A pocket-check routine that protects laundry from pens, tissues, and small items

Quick Answer

Check every pocket before clothes enter the hamper and again while sorting the load. Remove tissues, receipts, pens, coins, keys, earbuds, and other objects; close zippers and fasteners according to garment instructions. Emptying pockets protects the clothes and washer and prevents small valuables from being lost in the load.

Make the check part of taking clothes off

The most reliable pocket check happens before a garment reaches a shared hamper. Turn pockets out over a bin or tray, then return the pocket to its normal position. This catches tissues and receipts before they break into lint, and keeps coins and keys from going through the wash. A small tray near the hamper gives everyone a place to put found objects.

If several people share laundry, agree on one routine: whoever removes the clothes empties pockets, and whoever sorts the load performs a second check. This is a useful backup for uniforms, school clothes, and jackets that are worn infrequently. A quick habit takes less time than picking paper from wet fabric or tracking down a key after a load is done.

Check each pocket type

Inspect front and back pockets, chest pockets, small coin pockets, jacket interiors, hoodie pouches, and hidden compartments. Check cuffs and rolled hems for tissues or notes. Look inside bags, aprons, and removable liners if they will be washed. Do not put a purse, backpack, or accessory into the washer unless its own care instructions permit it.

Keep a small “found items” dish near the laundry area. Separate keys, coins, paper, and electronics so they can be returned to the right person. If an item is wet or damaged, do not plug it in; follow the device maker's instructions. This laundry routine is not electronics repair advice, but early removal may prevent avoidable damage to both object and garment.

Remove the objects that cause the most trouble

Tissues and paper can break into small fragments and cling to damp fabric. Pens and markers can leak ink and create stains. Coins, keys, and hard accessories can strike the drum, snag fabric, or move into a washer opening. Lip balm or cosmetics can leave oily residue. Remove all of them before loading instead of planning to pick them out later.

Use closures and garment orientation thoughtfully

After pockets are empty, close zippers, hooks, and hook-and-loop fasteners if the garment maker recommends it. Remove detachable pins, belts, and accessories. Whirlpool's laundry preparation tips and LG's pocket-check guidance both call out removing loose objects before washing. Turn a printed shirt inside out only when its maker recommends it; this can protect a print from rubbing, but it will not catch a forgotten object.

For items with many pockets, such as work pants or cargo shorts, make a predictable sweep from left to right. Empty each pocket fully and check its lining for holes. If a pocket is torn, repair it before washing so loose fabric or contents do not become trapped.

Use a second pass for garments that have a hidden lining pocket or a small closure pocket. A practical sequence is: front pockets, back pockets, coin pocket, then jacket or hoodie interiors. Turn each pocket out only as far as the seam allows; do not yank on a narrow lining. If a pocket has a zipper, open it and feel the corners, where folded receipts and small earbuds can sit flat and escape a quick glance.

Sort after the pocket sweep

Once pockets are clear, sort clothes by color, fabric weight, soil, and compatible care settings. Keep rough or heavy items away from fragile garments. Do not let a mesh bag replace the pocket check: a pen or coin can still damage the contents inside it. The Maytag sorting guide covers grouping laundry by compatible labels, colors, fabrics, and soil levels.

Check the washer drum before loading and again after emptying it. If a small object falls out during loading, retrieve it rather than letting it roll under the machine. Follow the appliance manual if an object goes into a drain or filter area. Do not dismantle equipment while it is plugged in or under warranty; use the manufacturer's service guidance.

If an item slips into the wash

If you notice a forgotten object before the cycle starts, remove it and inspect the garment. If you discover one during the cycle, pause or stop the machine only according to its controls and safety instructions. Remove a pen or hard item carefully. Check the remaining load for ink or damage before continuing with a label-compatible cycle.

After the wash, inspect pockets and seams before placing garments in the dryer. Heat may complicate some stains, so do not automatically tumble dry a garment with visible ink or residue. Follow the care label and stain-product directions; if uncertain, consult a qualified cleaner. Check the washer drum for coins, paper, or small pieces, and follow the machine manual for safe removal.

Empty pockets before a laundry handoff

Before a WashLuxe wash-and-fold handoff, empty pockets and keep valuables and electronics out of the bag. If an item has ink, oil, or another unusual stain, mention it with the care instructions and ask whether it is suitable for an ordinary laundry order.

Make the pocket sweep a household routine

Use one landing spot near the hamper: a small tray for harmless finds and a separate, private place for anything with personal information. Check pockets at the hamper, sweep once more while sorting, and inspect before drying if a stain or object may have been missed. Empty the tray on a set day so finds do not disappear into the next load.

Keep badges, student IDs, keys, medication, and sharp objects out of a shared drawer or laundry bag. Follow safe handling instructions for medication or sharp items; return access cards and personal items directly to their owner, checking the name first. Keep small objects away from young children.

Sources

• Whirlpool: Laundry Tips and Tricks
• LG: Foreign Objects Left in Laundry
• Maytag: How to Sort Laundry