A washing machine should operate smoothly and quietly, aside from the occasional hum or swish of water. However, if you suddenly hear a metallic scraping or grinding noise during the cycle, that’s a clear sign something isn’t right. One of the most common and concerning causes of this sound is a foreign object stuck between the drum and the outer tub. Ignoring this issue can cause serious damage to your washer, so it’s important to act quickly.
Understanding the Source of the Noise
When you hear a metallic scraping sound, it often happens when the drum rotates — especially during the spin cycle. The drum in your washing machine has small holes to allow water to drain. Unfortunately, these same holes can sometimes let small items slip through, becoming lodged between the inner drum (where your clothes go) and the outer tub (which holds water).
Common culprits include:
- Coins or keys left in pockets
- Bra underwires
- Screws or nails
- Hairpins, clips, or zippers
- Metal buttons or buckles
Even a small object can cause a loud scraping noise as it grinds against the drum or tub during rotation.
How It Happens
When an object enters the space between the drum and tub, it gets caught as the drum spins. This not only causes the unpleasant metallic noise but can also damage the inner drum, the outer tub, or the motor bearings over time. The longer you run your washer with the object trapped inside, the more extensive — and costly — the repairs can become.
Signs You Have a Foreign Object Problem
A scraping noise isn’t the only symptom to look out for. You may also notice:
- Damage to clothing: small tears or scratches caused by the object rubbing against fabric.
- Visible damage inside the drum: scratches or dents near the drum holes.
- Leaks: if the object pierces the tub or damages the seal.
- Washer stops or won’t spin properly: the drum may be jammed or restricted.
If any of these signs appear, it’s time to turn off your washer immediately and inspect it.
What You Can Try Before Calling a Technician
While some objects can be removed easily, many require partial disassembly. If you’re comfortable performing a basic inspection, you can try the following steps:
- Unplug the washer. Never attempt to inspect or repair your washer while it’s connected to power.
- Check the drum manually. Gently rotate it by hand to see if the noise occurs. If it does, stop turning and note the area where the sound comes from.
- Look through the drum holes. Sometimes, you can spot a small object lodged between the inner and outer drum. A flashlight can help you see better.
- Inspect the rubber door seal. Items like bra wires or clips sometimes get trapped around the seal instead of deeper in the machine.
- Check the drain filter. Foreign objects can sometimes travel to the filter area, causing noise or draining problems.
If you can’t locate or remove the object easily, don’t force it. Trying to pry out a metal piece can cause damage to the drum or seals, resulting in water leaks or more serious internal issues.
When to Call a Professional
If the scraping persists after inspection, or if you can’t find the object, it’s time to call a qualified technician. A professional will likely remove the drum or heating element to access the space between the drum and tub safely. They can also check for any resulting damage to the bearings, seals, or motor.
At this stage, quick professional intervention can save you from expensive part replacements or even having to buy a new washer.
How to Prevent It in the Future
Prevention is always better than repair. To avoid hearing that dreaded metallic scraping again:
- Always check pockets before loading laundry.
- Use a mesh laundry bag for small or delicate items like bras or baby clothes.
- Close zippers and fasten buttons before washing.
- Inspect the drum regularly for any stray items after each cycle.
Following these simple steps can prevent most foreign-object-related issues and extend the life of your washing machine.
Why Professional Repair Matters
While it may be tempting to ignore the noise or continue using the machine until the sound worsens, doing so is risky. That metallic scraping could quickly evolve into a major mechanical failure — damaging the drum, tub, or drive components.
Professional technicians have the right tools and experience to safely remove foreign objects and repair any resulting damage. They’ll also test your washer to ensure it’s operating efficiently and quietly again.
Reliable Help from Chula Vista Appliance Repair Company
If your washer is making a metallic scraping noise, don’t wait for the problem to escalate. The experts at Chula Vista Appliance Repair Company are trained to diagnose and fix all types of washing machine issues, including foreign objects stuck between the drum and tub.
We offer fast, reliable, and affordable service to restore your washer to perfect working condition. Whether it’s a simple object removal or a complex repair, our experienced team is ready to help.
Call Chula Vista Appliance Repair Company today to schedule a professional inspection and repair. Let us take care of the noise — so you can get back to quiet, trouble-free laundry days.
Contact us
(619) 880-5508