From Mariette Mifflin,
Your Guide to Housewares / Appliances.
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Small laundry mesh bags not only protect your small wash items, fine hosiery and delicates from getting snagged with other laundry, but they can also save you money in washer repair bills.

When small clothing items like baby socks or mittens are loose in your washload, the agitator action can force them to 'drift' up and out of the washer tub to the inner tub to find their way into the pump. Some of these small socks will just outright disappear, never to be seen again.

Others can cause the pump to jam preventing the washer from draining properly, prompting a service call. With a topload washer, the home handyman is often able to effect a repair and clear the pump.

The problem is just slightly different with a front-load washer. Small articles, whether laundry items or pocket debris can find their way over the edge of the washer seals and into the pump area. These newer high efficiency washers require a qualified service technician to clear the pump.

Laundry mesh or wash bags of various sizes can be readily found in the laundry section of most department stores for well under $10. They are re-usable and have a zipper closure. Bag it and save! A small cost to protect your clothing and save in repair bills.