clove of garlic from the washer :')
SuperChicken 2 years ago
Let's see - guitar picks, lose change, hair clip, hairpins, etc.... and, can tabs? 😂
Heather Talma 1 year ago
Coins and bobby pins are one thing, but how exactly do you just lose SIX guitar picks??
Boop the Snoot. Pound the Paw. 2 years ago
This isn’t really complicated in my house. Lots of teenagers sharing rooms. Mom yells clean up your room. Everyone just scoops whoever’s clothes off the floor and dumps them in the washing machine. None of the kids go thru each other’s pockets. By kids I mean 15,17,18,19 year olds.
Load More Replies... #3
My Mom Has This Hanging Above The Dryer In Her Laundry Room
LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
I still swear my socks travel to a different dimension while in the wash. I have so many mismatched socks 🧦
Marcellus II 2 years ago
Beaver & Steve discovered it was aliens. I don't remember whether in the first or second book.
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lawrence Andrew 2 years ago
I only own two types of matching socks, black and white. The total shrinks but they are never mismatched
Omima mimi miki 2 years ago
since we have so many now i just gave up and started telling my kids to wear mismatched socks anytime anyday for any occasion lol
So, a lot of things can happen in a washing machine if you don’t know what you’re doing. Hopefully, more often than not, the washing machine goes through the entire cycle without you needing to pick up the pieces of whatever that was left inside afterwards (or whatever that is left of the appliance in general).
But to kick off the list, don’t put anything into the washing machine that quite literally isn’t clothing or fabric. And even that comes with its own asterisks.
#4
Freaking Cat Shut Off The Washing Machine Mid-Cycle
Patricia Smith 2 years ago
Take the sweet little thing back to your apartment and love him and give him some treats.
Melissa Powell 2 years ago
Was looking for my cat one day. Could not find him. Concerned that he got out and putting on shoes to go looking for him. Happen to glance in at the dryer. He was sitting in the dryer with door closed waiting for me to open it. Scolded him for doing that.
#5
This Is What Happens When You Don't Separate Your Colors And Whites
Libstak 2 years ago
You are supposed to use water, not fire. Seriously, though always clean lint from you filter in the dryer, imagine you put your clothes to dry before going to bed?
Tabitha 2 years ago (edited)
One of the biggest causes of house fires is not cleaning the lint filter in the dryer. I had to teach my husband that habit when we got married. Couple months into our marriage, the dryer wasn’t drying clothes like it should, so I checked the lint filter, and it was full. Over the years, I had developed the habit of cleaning the lint catcher after drying clothes, so that narrowed down the culprits to one. Though I am happy he will do laundry in the first place, when I cleaned the whole lint filter, I was shocked at how much lint was packed into it. I showed the bag full of lint to my husband and told him he has to get into the habit of emptying the lint catcher after every load, and the whole filter once every month or two. I told him all that combustible lint plus the high heat of the dryer meant we were at risk of the house burning down. It was all brand spanking new information for him, and something he just never realized. Practical household information like that is something not every single guy knows, or even realizes. I sure wish more parents would teach their kids—-all their kids, boys and girls—-how to run a household properly me safely, so they don’t burn the whole place down.
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Marcellus II 2 years ago
Too dry, that's what caused it. Always wet them first, but this time not with fuel.
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Michael None 2 years ago
Remember everyone when there's an active house fire make sure to always stop and take a picture. Gotta get them likes or your self esteem might falter.
Fussy1 2 years ago
Rule number one in any given emergency situation... first thing you need to do is grab your phone and take a video and pictures of said emergency for social media!! For goodness sake, don't forget a few selfies for good measure. Be sure to include at least one with peace sign and duck face because 'likes' are important!!
Minou the Cat 2 years ago
Nah, a burning appliance is not very photogenic, wait until your whole house burns down.
Marcellus II 2 years ago
I like the relaxed "oh cosy fire, lets whatsapp my mates" atmosphere.
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Amanda Rose 2 years ago
Not cleaning the dryer vent/duct work can cause fires.
Load More Replies... #6
My Daughter Used Markers To Put “Makeup” On Her Dolls. I Tried To Wash Them. Cinderella Had An Especially Rough Night
Firstname Lastname 2 years ago
It looks like she cried too hard when the prince realized he only wanted to date the Godmother version of her, and not post pumpkin Cindy.
Patricia Smith 2 years ago
Your daughter did very well even on poor Cinderella. She knew things were not going to go well with an evil stepmother at home.
A quick-list of things to avoid putting into a conventional washing machine, that still fits the concept of clothing: suits, embellished clothing, clothes with zippers and buttons, swimsuits and bras, baby socks, throw blankets, sneakers with leather, clothes covered in pet hair, sweaters made out of delicate materials, lace garments, ties and memory foam pillows, just to name a few.
#7
David Bowie Cushion And Dog Blanket In Washing Machine
The only Plueschopossum 2 years ago
Same here. But I'm in a Zoom call and have to try to stay serious.
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aubergine10003 2 years ago
I agree, I'm not getting Bowie vibes from this
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martymcmatrix 2 years ago
You recreated a famous painting by Jan van Eyck called »Portrait of a Man« (in a Red Turban)...
#8
I've Accidentally Shrunk My Husband's Jacket. Husband For Scale
Sanni Salo 2 years ago
'Husband's jacket'.....right. Jackets don't shrink like that, it's a child's jacket.
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#9
My Cat Knocked Over 2 Gallons Of Laundry Detergent Onto The Floor While I Was At Work (My Floor Is Not Blue, It’s White)
Amy Watson 2 years ago
And about to be reeeeeeaaallllllllyyyyyyyyy clean!
Load More Replies... Flora Porter 2 years ago
Not the cat's fault someone didn't put the lid on properly and put it away!
DJ B 2 years ago
One does not need to be a professional cleaner to know that!
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Marcellus II 2 years ago
"In this house, we just throw clothes on the ground and they now clean itself"
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Keley Babs 2 years ago
That's happened to me before. Upside? That whole part of your house smells like clean laundry for a long time
Raquel Mencke 2 years ago
My heart is breaking for this person. That took such a long time to clean up.
If some of these seem a bit strange, or you have been doing it with zero repercussions, then note that it depends. Suits, embellished clothes, and laced garments might seem like a no-brainer, but why are some of the others in this list? They’re there to serve as a warning.
Clothes with zippers and buttons are fine, as long as there is not delicate clothing in the same wash as zippers are notoriously predatory pieces of fastening and can rip thin materials into shreds. And that’s a whole other can of beans that won’t come out in the wash.
#10
My Wife Opened A Washing Machine Full Of Towels And Found It Just Like This After The Cycle
WindySwede 2 years ago
after the first words in that sentence, my mind thought of "one towel to rule them all"...
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Liz Siemens 2 years ago
I've seen this in my washer before! It can be hard to get them out lol
RapidUnscheduledDisassembly 2 years ago
With these types of machines, you can't just dump the clothes in. You have to arrange them in a circle around the agitator and leave it uncovered before you start the cycle.
#11
My Mom Washed My Favorite Sweater
Daniela Lavanza 2 years ago
Sometimes, mums come to their children's home and want to help (at least in my Italian family, it's this way). Oh, you have so much work, let me relieve you. The real question is, how come she messed up that much? After years of doing home chores, she should have known better.
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The Original Bruno 2 years ago
No, but I made a crack about Guardians oft he Galaxy because I thought the resemblance was pretty strong.
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#12
Putting Towels Covered In Dish Washing Liquid Into A Washing Machine Was A Bad Idea
Nikki D 2 years ago
I do too. It looks like the foamiest bubble bath ever.
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Danielle Renee 2 years ago
how much dishwashing liquid was there?! i've used it before and that didn't happen...but it did when i put it in the dish washer :/
Baby socks, like many other tiny clothes, can easily get sucked into the innards of the washing machine; bikinis and anything with elastic can become less elastic really quickly; bras can get hooked on internal washing machine parts easily; many blankets are surprisingly dry wash only, so watch the tag; pet hair can quickly suffocate your washing machine; leather accents often peel off of clothes (and then get gobbled up by the crevices of the drum), and things like sweaters made of wool, velvet or cashmere demand delicacy in general—just hand-wash them.
#13
Washing Machine Decided To Eat Itself
Fussy1 2 years ago
Guilty! Well not me personally, but my partner. Apparently one of the ways you can achieve this lovely result is by adding a bit too much to the load and closing the door, not realising a bit of material is stuck between the door and rubber and leaving the machine to run its cycle while you go to work. When you come home, you think you've walked into a junkyard of burning tires as you're hit in the face with the acrid stench of burned rubber throughout your WHOLE house and a foggy haze when you open the laundry room door. The clean up is equally as exciting as you try to untangle the mangled mess of literally shredded shirts, rubber gasket and inches rubber 'sawdust' like particles from the holes and grooves dug out of the gasket from turning around and around on itself. Such a joyful memory.
Bouche and Audi and Shyla, Oh My! 2 years ago
They didn't feed it enough socks. It got hungry.
LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
It looks like they didn’t clean the gasket and/or wear washing clothing stuff with hooks or clasps (bras for example) that get caught.
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#14
My Grandmother Accidentally Put One Of Her Leather Gloves In The Washing Machine
#15
Over Two Months Of Laundry Has Generated Thirty Two Unmatched Socks. How?
Novleska 2 years ago
As crazy as it sounds the washer actually eats them.. my washer wouldn't drain so I called a repair man he came out & took the whole machine apart & I watched him in amazement pull out sock after sock a few pairs of panties & more socks until about a dozen or more... there's a little hole were the water drains I'm talking LITTLE & the force of the spinning so how makes socks get sucked in there I s**t you not & then eventually they make it into the drain line... INSANE I thought it was a prank or joke or I was wayyy stoned but no no it was real
DJ B 2 years ago
I read that somewhere, too! That's why I wash all socks and underwear in garment washing bags! Haven't lost a sock since!
Load More Replies... Heffalump 2 years ago
This is why I buy all my socks the same color. I have a drawer of socks, not pairs of socks.
Widdershins66 2 years ago
I buy all sorts / colours of socks. I never wear a matching pair 🤪
Load More Replies... Tabitha 2 years ago (edited)
Buy one of those lingerie bags you use for underwear and bras, and put socks in there too. If you always have a lot of sock to wash, buy a second lingerie bag just for socks. They’re not expensive. As long as you put matched pairs in, you will get matched pairs out, and you will never lose socks again.
Undercover 2 years ago
I always buy the same black socks by the same brand so I don't have to match socks.
Mila Preradović 2 years ago
My hidden talent is reversed unmatching. When I moved in with my now-husband, I matched over 10 pairs of his socks that were roaming around the house. 🤓
Colleen Glim 2 years ago
They fall into a very small black hole in the dryer and come out the other end as random Tupperware lids
Washing machines function very similarly to humans in the sense that everything has to be done in moderation. Hence, too little or too much laundry detergent or soap might lead to disappointing washing results. Since a lot of the machine’s cleaning efficiency depends on clothes rubbing against each other, too much soap might reduce friction to a degree where it doesn’t really clean itself. And too little detergent is self-explanatory.
#16
I Don't Think I Had To Wash That
Shark Lady 2 years ago
I've washed my remote several times, it gets caught up in my duvet cover. I take the batteries out and leave it on a towel to dry and so far it still works.
WindySwede 2 years ago
probably plausible! take it apart gently, rince with pure water and dry of everything and let it dry compleatly. Put in new bats!
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#17
My Wife Left A Pen In Her Pants' Pocket
2WheelTravlr 2 years ago
Rubbing alcohol will remove most inks from the dryer, some clothes may be cleaned with the alcohol, or Goof Off, but if they're synthetic materials, the ink may not come out.
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Babs McGurk 2 years ago
Rubbing alcohol might get the ink off the hard surfaces. But Oxy Clean might work, too. My husband clipped a pen to his shirt once, and I missed it when I was loading the washer. Fortunately the ink only got on that particular shirt. I put it in a soak cycle TWICE, with double the Oxy Clean called for, and the ink stain came out completely. Might be worth a try!
David Sallis 2 years ago
When I was a table waiter I did this several times. Ruined a LOT of work clothes
#18
There Were 12 Minutes Left In The Washing Cycle When I Saw This
ChickyChicky 2 years ago
I use a different brand of earbuds--went through the washer, went through the dryer, still works!
Ąåřţđęşịɠŋȿ 2 years ago
...and I calmy turned around and went to the filing cabinet to find the AppleCare info...
Lex <3 (they/them) 2 years ago (edited)
I was wondering when I'd find this one on this list haha
Maggie Fulton 2 years ago
I once forgot a car key/fob in my pants pocket. If you’re wondering, it did not survive.
DelvianBlue 2 years ago
I did that with my wireless mouse once. Caught it almost immediately - still too late! Nothing was saving that.
Besides that, too much detergent, yet not enough water to rinse it off in the end might also lead to skin irritation while wearing the clothes. It might even lead to dermatitis.
Oh, and, apparently, too much detergent might also mean your clothes might smell bad in the end. How? If there’s not enough water to rinse it off, that means both the detergent and whatever odor-causing bacteria that’s present there won’t come off. So, that nasty stain you got there on your sweater might become even nastier without you really noticing it.
#19
My New Roommate Was Complaining About Her Dryer Not Working Very Well, So I Checked The Lint Trap. Coin For Size Reference
C L 2 years ago
What is it with people that they don't clean the lint trap every time? Not only this, but huge fire hazard
Emotional Support Velociraptor 2 years ago
Besides, it's kind of satisfying to pull all of the lint off and try to get it all off in one piece.
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Michelle Carlson 2 years ago
Our dryer is 30 years old and still works great. I'm convinced it's because we clean the trap. every. single. time.
LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
Yikes, that’s incredibly dangerous and could have started a fire.
Soton_Sherpa 2 years ago
Can we have a picture of the coin next to a banana so that we can properly see the size of the issue?
Mark Cleary 2 years ago
Came here to say that, need banana for scale, coins won't do,🤪
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Maikku 2 years ago
We have a washer-dryer, and it does not have a lint trap. I have searched and searched and do not find one. I have no idea where the lint goes!?! It's been working fine over three years tho.
sturmwesen 2 years ago
I think it goes down the drain. Just use a flushing circle after drying in case they cling to the plumbing inside the machine occasionally.
Load More Replies... #20
Received On March 13th. Washed And Dried On March 17th. Fastest $205 I've Ever Lost
Lee 2 years ago
Go easy on your passport guys- I’m only 36 years old and have already been investigated into possibly selling my passports (lost 4 adult passports by the age of 25 on nights out-I’m totally sober now for what it’s worth.) I’ve been told if I lose my current one I’ll only ever be allowed temporary passports for the rest of my life. (UK.)
Verena 2 years ago
Wgy do you take your passport, which is only necessary for leaving the country, with you on nights out? Take an ID.
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g90814 2 years ago
Those things are tough. its probably still good. Just put something heavy on it for a few days to flatten it out.
Tyranamar Seuss 2 years ago
I'd still try to use it. Iron with damp towel over the pages. Voila! Looks like a properly ratty passport.
Load More Replies... #21
I Can’t Do My Laundry At My Apartment Because The Internet Is Down
Libstak 2 years ago (edited)
And this is reason 2342 why we don't need everything bleeping connected to the internet.
Freya (she/they/he) 2 years ago
Reminds me of a twitter post I saw where OP posted that her app powered car rental lost cell service on the side of a mountain in rural California and as a result she can’t start up her only mode of transportation
Catharina Geerts 2 years ago
I wonder why a washing machine would need an internet connection. I have one with electronic screen, yes, but no internet connection there.
But that’s just one side of the coin—the washing machine wants some love and care too.
To finish off with the previous point of too much detergent, using the right detergent and less of it is also key to keeping the washing machine healthy. Modern detergents are designed for modern machines, which use less water with higher efficiency. Otherwise, there’s going to be a lot of suds out there.
#22
My Wife Said She Had Something Crazy To Show Me After We Ate Lunch
Amanda Rose 2 years ago
This is a new one to me. I never really thought about that being a possibility.
Mark 2 years ago
I always thought it was plastic, or else shaped in a similar geometry to a prince Rupert’s drop. Designed to handle almost any force to the inside without breaking
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SharJo 2 years ago
Mine is plastic on the outside and glass on the inside.
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BlackestDawn 2 years ago
Sometimes s**t just happens, especially with fairly brittle materials like glass.
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#23
Washing Machine Moved A Few Inches While Washing And Now The Door Won’t Open. Help
Francois 2 years ago
Which she/he cannot. The hinges are located in washing room.
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David Paterson 2 years ago
That takes me back. My first washing machine used to walk around during the spin cycle.
Mark Howell 2 years ago
Close the door, move house. Just tell the new owner the room is haunted
Bob Brooce 2 years ago
For those of you who can't figure it out, the washer has to move to the right. Unless you can push hard enough to also move the dryer, and likely something beyond the dryer (possibly a wall) pushing on the door isn't going to do it.
#24
This Is Why I Can’t Have Nice Things. Two-Week-Old Oversized Jumper Now Fits My Two-Year-Old Because I Accidentally Washed It In The Machine
Daniela Lavanza 2 years ago
That's why I don't but "hand wash only" products. If they can't be cleaned even with special machine cycles, it's just not worth the time spent on washing them.
Daniel Atkins 2 years ago
As Mitch Hedberg said "if it says dry clean only that means its dirty."
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Ge Po 2 years ago
I am told that, if not shrunken too much, it may help to soak the item in a bucket of luke-warm water and add a lot of hair-balm and/or fabric softener. This may help the fibers to relax and stretch out. Then rinse and squeeze out as much water as possible. Place the item on a large towel, stretch it to approximately original size and roll up. Let dry. Hope for the best.
Karen Krause 2 years ago
My sister had a sweater she knitted we call the Magic Sweater. The first time she wore it, it fitted as a typical bulky sweater. Mom washed it and it shrank to a kid's size. My mom had read that maybe it could be stretched out after soaking. It then became a knee-length dress. They tried again then became a fitted sweater. It could change size with each washing. It was a magic sweater.
Sarah Kathrin Matsoukis 2 years ago
Things that don't go in the washing machine, dryer or dishwasher are in for a surprise in my household
Patricia Smith 2 years ago
Great advise, Ge Po! My mother has done this a few times with retrieved sweaters from my college years.
Besides that, keeping the washing machine level means it’s not gonna lose balance and go for a stroll. Or collapse altogether.
Regularly inspecting the water-fill hoses for cracks, cleaning the dispenser drawer and the lint filter of any suds and lint buildup, and preventing mold by doing a drum clean cycle every month are key to a healthy washing machine. Otherwise, the smell is going to be the least of your concern.
#25
My Amazing Boyfriend Tried To Help Out By Putting The Wet Blackout Curtains In The Dryer On High. I Love Him
Ąåřţđęşịɠŋȿ 2 years ago
huh. I probably would have said, "huh, that wasn't supposed to happen". But, yeah, you it wasn't a blender or lawn mower? Sheesh. Cheap-assed curtains
Martinna Jaap 2 years ago
I did this exact same thing. The dryer gets to hot and it 'melts' the plastic part of the curtains that make them light blocking. I just say they add character. Lol
Nikki Angulo 2 years ago
Man, he could have just put them on low and them hung them up damp, they’d dry in the sun!
#26
Don’t Wash A Blanket With A Fitted Sheet. Still Suffering From PTSD From The Sound
Ge Po 2 years ago
Spin-cycle where all of the laundry, read 'weight,' is stuck to one side. It'll whack the wits out of your machine.
Load More Replies... featherytoad 2 years ago (edited)
Is it me, or does it look like you could only do a load of underwear in there? The drum looks so small. If that's the case, no wonder why it had a melt down.
Colleen Glim 2 years ago
My machine shuts off when the load is unbalanced. There has to be more to this
Heather Talma 1 year ago
I've successfully done that many times so I don't know what the hell YOU did wrong.
Hugh Crawford 2 years ago
How long did you sit there listening to it smash itself apart before you investigated?
#27
Our Washer Decided To Become A Smoke Machine
Snorkeldorf 2 years ago
Wasn't that a Deep Purple song? You know.......Smoke in the washer.....a fire in the sky.
Spannermonkey 2 years ago
Washer in the kitchen. I know it's a (largely European) space issue, but....Nope.
But if you take care of your machinery and need a different takeaway from this listicle, why not throw these fun washing machine facts in casual conversation:
The first commercially-available washing machine for regular Joes in the U.S. was called Thor and it was released in 1908; the first ever washing machine was rolled out in the 1760s and it was basically a manual-rotation wooden box; it took 4 decades of innovation to reduce water consumption per cycle from 181 liters to just 45.
#28
Putting These Shoes In The Dryer Was A Bad Idea
#29
6 Pieces Of Clothing Knotting In The Dryer
Faerie Øverlørd fae-fem-fer 2 years ago
My first thought after I looked at this picture
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LakotaWolf (she/her) 2 years ago
I haven’t had this happen since I started vigorously shaking out my clothes when I pull them from the washer, before I put them into the dryer. I don’t just huck them straight into the dryer any more XD
Awesome At Being Autistic 2 years ago
You're supposed to shake your laundry out once you take it out of the washing machine, before you put it in the dryer. That way you can avoid this, and your clothes will dry faster and more evenly, too.
Catharina Geerts 2 years ago
Seeing all that can happen with dryers, I'm glad I don't have one.
Have any washing machine nightmares of your own (whether it was just a dream or you experienced it firsthand)? Share your stories in the comment section below!
But if you haven’t had your fill of washing machine campfire horror stories, you can always jump into the Bored Panda rabbit hole to see another disastrous laundry listicle.
#30
Half Of These Pants Shrunk In The Wash
Emotional Support Velociraptor 2 years ago
That's what I was just thinking...
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Eric Lafleur 2 years ago
The tag says there's an average of 20% chance that the fabric could shrink.
#31
Anyone Else Have To Remove Their Washer Agitator Because They Washed A New Box Of Staples, Or Is It Just Me?
DumYum 2 years ago
Luckily, the glue held and they are not all separated into hundreds of individual staples.
Load More Replies... Bob Brooce 2 years ago
I think it made it to the dryer, but a penny that my mother washed a very long time ago resulted in a $50 repair bill. Did I mention that it was a very long time ago? I've washed coins many times since then, but so far they haven't resulted in damage.
#32
Let’s Just Say That We Ended Up With Very Clean Laundry Room Floor. And Yes, I’m An Idiot
Eric Lafleur 2 years ago (edited)
Putting liquid dishwashing soap in the dishwasher will do the same. You've now been warned. Edit: soap for washing by hand...
Robert Trebor 2 years ago
This is an idiot moment. Everyone has idiot moments. True idiocy is doing the same stupid thing more than once, or even always,
I heart Boo-BI-es 2 years ago
I thought that was the meaning of insanity, doing the same thing over and over again but expecting or hoping for a different result. Which is part of a quote from Einstein, who is not a genius but a true idiot?
Load More Replies... #33
Put Our Clothes In The Communal Dryer. They Came Out With Someone’s Dog Hair On Everything
Patricia Smith 2 years ago
How rude! At least these people should have given you the he dog that came with the hair!
Lame Llama 2 years ago
This is so gross. Thanks god, I afford a little space for my own machine and dryer. I will never go back to the communal laudromatt days.
Sylvia Baker 2 years ago
I had 4 dogs and never ever ever did this happen.... was the dog put in the dryer???
Ruth Harper 2 years ago
This is what happens when you have a cat. All my clothes have cat fur on them. Doesn't matter if they've been washed, the fur remains. At least the world knows that I belong to a kitty.
#34
Missed My Pocket Knife In The Laundry
LokisLilButterknife 2 years ago
https://www.amazon.com/Columbia-River-Knife-Tool/dp/B08WWLS3T8
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#35
Doing Laundry Is Exhausting
#36
The Soap Jug Fell To The Floor In The Laundry Room
marianne eliza 2 years ago
Can happen when you keep your bottle of detergent on top of the machine and then the machine has a rough spin cycle. The jug will actually walk itself to the edge and then jump.
#37
Forgetting To Remove Paper From Your Pocket Before Doing The Laundry
Alan Green 2 years ago
i left a packet of chewing gum in mine. . . pocket is now permanently sealed shut.
Lame Llama 2 years ago
We have tissue papers that wont do this if you accidentally put it in the wash.
Omima mimi miki 2 years ago
my kids forget all the time and i think i'm one more pocket full of paper poses before i lose it.
#38
Tried To Wash My Pillows. They Exploded And Filled My Washing Machine With Sticky Blue And Green Pillow Fluff
Foxglove🇮🇪 2 years ago
I haven't seen top loaders for sale for years, all front loaders here (Ireland/EU)
David Paterson 2 years ago
I've never seen a front loader. All top loaders here. Wife has seen a front loader once, thought it was a dryer and washed the clothes twice. (Australia).
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Unauthorized Kiwi 2 years ago
When I was five my little butt decided to rip up that pillow stuff and spread it all over the floor. We were finding pieces for like 3 years. Even after we moved. It never left us.
Ray Perkins 2 years ago
Wife was looking after her sister who had dementia. Her sister washed my wife's favorite top along with one of her (the sister's) used adult diapers.
#39
Accidentally Forgot My Fiancée’s Favorite Stuffed Animal In The Clothes While Doing Laundry, I’m In For A Rough Night
LakotaWolf (she/her) 2 years ago
If OP can find the plushie’s, uh, “skin” intact in there, the stuffed animal could be saved with a few stitches and a new bag of polyfil! :O I love making stuffed animals, and I got my start when I was a kid, fixing my childhood ones that got ripped XD
Load More Replies... Java Addict 2 years ago
I've had a teddy bear for 40 years, if this happened to it I'd be devastated
SuperChicken 2 years ago
Poor little stuff animal. Sounds like you'll be camping out on the sofa for a bit.
mooshoflove 2 years ago
Reminds me of the time I actually knocked a toilet paper roll into the washer.... Good times.. 🫠
#40
Somehow Chucked A Dirty Nappy In The Washing Machine This Morning
Amy Watson 2 years ago
My hubby did that once when our infant daughter had her first stomach virus and was spouting at both ends. We were all exhausted by the end of the day. When a 4am relapse happened, he volunteered. Next morning I found the bedding, her PJs, an entire package of diapers, a package of wipes, the curtains, a couple of stuffed animals, and the digital thermometer in the washer, clean and waiting to be moved to the drier. The diapers had all pretty much exploded and it took months to get all the bits out
OneHappyPuppy 2 years ago
C**p, happened to me once... The diaper burst and went onto everything. Everything.
#41
My Neighbor Is Doing Some Laundry
Freya (she/they/he) 2 years ago
You won’t believe what happened when an AirPod was washed.. tap here to read the truth.
#42
A Brand New Full-Size Spiral Notebook In A Load Of Darks (Pic Taken After 2nd Wash)
#43
Guess Who Forgot Car Keys In The Jeans' Pocket... On A Laundry Day
Alan Green 2 years ago
I've done that. Car key went through a full wash and dry cycle and it still works just fine somehow. Didn't even have to change the battery.
David Paterson 2 years ago
Did have to change the battery (twice) but came through OK.
Load More Replies... Melissa Powell 2 years ago
Don’t do this with an electronic key. Replacement of key is very expensive.
Ąåřţđęşịɠŋȿ 2 years ago
Well, there is nothing high voltage. 'should' still work. Just make sure it is completely dry. Taking it fully apart like this helps to make sure.
#44
My Clothes Were Ripped To Shreds Because The Laundry Machine Shattered
Hippopotamuses 2 years ago
Again in this list. I've never heard of this happening before. Also, how?
LakotaWolf (she/her) 2 years ago
Maybe someone forgot an item in a pants pocket and it hit the glass just right during a cycle? :(
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Nikki Gross 2 years ago
This is why I like normal old school dryers with a solid metal door. I don't need to watch my stuff drying so a glass door is pretty much useless to me since I'm not staring at the machine.
#45
My Girlfriend Washed My Wool Sweater
Trond Hermansen 2 years ago
I did the exact same thing with exactly that kind of shirt (navy colour, though). :-(
#46
Guess I Didn’t Need To Watch TV Tonight
LakotaWolf (she/her) 2 years ago
Is it a common thing to put the remote into your POCKETS? Asking seriously. I always put mine back onto the arm of the couch after use, because I know I would otherwise lose it XD and yes, it’s a tiny Chromecast remote. Never once slipped it into a pocket XD
Barbara 2 years ago
I'm guessing it's more about sheets and blankets. I can see mine lost in the monster of blankets on the couch and then take the whole pile and throw it into the machine.
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#47
Boyfriend Tried To Wash A Pillow
Mia Black 2 years ago
Eeew wet feathers are sticky and stinky and very hard to get rid of... Your will find ones even after years
Nichole Harris 2 years ago
At last! Something more insidious than glitter 😂
Load More Replies... Ąåřţđęşịɠŋȿ 2 years ago
groan. As someone who has performed this trick.... good luck. You will never be rid of feathers. At least it didn't get in the dryer and ignite.
#48
Did The Laundry Today. Dryer Caught On Fire 30 Minutes Later
Brian Droste 2 years ago
Was this in a laundry mat. Looks loud it. See numbers on the machines.
#49
My Pillow Exploded In The Dryer
Rob(erta) Roy (They/Them) 2 years ago
Stole the words right from my mouth 😅
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Max Robitzsch 2 years ago
What's with people washing PILLOWS in their machine in the first place? Even if you don't get one of these explosions, how are you going to dry them properly to avoid mold? Ugh. Use pillow covers. Two layers if need be.
#50
Found This In The Washing Machine In My Building
Spocks's Mom 2 years ago
I will give them one of my spare Amazon TV remotes.
Load More Replies... #51
My Wife (And The Rest Of The House) Also Heard A Noise In The Laundry Room
Spocks's Mom 2 years ago
I am guessing a very unbalanced load. When I worked at the veterinary clinic, we had a huge washer that was stupidly lightweight. If you put a big blanket in there and it was off balance, the washer would "walk" itself across the floor. I can imagine something like this happening to that machine.
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featherytoad 2 years ago
Awhile back, Samsung had a problem with exploding washers. I don't remember the details but, maybe this is one of those. I can't see how an unbalanced load could do this much damage. Or, at least, it shouldn't. Mine shuts off when it's to unbalanced and it is the most basic GE washer you can get.
#52
Somehow Put "Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows Pt. 1" Into The Washer With My Clothes. Now Everything's Covered In Pulp And I Lost A Good Read
#53
When Your Husband Does The Laundry. Those Used To Be Pacs
Jinx (she/her) 2 years ago
eh, i don't know, this one could be an accident, the bag fell off the laundry shelf and he didn't notice before he ran the load... hopefully it was an accident and didn't happen because he's an idiot and or assface
#54
In The Absence Of Laundry Detergent Do Not Ever Substitute It For Shampoo
Spocks's Mom 2 years ago
Desperation? Improvisation? It's foamy so it should work? Idk, but there's a reason you can't use high suds detergents in modern machines.
Load More Replies... Starwhisper Nighthush 2 years ago
Substitute a small amount of dish soap...should work just fine.
#55
I Washed A Blanket With My Clothes And It Basically Disintegrated
#56
I Accidentally Washed $10
BlackestDawn 2 years ago
What the hell else did you do with it? Bills are much stronger than that.
LakotaWolf (she/her) 2 years ago
That looks like the old style of $1, so the bills may have just been old.
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Lara Verne 2 years ago
I once forgot some bill in my pocket and washed it. Somehow, bill survived without any damage. I found it when I was ironing my jeans.
#57
My Pocket Detached From My Jeans In The Wash
Sky Render 2 years ago
Your pants can now be sold as women's pants now that they lack pockets!
#58
Our Dark Towels Always Eventually Get These “Bleach Spots”. Despite The Fact That We Don’t Use Bleach In Our Laundry At All And None Of Our Clothes Get These Spots
Tabitha 2 years ago (edited)
What do you use to wash your face or your teeth, then wipe them dry on your towels? Anything with any form of peroxide in it? Like benzoyl peroxide in your face wash, or hydrogen peroxide in your toothpaste? Because that will end up being the culprit for those mystery bleach marks.
shankShaw deReemer 2 years ago
Peroxide or any peroxide containing product like acne medication will also cause this.
iseefractals 2 years ago
Like gemma said, some skincare stuff is acidic, but this can also happen if you're washing your towels in hot water, which causes your sweat and body oils (and blood stains) to "set" into the fabric which can cause fading over time. While it's true that washing things in hot water causes fabrics to "relax" and molecules to move more freely, there by more effectively loosening dirt, and high temperatures killing germs that's really only a benefit over cold water if you are not using any detergent at all. Modern detergents have "leveled" the playing field so much that it's really not worth damaging your items by putting them through excessively hot water.
#59
Wash Your Pants At 90°C With Your Bank Card In It
Freya (she/they/he) 2 years ago
Once had a customer at my job tell me something similar happened to them.. they had to get a new credit card
David Paterson 2 years ago (edited)
It may (or may not) be fixable by heating the card again in boiling water and bending it back into shape while hot. PS, I've only seen this happen at temperatures above 100 C so am a bit surprised.
#60
Took My Favorite Shirt To The Dry Cleaners Before My Boss's Wedding Tomorrow. Time To Go Shopping, I Guess
Kiss Army 2 years ago
I've been to many events for my boss... not his wedding because he was already married when I started working with him but my family has attended many life events that occurred in his family and visa versa... He, his wife and daughter were just very instrumental in assisting with food for the Celebration of Life for my brother.
Load More Replies... #61
The Result Of Me Accidentally Closing The Dryer Door On The Bottom Of A Shirt
#62
It’s Raining Inside. Washing Machine Drain Hose Detached Somehow And Flooded Both Bathrooms
#64
Left My Covid Vaccine Card In My Pocket On Laundry Day
Glenn Howell 2 years ago
Thank goodness they arent needed (at least in the US) any longer... (dropped the requirement to have it).
g90814 2 years ago
I never needed it for anything, but I think I got a new one for the first few boosters. Easy enough to replace, I went to same pharmacy for every shot.
Load More Replies... #65
Completely Forgot About The Lint Trap In Our Dryer And Wondered Why Our Clothes Were Taking 3 Cycles To Dry
LakotaWolf (she/her) 2 years ago
I clean my lint trap religiously after every use (sometimes in the middle of a drying run, if it’s towels) and I STILL worry about the thing catching on fire XD
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#66
I Didn't Check For Stray Diapers Before Running The Wash
Eric Lafleur 2 years ago (edited)
Why did you put it in the laundry basket? How did you not see it when you filled the washer?
#68
If You’re Ever Tempted To Machine Wash A Down Pillow Maybe… Don’t
The Greatest JMS W Cool Animation 2 years ago
Wow, so many people here had tried washing their Pillows, lol
Lame Llama 2 years ago
I wash my pillows/cushions too, but I always put them in a laundry mesh or a zipped pillow case. These people are so brave.
Load More Replies... #69
Accidentally Washed A Beanie My Aunt Gave Me For Christmas. Those Tiny Yarn Strands Are Everywhere
#70
The Pillow Did Not Survive The Dryer. At Least It’s Dry
Alexej Dvorak 2 years ago
Hey, this one was filled with diced onions instead of chopped potatos for a change.
#71
Machine-Washing A Feather Pillow
kate h 2 years ago
I've washed mine and this has never happened! They do take FOREVER to dry though.
Load More Replies... #72
My Wife Said She Heard A Noise In The Laundry Room
#74
Put My Blankets In The Dryer Without Realizing My Book Was On My Bed. Now I Have To Buy A New Copy Of My Book
Hippopotamuses 2 years ago
From the paper messes on some of the other posts, I'd say you got off lightly.
shankShaw deReemer 2 years ago
That must be some darn good paper to not have disintegrated in the least, even to the point the words are still legible.
Stardust she/her 2 years ago
How do you not notice that something is on your bed before removing the sheets?
#75
My Mom Left Cigarettes In Her Pocket While I Was Washing My Blankets And Her Pants, Now I Don’t Have Blankets
Libstak 2 years ago
People, use the professional blanket and donate washers at your nearest laundromat for these. They really can cause serious damage to regular domestic washing machines, not worth the risk.
Verena 2 years ago
Donate professional blankets? Donate washers?? Why not wash blankets in a standard washing machine?
Load More Replies... Add New Image
What do you think ?
VonBlade 2 years ago
99% of these can be solved by checking the pockets of items and putting stuff in the machine one item at a time.
Daniela Lavanza 2 years ago (edited)
Lesson learned for those who may not be experts in laundry. Check the pockets, all of them, even if you mates told you they did already. Read the washing instructions and follow them. Check for cracked clothe (which may tear up during the cycle, especially big stuff like pillows). Check the shape of the machine to make sure a problem is not about to start (such as the seal about to break). Clean the pump from time to time. Also, if you can, do your own laundry in your own machine. Ok, I know in the US, you share the room in buildings but I for one prefer not to have to deal with careless neighbors' mistakes.
Na Schi 2 years ago
Honest question: by looking at those (probably) US-type of washing machines... are they really that bad? (Judging from the pictures but also from what I've read on the internet). I have to admit they look kind of flimsy with all the plastic and funny looking baffles, but I've never used one. So is there anybody here who might help to explain if there is really such a huge difference between US washing machines and Europen ones (let's say a Miele)?
Tyranamar Seuss 2 years ago
My washers and dryers last forever. I only switch when I move. But I clean my lint traps and check my pockets. My grandmother's washing machine is still running, so is my aunts. These are just bizarre accidents.
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ano nym 2 years ago
Why do people use dryers? I get it if it's a family with kids, but like 2 grown-ups... I just wait till it's dry, saves energy/money/space. I really don't get it.
lawrence Andrew 2 years ago
I do not have enough cloths to wait for summer.
Load More Replies... Joe Publique 2 years ago
The amount of people washing pillows without putting them in a laundry bag...is too damn high!
Frances M 2 years ago
Don’t wash pillows! Double cover them, and when they get bad just get new ones! And no, that does not mean you have to buy new pillows every year. Or just hand wash them.
Beck 2 years ago
You can wash "my pillows", but I threw mine out once I realized what a dumbass Mike liddel is. I loved my pillow, but hate trump more.
Load More Replies... Octavia Hansen 2 years ago
Using a laundromat, tossed in my scrubs without checking. Someone had left (or put) crayons inside the dryer. My stuff came out with some of the most colourful abstract art I could have wished for. Color stayed for a few more washing and drying. I'd love to duplicate the effect but don't want to screw up anyone else's clothes . . .
River Daski 2 years ago
who the f**k out here putting pillows in washers??? that's what the pillow case is for
VonBlade 2 years ago
99% of these can be solved by checking the pockets of items and putting stuff in the machine one item at a time.
Daniela Lavanza 2 years ago (edited)
Lesson learned for those who may not be experts in laundry. Check the pockets, all of them, even if you mates told you they did already. Read the washing instructions and follow them. Check for cracked clothe (which may tear up during the cycle, especially big stuff like pillows). Check the shape of the machine to make sure a problem is not about to start (such as the seal about to break). Clean the pump from time to time. Also, if you can, do your own laundry in your own machine. Ok, I know in the US, you share the room in buildings but I for one prefer not to have to deal with careless neighbors' mistakes.
Na Schi 2 years ago
Honest question: by looking at those (probably) US-type of washing machines... are they really that bad? (Judging from the pictures but also from what I've read on the internet). I have to admit they look kind of flimsy with all the plastic and funny looking baffles, but I've never used one. So is there anybody here who might help to explain if there is really such a huge difference between US washing machines and Europen ones (let's say a Miele)?
Tyranamar Seuss 2 years ago
My washers and dryers last forever. I only switch when I move. But I clean my lint traps and check my pockets. My grandmother's washing machine is still running, so is my aunts. These are just bizarre accidents.
Load More Replies... ano nym 2 years ago
Why do people use dryers? I get it if it's a family with kids, but like 2 grown-ups... I just wait till it's dry, saves energy/money/space. I really don't get it.
lawrence Andrew 2 years ago
I do not have enough cloths to wait for summer.
Load More Replies... Joe Publique 2 years ago
The amount of people washing pillows without putting them in a laundry bag...is too damn high!
Frances M 2 years ago
Don’t wash pillows! Double cover them, and when they get bad just get new ones! And no, that does not mean you have to buy new pillows every year. Or just hand wash them.
Beck 2 years ago
You can wash "my pillows", but I threw mine out once I realized what a dumbass Mike liddel is. I loved my pillow, but hate trump more.
Load More Replies... Octavia Hansen 2 years ago
Using a laundromat, tossed in my scrubs without checking. Someone had left (or put) crayons inside the dryer. My stuff came out with some of the most colourful abstract art I could have wished for. Color stayed for a few more washing and drying. I'd love to duplicate the effect but don't want to screw up anyone else's clothes . . .
River Daski 2 years ago
who the f**k out here putting pillows in washers??? that's what the pillow case is for
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