Washing Machine Swallows Socks

This thread was marked as solved. Here's a summary of the problem and the fix, generated from the discussion below.

Small items likely passing behind the door seal into the drum area

The problem

Children’s socks and other very small clothing items are reportedly getting behind the washing machine drum, probably through the gap at the front between the drum and the door seal.

Likely cause

The strongest supported diagnosis is that small items are getting past a worn or ineffective door seal. This was suggested as more likely on an older machine.

What fixed it

The accepted advice was that a new door seal may cure the issue if the machine is old. As a practical measure, very small items should be washed in a laundry bag, or put into the drum first to reduce the chance of them riding at the front.

Checks to try

• Consider whether items are passing behind the door seal
• Check whether the machine is older, as a worn seal was suggested

Parts or tools mentioned

• Door seal
• Laundry bag for small items