If poly pellets (small plastic pellets often used as filling material in various products) got loose in your washing machine, it's essential to address the situation promptly to avoid potential damage to the machine and to prevent the pellets from causing any issues in future loads of laundry. Here's what you can do:
Unplug the washing machine: Safety first. Before attempting any cleanup, make sure the washing machine is unplugged from the power source to prevent any electrical accidents.
Remove loose pellets: Carefully remove as many loose poly pellets as you can by hand. You may want to wear gloves to protect your hands while doing this.
Check the drum: After removing the visible pellets, check the drum thoroughly to make sure there aren't any remaining pellets stuck in crevices or around the drum's edges.
Run an empty cycle: To further clean the washing machine, run an empty cycle on the hottest water setting with no detergent. This can help dislodge any remaining pellets and flush them out of the machine.
Inspect the filter and drain pump: If your washing machine has a lint filter or drain pump, check these components for any pellets that might have made their way into these areas. Clean out any pellets you find.
Dry the pellets: If the poly pellets are still wet, spread them out on a flat surface to dry completely before disposing of them. Avoid throwing them in the trash while they are wet, as they might stick to the garbage bag or cause other issues.
Future precautions: To prevent similar incidents in the future, consider using a laundry bag or mesh garment bag when washing items filled with poly pellets. This can help contain the pellets and prevent them from escaping into the washing machine.
As for the potential damage to the washing machine, it really depends on the extent of the pellet spill and the type of washing machine you have. In most cases, if you promptly clean up the pellets and run a cleaning cycle, there should be no lasting damage. However, if a large number of pellets have escaped and were not removed promptly, there is a possibility of some issues, such as clogging of the drain pump or filter. In such cases, it might be a good idea to have the washing machine inspected by a professional.
Overall, taking quick action and thorough cleanup should prevent any major damage to your washing machine and keep it running smoothly.