Maytag Washing Machine: foreign objects in drum
What is this symptom?
Are you hearing unusual noises like rattling or clunking from your Maytag washing machine? This could indicate foreign objects such as coins, keys, or debris stuck in the drum. These items often become lodged between the inner and outer drum or under the tub seal, affecting performance and causing vibrations during cycles.
Important Tips for Maytag Models
- Maytag support acknowledges that clunk or clunking noise can be caused by foreign objects in the drum; proper inspection is advised as part of troubleshooting.
Possible Causes
Small objects left in pockets entering the drum
How to Identify: Unusual rattling or clunking noises during spin or agitation; resistance when manually rotating drum; visible objects through drum perforations. (HomeGearGeek
Part: Inner drum / between inner & outer drum
Underwire or metal clothing parts trapped in drum edge
How to Identify: Scraping or grinding noise at specific drum orientation; may feel resistance at certain rotation points.
Part: Inner drum edge / tub seal
Objects slipped beneath drum to heater/sump area
How to Identify: No visible object in drum; object may cause noise but not be reachable through standard inspection; may require partial disassembly.
Part: Heater opening / sump hose area
DIY Solutions
Manual inspection and removal through drum perforations
- Unplug the washer from power.
- Shine a flashlight into the drum holes and slowly rotate the drum by hand to locate the object.
- Using needle‑nose pliers or tweezers, carefully extract the object through a drum perforation or from the edge.
- Rotate the drum fully to ensure free movement without resistance.
Remove object from between inner and outer drum via seal gap
- Disconnect power and open washer access panel (may be top or front depending on model).
- Pull back the tub seal to create a gap between the inner and outer drum.
- Rotate the drum slowly and use flashlight to spot the object in the gap.
- Use pliers or similar tool to retrieve the object through the gap.
- Ensure seal is properly seated after removal.
Next step
Choose the next step for foreign objects in drum
Confirm the diagnosis before ordering. An error code can identify the system involved, but it does not prove that a specific part has failed.
Browse by model — no specific failed part is claimed
Model-compatible Washing Machine parts
Enter the complete model number to browse compatible replacement parts. This is a model-based parts search, not a diagnosis that a specific component failed.
Where can I find the model number?
Check the rating label around the door, lid, frame, rear panel, or inside the appliance cabinet. Use the complete model number, including suffixes.
Search results are not a diagnosis. Verify both the complete appliance model and the retailer's fit information before ordering.
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Optional routine care
Maintenance supplies
These products support cleaning or routine upkeep. They are separate from the possible repair components above and are not claimed to fix this error code or symptom.
Washing Machine Cleaner Tablets
Routine tub-cleaning supplies for residue and odor control. They do not repair a mechanical, drainage, or electronic fault.
Braided Washer Inlet Hoses
A maintenance replacement option for visibly worn external fill hoses. Verify thread size, length, and hot/cold connection requirements.
Washer Drain Hose Holder
Helps secure an external drain hose at the standpipe. It does not correct an internal pump or control fault.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Recommendations are based on routine-care relevance, not commission rate.
Professional Repairs
Remove object lodged beneath drum or deep inside machine
Drum disassembly and internal object extraction
When to Call a Professional
Preventive Maintenance
-
Check pockets before washing: Foreign objects entering the drum
Frequency: Every load -
Periodically inspect drum edges and pump filter: Debris accumulation and potential obstruction
Frequency: Monthly
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my Maytag Washing Machine foreign objects in drum?
How do I fix Maytag Washing Machine foreign objects in drum myself?
How much does it cost to fix foreign objects in drum?
When should I call a technician for foreign objects in drum?
References & Sources
Community Analytical Insights
Guidance from available sources; statistical claims are shown only for samples of at least 10 discussions
Common Issues Reported by Users
- Small items such as coins, buttons, or beans accidentally left in pockets during wash cycles
- Loose items from laundry bags or garments that can escape during washing
- Debris from the washing machine's own components, such as a faulty drum seal allowing foreign objects to enter
User Suggested Solutions
-
Inspect the drum for visible foreign objects. Remove any items found. Check pockets of clothing before washing to prevent future occurrences.
-
Run a cleaning cycle with no laundry and check the filter and drain for any trapped items. Clean out any debris found.
-
If foreign objects persist, check the drum seal and other components for damage. Replace any faulty parts as needed.
Limited-source guidance; percentages and success-rate claims are not shown
View
Sources
Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:
Community Discussions
beans in washing machine
Running cleaning cycles cleared the beans from the machine.
Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair
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