How do I remove a bra underwire from a Bosch washing machine?
Machine manufacturers strongly recommend that users check pockets before loading items into the drum. This warning is well-founded – a small object, be it a paper clip, nail, or button, that gets inside the washing machine can seriously damage the equipment. Housewives often wonder: how to remove a bra underwire from a Bosch washing machine? Indeed, bra underwires sometimes "pop out" and get stuck in the machine. Let's figure out how to remove this sharp and dangerous object.
Why is this so scary?
Bra underwire is the worst enemy of automatic washing machines. When released during washing, it easily slips through the holes in the drum and gets stuck in the tub. Some users aren't entirely sure why this situation is so dangerous. A regular bra underwire can easily pierce the tank wall. If the drum rotates at high speed and it gets stuck “crosswise”, then damage to the container cannot be avoided.
Even a small hole in the drum is a serious defect. The machine will start leaking with every wash, so repairs should be done immediately. The machine will need to be disassembled and the hole repaired.
Additionally, a metal arc can become lodged between the heating element and the drum. When the unit operates at high speeds, the metal arc can easily damage the heating element, requiring replacement.
Another indication of the danger of a dropped bra is that it may not fall into the drum, but remain in the tub, puncturing the rubber seal. The door seal will no longer be able to seal the system, and the washing machine will leak.
A loose bodice bone often causes the drum to jam and the washing machine to stop working.
How can you tell if a metal clip is inside your washing machine? First, carefully inspect your underwear to make sure the clips are still in place. If you find something missing, carefully inspect the inside of the machine. Sometimes the lost item can be seen through the holes in the drum.
Secondly, observe how your Bosch washer operates. If a foreign object has fallen into the drum, the washing machine will make a grinding noise. The noise will be especially noticeable if the bone is interfering with the rotation of the moving parts.
Minimal disassembly of the unit will help
What should you do if you're absolutely sure the underwire is still in the machine? What should you do first? Inspect the drum; you might be lucky and the foreign object is there. Once you find the metal arch, check to see if it has punctured the door seal (the elastic band that surrounds the door). It's much worse if a bra element has actually fallen into the drum. But even in this case, don't panic. You can remove the bra underwire yourself.
There are methods for removing foreign objects without disassembling the washing machine, and some involve partially removing the machine's components. Repair technicians use the former method, as they have the necessary training and expertise. We'll discuss options that involve partially disassembling the housing.
Before starting work, be sure to de-energize the washing machine and close the shut-off valve. The first method involves removing the object through the heating element hole. Bosch washing machines have a front-facing heater, so you'll need to remove the front panel. The procedure is as follows:
drain the remaining water from the tank through the drain filter;
remove the detergent dispenser;
Unscrew the bolts hidden behind the powder receptacle;
unscrew the screws securing the control panel;
Carefully remove the button panel to avoid damaging the latches and wiring;
remove the outer clamp of the hatch sealing cuff;
insert the rubber band into the drum;
unscrew the bolts securing the front wall of the case;
carefully remove the panel without damaging the wiring of the device blocking the hatch;
take a photo of the connection diagram of the contacts to the heating element;
disconnect the wires from the heater, loosen the central nut holding the heating element;
push the pin inward;
remove the heating element by gently rocking it;
Put your hand in and remove any foreign objects from the bottom of the tank.
If you can't remove the bra wire by hand, you can use tweezers or a wire with a bend at the end to pick it up.
If the bra clip is lost not in the drum but in the drain hose, you'll need to proceed differently. You'll need to disconnect and clean the drainage system component. On almost all Bosch machines, the hose is easily accessible through the bottom. The instructions are as follows:
Move the washing machine to a free area in the room, it will need a lot of space to operate;
remove the detergent drawer;
cover the floor with a blanket and lay the machine on its side;
remove the bottom of the machine (in some models it is secured with latches, in others - with self-tapping screws);
disconnect the drain pipe branch, running from the tank to the pump. To do this, you need to loosen the clamps that secure it;
clean the tube, remove any stuck objects from it;
fasten the pipe back;
fix the bottom of the SMA.
Afterwards, the machine is placed on its feet. The drain pump may interfere with removing the hose. In this case, you'll have to remove the pump from the housing, first disconnecting the sensor, and only then work on the hose.
We'll do without disassembly
If you're worried about disassembling your Bosch washing machine, you can try removing the bra underwire without doing so. Arm yourself with a flashlight, a thin wire with a special bend at the end, and plenty of time. Open the door wide and place the flashlight inside the drum, allowing the light to shine through the holes in the surface and directly into the tank.
Next, stick your head through the hatch and, looking inside, try to find the missing bodice bone. Once you've found it, thread the wire through the drum's opening and try your best to snag the missing bodice. A beginner will need at least half an hour to complete this "fishing" mission.
Once you've successfully secured the wire, carefully rotate the drum until it's vertical. Then, rotate the drum until the tip of the bra wire fits through one of the holes on the surface. Then, simply grab it with pliers and pull it out. Keep in mind that handling the wire, rotating the drum, and reaching for the wire while sticking your head in the washing machine can be quite difficult alone. Therefore, it's a good idea to have an assistant on hand.
How to prevent the problem?
Prevention is better than cure. Therefore, it's best to ensure that no bones, paper clips, or pins get into the drum. Be sure to check the pockets of your clothes before loading them into the washing machine to prevent foreign objects from getting inside. However, even knowing about this elementary rule, many, rarely, forget to follow it.
It is recommended to wash women's underwear in special bags; they protect the sets from premature wear and tear and the washing machine from damage.
To be honest, it's best to hand wash women's bras and panties. Machine washing will quickly ruin them, and whites are especially susceptible to wear and tear. However, when machine washing is unavoidable, place your bras and panties in a special bag and then load them into the drum. This will maintain the shape of the bra cups and prevent underwires from popping out of the machine.
Wash bags, containers, and nets have helped solve the problem of unwanted items ending up in the drum of Bosch washing machines. By following this simple rule, you'll never have to worry about removing a bone from the depths of your washing machine again.
Thank you, everything worked out!