“Mom! I can’t find my socks!”
If this line is something you usually hear most of the time, you are not alone. The mystery of missing socks is common in most households. How could it not be? Socks are one of the tiniest clothing articles that go in the washing machine. Don’t worry we’re here to help you find those lost socks before you blame a gnome or the sock monster.
They May Be Stuck In The Washing Machine
It’s easy to conclude that there is indeed a sock monster that leaves you with orphan socks. However, it may come as a shock to realize that your washing machine may be the culprit for why your socks disappear.
Top Loaders
Agitator
Some top-loaders have agitators. You can find agitators at the center of the laundry drum. They are tall spindles that twist back and forth to clean your laundry. Some agitators have a gap underneath that can suck your socks. For newer models, you can lift the agitator up and out to remove the trapped clothing. But, it may not be that easy to remove if it’s an old model. You can refer to your appliance manual to take it out properly. Remember that you have to unplug the washing machine before doing anything with it.
Wash Plate
Some top loaders use a wash plate or an impeller to remove dirt and grime in the laundry. Washing machines with wash plates provide more room for clothes to move. You can check under the wash plate if a missing sock is trapped underneath.
Between The Inner Tub and Outer Tub
It’s never a good idea to overfill the washer. Your clothes won’t get thoroughly cleaned when you load too many clothes in one wash. Your favorite pair of socks may also get trapped between the inner tub and outer tub when you do this.
Front Loaders
Washer Filter
If you are using a front-loading washing machine, you may observe a clean-out area in the filter. If you have been missing a few socks already, go check this area out. It’s best to regularly clean your filter as you don’t want socks to go down the drain pump. You will need to call maintenance once a sock gets trapped there.
Underneath The Rubber Gasket
There’s a rubber seal in between the washing machine door and the drum. This area can easily catch baby socks and other small pieces of clothing when you don’t clean it often. Just pull it back gently and look around. While you’re at it, you can wipe away the rubber gasket to prevent any molds from lingering.
They May Be Lost In The Dryer
Aside from the washing machine, there is another place in the laundry room where your socks may be hiding. If your socks disappear after you dried them, the dryer must be hiding them.
Lint Trap
The lint trap in front of your dryer can make socks disappear. It usually happens when the filter is not pushed all the way down before starting the load. Small pieces of clothing such as baby socks can easily find their way into this small space. To check the lint trap, just pull out the lint filter and check the area underneath.
Other Places Where Missing Socks Usually Hide
Underneath pretty much anything
Your socks are pretty small and can pretty much hide anywhere. Check underneath furniture and other nooks and crannies in your home. You may be surprised to find orphan socks in inconspicuous areas at home.
In the wrong drawer
Doing the laundry can be time-consuming, and so is putting away the freshly washed clothes. A missing sock can easily go into another household member’s sock drawer. The best way to avoid mismatched socks is to wash them together. Say goodbye to lost socks hiding in other people’s drawers! This article will teach you how you can keep all your socks together during the wash.
Wrapped up in or clinging to your other clothes
Socks can hide inside other clothes with the help of static cling. They can hide in a pant’s leg, or be tangled inside fitted sheets and pillow covers.
Accidentally ended up in another laundry bin
If you are sharing the laundry room, or go to the laundromat to wash your clothes, another person could have accidentally picked up your socks.
In Conclusion
It’s easy to lose a sock during the wash or before they go straight to the sock drawer. Socks can easily get lost in washing machines or dryers or scattered across the house. There are simple steps that can prevent you from losing your favorite pair of cashmere socks. You can place all the socks in a mesh bag before washing. You can also keep the pair of socks together using simple items such as a safety pin. For more laundry and cleaning advice, don’t forget to bookmark our page and follow us on our social media accounts!
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