Dealing with broken glass in your washing machine can be a troublesome situation. The fragility of glass makes it a concern, as even small fragments can pose a risk to both the machine and your laundry.
But what to do if glass breaks in washing machine? Understanding the right steps to take when glass breaks inside the washing machine is essential to prevent any further damage or potential harm.
Hence, I will outline the key considerations and actions to undertake if you find yourself facing the challenge of broken glass within your washing machine.
What to Do If Glass Breaks in Washing Machine?
If the glass breaks in your washing machine, follow these steps for a safe and effective resolution:
- Safety First: Wear gloves to protect your hands from sharp glass fragments. Avoid touching the broken glass directly.
- Turn Off the Machine: Immediately stop the washing cycle and unplug the machine to prevent electrical hazards.
- Inspect the Damage: Check for any glass pieces visible on the drum or in the water. Remove larger fragments carefully.
- Empty the Drum: Carefully remove the laundry and inspect it for glass shards. Shake them off outside the machine.
- Clean the Drum: Run a short wash cycle without laundry using hot water and no detergent. This helps to remove small glass particles.
- Inspect and Repeat: After the cycle, inspect the drum and drain pump filter for any remaining glass. Repeat the cleaning cycle if necessary.
- Dispose of Glass Safely: Collect broken glass in a secure container, tape it shut, and label it as broken glass for proper disposal.
- Professional Help: If you’re unsure about your ability to clean the machine thoroughly, consider seeking assistance from a professional technician.
Remember, thorough cleanup is essential to prevent glass fragments from causing damage to the machine, injuring you, or transferring to future laundry loads.
How Do You Get a Broken Glass Out of a Washing Machine?
If you have broken glass in your washing machine, the best thing to do is to remove it as soon as possible. Depending on the size and location of the glass, this may be easier said than done.
However, removing the glass as soon as possible is important to avoid damaging clothing or harming yourself if you accidentally come into contact with it. There are a few different ways that you can go about removing broken glass from a washing machine.
One option is to use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to suction up the pieces of glass. Another option is to use a wet/dry vacuum cleaner.
You can also try using heavy-duty or even duct tape to pick up small shards of glass. If the glass is large or in a difficult-to-reach place, you may need to disassemble the washing machine to remove it. If you need to disassemble the washing machine, unplug it and disconnect any water lines before proceeding.
Once you have removed the broken glass, dispose of it properly. You may want to consider wearing gloves and using a broom and dustpan to avoid coming into contact with the glass.
Read more: Can You Use A Washing Machine Without A Lid?
Why Did the Washing Machine Glass Break?
There are many reasons why a washing machine glass might break. It could be that the manufacturing process was defective, wasn’t installed correctly, or was subjected to too much stress.
However, one of the most common reasons is that the glass becomes brittle over time and eventually shatters.
To prevent this from happening, you should make sure to clean the washer regularly and keep it well-maintained. You should also avoid overloading it with clothes, as this can put excessive stress on the glass.
How Do You Get Glass Shards Out of Clothes?
The best way to remove small shards of glass from clothes is by using a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment.
First, lightly brush the area where the glass is located to remove as much of the glass as possible. Then use the vacuum cleaner to suck up what’s left.
If there are any large pieces of glass, use tweezers or needle-nose pliers to remove them. Be careful not to snag the fabric while removing the shards.
Read more: Why Do Clothes Turn inside Out In The Washing Machine?
How to Prevent Future Incidents
1. Double-check pockets before loading laundry
One of the most common ways glass or other small objects find their way into washing machines is through pockets of clothing.
Buttons, coins, and even small pieces of glass can easily get lodged in pockets and go unnoticed until they cause a problem during the wash cycle.
To prevent this, establish a habit of thoroughly checking all pockets before loading clothes into the washing machine. This small step can save you from potential damage to both your laundry and your machine.
2. Inspect items for damage before washing them
Before placing any items in the washing machine, take a moment to inspect them for signs of damage. This is particularly important for items made of glass, ceramic, or other breakable materials. Check for cracks, chips, or any loose parts that could potentially break off during the wash cycle.
If you discover any issues, it’s best to hand wash or avoid washing the item altogether to prevent breakage that could damage your washing machine or other laundry.
3. Use a mesh laundry bag for small or delicate items
A mesh laundry bag is a simple yet effective solution to contain small or delicate items that could break or shed fibers during the wash.
Items like lingerie, delicate fabrics, and even glass containers can be placed in a mesh bag before being added to the washing machine.
This helps prevent breakage, keeps small objects contained, and reduces the risk of them getting caught in the machine’s drum or components.
4. Educate household members
If you live with others, make sure to educate everyone in your household about the importance of checking pockets and inspecting items before placing them in the washing machine.
A collective effort can significantly reduce the likelihood of foreign objects causing problems in your machine.
5. Regularly clean the drum and seals
Even with preventive measures in place, it’s a good practice to periodically clean the drum and rubber seals of your washing machine.
Use a damp cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior surfaces to catch any stray lint, dirt, or potential glass fragments that might have accumulated.
6. Consider a debris Filter
If your washing machine has a debris filter, make it a habit to clean it regularly according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
This filter is designed to catch larger debris and prevent it from entering the drainage system.
Conclusion
The broken glass in your washing machine demands careful attention and immediate action. The fragile nature of glass underscores the importance of taking the right steps to ensure safety and prevent further harm.
What to do if glass breaks in washing machine? You can effectively address this challenge by following the outlined procedures, including wearing protective gear, turning off the machine, thorough inspection, cleaning, and safe disposal.
Prioritizing safety and meticulous cleanup safeguards your washing machine and laundry and prevents potential injuries.
Remember, prompt and proper handling of broken glass is key to maintaining the efficiency and safety of your washing machine.
