Socks mysteriously disappearing in washing machines has long been a perplexing phenomenon for many. However, a recent viral video has shed light on the surprising culprits behind this mystery. In the video, a user opens the front of a washing machine to find a bunch of single socks stuck inside the unit but outside the washing basin. The revelation has left many baffled and eager to uncover the truth about their own missing socks.
The video was shared by 28-year-old Gilly Alves from Houston, Texas, who made a similar discovery in his stackable washer-dryer unit in 2021. While transferring clothes to his dryer late one night, Alves noticed a sock slip into a crevice between the basin and the washing machine. Curiosity got the better of him, and instead of studying for an exam, he decided to dismantle his machine and investigate further.
To his surprise, Alves found not only his own sock but also multiple other socks that belonged to previous tenants of his apartment. Some of them were even kids’ socks he didn’t recognize. Laundry experts confirm that it is indeed possible for socks to end up inside a washing machine.
Jerrod Kappler, executive director of clothes care product technology at GE Appliances, explains that clothing can be flung into the inside of the machine if the basket is overloaded. Similarly, improper unloading techniques, such as scraping clothes against the side of the basket, can cause socks to fall into the crevice. The simple solution to this problem is to avoid overloading the basket and to lift clothes out of the basket instead of sliding them up the side.
Inspired by the viral video, many users may be tempted to explore their own washing machines. However, it is important to exercise caution and follow proper safety protocols. Before inspecting the machine, it is advised to ensure that it is turned off and disconnected. Most top-load washers do not have a piece of metal at the bottom, so if a sock slips through, it will fall onto the floor. Users can shine a flashlight underneath the machine to retrieve the lost sock.
Since Alves shared his discovery on TikTok, his video has gone viral, reaching millions of views and likes. Many viewers were surprised to find out that their lost socks were not their fault but were actually trapped inside their washing machines all along. Alves now takes extra care when unloading his clothes and even uses a mesh laundry bag to keep his socks secure.
The mystery of missing socks has finally been unraveled, thanks to viral videos and curious individuals like Alves. The scrutiny brought on by these videos has prompted users to reevaluate their laundry habits and take preventive measures to avoid losing more socks to their washing machines. With this newfound knowledge, perhaps we can bid farewell to the perplexing case of the missing socks once and for all.
