What Happens to Toys and Loose Objects in a Washing Machine?

When a toy or loose object goes through a washing machine cycle, it typically survives the wash but can damage the machine, the object itself, or other laundry. The outcome depends on the object’s material, size, and where it ends up during the spin cycle. Here is what actually happens, why it matters, and how to handle it.

Formula

The centrifugal force on an object during the spin cycle is calculated using the formula:

F = m × ω² × r

Where:

• F = centrifugal force (newtons)
• m = mass of the object (kg)
• ω = angular velocity (radians per second) = (rpm × 2Ï€) / 60
• r = radius from the drum center to the object (meters)

The calculator above estimates the g-force (acceleration relative to Earth’s gravity) and surface speed for an object stuck against the drum wall. Enter the object’s diameter (assuming it is roughly spherical), the wash time, and the max spin speed of your machine.

Worked Example

Using the default values: a 5 cm object, 45-minute cycle, 1200 rpm spin speed.

1. Convert diameter to radius: r = 5 cm / 2 = 2.5 cm = 0.025 m
2. Convert rpm to angular velocity: ω = (1200 × 2π) / 60 = 125.66 rad/s
3. Compute g-force: g = (0.025 × 125.66²) / 9.81 = 40.3 g
4. Compute surface speed: v = 0.025 × 125.66 = 3.14 m/s

So a 5 cm object experiences about 40 times its own weight during spin, and moves at roughly 3.1 m/s (about 11 km/h) relative to the drum.

What Actually Happens Inside the Drum

During the wash cycle, the drum rotates slowly, tumbling clothes and objects. Loose items are tossed around, but the real danger comes during the spin cycle, when the drum rotates at 800–1600 rpm. At these speeds, any object not trapped inside clothing is flung against the drum wall and held there by centrifugal force.

Small, hard objects like coins, keys, or plastic toy parts can:

• Punch holes in the drum (especially stainless steel drums with small perforations).
• Break the plastic vanes (paddles) that lift clothes.
• Get wedged between the drum and the outer tub, causing a grinding noise and potential bearing damage.
• Shred delicate fabrics they rub against.

Soft objects like stuffed animals usually survive unharmed, but they can become waterlogged and heavy, putting extra strain on the motor. If a stuffed animal has a battery pack or electronic squeaker, the water will destroy the electronics and may cause a short circuit.

Common Problems by Object Type

• Hard plastic toys (e.g., LEGO bricks, action figures): May crack or shatter under the impact against the drum. Small pieces can block the drain pump filter.
• Metal objects (coins, keys, jewelry): Can scratch the drum, damage the door seal, and leave rust stains on clothes.
• Wooden toys: Water causes swelling and warping; paint may chip and stain laundry.
• Battery-operated toys: Batteries can leak corrosive chemicals, ruining the load and potentially damaging the machine.
• Small items (hair clips, earrings): Often slip through the drum holes into the outer tub, where they rattle around and can damage the pump.

How to Choose What to Put in the Machine

Before washing, check every pocket and inspect loose objects. A good rule: if it fits inside a standard film canister (about 5 cm diameter), it is small enough to cause trouble. Safer options include:

• Wash small items in a mesh laundry bag with a zipper.
• Turn clothes inside out to hide buttons and zippers.
• For stuffed animals, check for a “surface wash onlyâ€� label; most modern ones have a seam where the battery pack can be removed.
• If you must wash a hard toy, place it in a pillowcase and tie the end closed.

How to Retrieve a Stuck Object

If you hear a rattling or grinding noise during the spin, stop the machine immediately. Do not run another cycle to “flush it out� — that can drive the object deeper.

1. Unplug the machine and turn off the water supply.
2. Remove the drain pump filter (usually behind a small door at the bottom front). Check for coins, toy parts, or hairpins.
3. If the object is not in the filter, reach into the drum and feel around the door seal (the rubber gasket). Small items often lodge there.
4. If you cannot find it, tilt the machine back slightly and look underneath — some objects fall out during spin.
5. If the noise persists, call a technician; the object may be between the drum and tub, which requires partial disassembly.

Safety and Damage Prevention

Washing machines are not designed to handle hard, heavy, or sharp objects. The most common damage is a blocked drain pump, which causes the machine to stop mid-cycle and display an error code. Replacing a pump filter is a simple DIY fix, but a damaged drum or bearing is expensive to repair — often costing more than a new budget machine.

To minimize risk:

• Always check pockets before loading.
• Use a laundry bag for small items.
• Never wash toys with batteries, even if they are “waterproofâ€� — seals fail over time.
• If you accidentally wash a toy, inspect it for damage before giving it back to a child.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a toy break my washing machine?

Usually not immediately, but repeated incidents can damage the drum, pump, or bearings. A single hard object can punch a hole in a stainless steel drum, which is not repairable and requires a new drum or machine.

Can I wash stuffed animals in the washing machine?

Yes, if the label says machine washable. Use cold water, a gentle cycle, and place the toy in a pillowcase to protect it. Air dry completely to prevent mold. If it has a battery pack, remove it first.

What should I do if I hear a rattling noise during the spin?

Stop the machine immediately, unplug it, and check the drain filter and door seal. If the object is not there, do not run another cycle — call a repair technician.

Do small toys like LEGO bricks survive the wash?

Hard plastic bricks usually survive but may crack or lose paint. The bigger risk is that they block the drain pump. Check the filter after the cycle.

Can I wash a toy with batteries in it?

No. Water will short-circuit the battery, potentially causing corrosion, smoke, or even a small fire. Remove the battery pack and wash the toy separately.

How do I get a coin out from under the drum?

If it is stuck between the drum and tub, you cannot remove it without disassembling the machine. A technician can access it by removing the back panel or the drum assembly. Do not try to pry it out with tools — you may damage the drum.

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in t | Wash time | min | 45 | 1 | 180
in d | Object diameter | cm | 5 | 0.5 | 50
in rpm | Max spin speed | rpm | 1200 | 200 | 2000
out g | Centrifugal force (g) | g | (d / 200) * (rpm * 2 * pi / 60)^2 / 9.81 | 1
out v | Surface speed | m/s | (d / 200) * (rpm * 2 * pi / 60) | 2