Lg Washing Machine: foreign object in drum

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Are you hearing unusual noises from your LG washing machine? A foreign object like a coin, pin, or sock may be stuck in the drum. This can cause blockages and disrupt your wash cycles. Identifying and removing these objects promptly can prevent further damage and maintain your appliance's performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Lg Models

Official LG guidance emphasizes removing foreign objects before washing and closing zippers to prevent damage, but specific removal steps are not detailed in general support content.

Possible Causes

Foreign object stuck between inner drum and outer tub

How to Identify: Unusual noise during spin, item visible between drum and outer tub, rubbing sound.

Part: Drum/tub gap

Object trapped in drum perforations or gasket area

How to Identify: Rattling or scraping noises when drum rotates; visible object in gasket lip or drum holes.

Part: Drum holes or door gasket

Object moved into drainage/filter area after wash

How to Identify: Unusual noise during drain, partial blockage in drain filter, object not found in drum but symptoms persist.

Part: Drain filter/pump area

DIY Solutions

Manually retrieve object from drum opening

Easy 5-15 minutes

Tools Needed: rubber gloves, needle-nose pliers or flexible grabber tool, flashlight

Turn off and unplug the washing machine.
Open the drum door and use a flashlight to locate the foreign object.
Wear gloves and carefully grasp the object with needle-nose pliers or a grabber tool.
Pull object out slowly without damaging drum edges.

⚠️ Safety First: Always disconnect power before reaching into drum to avoid injury.

Check and clear drain filter area

Moderate 15-30 minutes

Tools Needed: towel, bucket, screwdriver

Unplug the machine and locate the drain filter access panel (usually at front bottom).
Place a towel and bucket to catch water then open panel.
Unscrew and remove filter, retrieving any trapped object.
Reinstall filter and test machine operation.

⚠️ Safety First: Water may spill when accessing drain filter.

Professional Repairs

Disassemble drum/tub to extract deeply lodged foreign object

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

When to Call a Professional

Object cannot be reached or safely removed using tools

Persistent noise or vibration indicating trapped object deep inside

Evidence of damage to drum, gasket, or bearings

Preventive Maintenance

Check pockets and fasten closures before loading: Foreign object entry into drum
Frequency: Every load
Regularly clean drain filter: Small object buildup in drainage area
Frequency: Monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my LG Washing Machine foreign object in drum?

Common causes include objects stuck between the inner drum and outer tub, trapped in drum perforations, or moved to the drainage area.

How do I fix LG Washing Machine foreign object in drum myself?

Turn off the machine, check the drum for objects, and clear the drain filter to retrieve any trapped items.

How much does it cost to fix foreign object in drum?

Professional repairs for a deeply lodged object can cost between $80 to $200.

When should I call a technician for foreign object in drum?

If the object is deeply lodged or if DIY solutions don't resolve the issue, it's time to call a technician.

References & Sources

LG support: Remove foreign objects before washing Official
Article on foreign objects lodged in drum and gasket areas Community

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

70%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

Hairpin or small metal object caught in the drum
Coins or small items left in pockets during wash
Debris or lint buildup in the drum or filter

User Suggested Solutions

Inspect the drum for visible foreign objects. If visible, carefully remove them with pliers or your fingers. If not visible, check behind the baffle or the drain pump filter for hidden items.
Run a spin cycle without laundry to see if the noise persists. If it does, further inspection of the drum and internal components may be necessary.
If foreign objects are lodged in hard-to-reach areas, consider removing the front panel of the washing machine to access the drum directly.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

Please help with hairpin caught inside LG washing machine dr...

Community Discussions

hairpin caught inside washing machine drum

Bend or cut the hairpin to remove it, or push remaining parts behind the baffle.