How to Remove Bra Wires and Other Objects from Washing Machines

    Items stuck in a washing machine drum can cause extensive damage to the machine.

    Here we show some of the techniques engineers use to remove foreign objects before they cause a problem.

    For information on how to tackle and resolve faults and problems on a wide range of appliances see our other articles »

    Tools that you will need

    • None

    Video Transcript: How to Remove Bra Wires and Other Objects from Washing Machines

    Welcome to BuySpares. In this video we'll be showing you how to remove a bra wire or foreign object from your washing machine drum.

    Important: before replacing a part in any electrical appliance, you must ensure that the appliance is first disconnected from the mains.

    If your machine starts to make a lot of noise when the drum turns during or after a wash it can be just an object trapped in-between the inner drum and the outer tub.

    You should try and remove any items as soon as possible as you could end up puncturing the tub and causing flooding and have the expense of a new drum assembly.

    If you hear any noise from something catching look carefully at the holes in the inner drum. Using a torch turn the drum slowly to try and identify where the noise is coming from.

    If you spot the end of a bra wire pushing through a hole use pliers to grip it and gently draw it back through the hole to remove it.

    Also check for small items of clothing getting stuck between the tub and the front of the drum; you may be able to remove them by using a wire coat hanger to hook and pull them out

    When you turn the drum, if you hear a rubbing noise check between the front edge of the drum and the tub. You can use a piece of wire to slide around the gap and hook out any small items of cloth that may have become trapped.

    If necessary use a large screwdriver to carefully flex the drum and increase the gap to help remove the stuck item.

    After removal turn the drum to ensure the edge has not been buckled away and use a rubber mallet if required to knock back into shape so it will run true.

    Next easiest method on many machines is to remove one of the drum paddles.

    This will often allow access by a small slot used by the paddles.

    Use wire or string to hook and retrieve any bra wires under the drum.

    Alternatively remove the back to access the heater.

    Remove it and fish out the item through this slot.If the noise appears to be under the drum, remove the sump hose.

    Look through the hole to find the object and try to hook it out through the hole. If this is not possible you may have to dismantle the drum to access what is stuck.

    For further information on this please view our drum bearing change video. This is a very difficult repair unless you have mechanical or extensive DIY experience.

    For all the spares you need visit the BuySpares website.

    * All information provided is a guide only. BuySpares accepts no liability for any problems occurred while attempting any advice shown. If in any doubt contact a qualified repair service.