What’s in your washing machine?

The washer stopped draining yesterday, following a stuffed-animal-style pillow leaking some of its filling. After some research I decided to pull things apart. Turns out washers have a drain trap, sometimes called a “coin trap,” to catch stuff that gets into the narrow space between the rotating tub and frame. That way, coins and other such things won’t get into the motor. Holy cow. The loot:

7 quarters 11 dimes 10 pennies 2 nails 2 screws Two hair pins 7 bobby pins 1 Bic-style pen refill

And of course the pillow filling, which was wedged behind the motor impeller preventing it from spinning.

All has been removed, and everything is draining properly. Now who wants to put my clean clothes away for me? I can pay you in $2.95 in incredibly dirty money…