I'm really worried that my mom's wedding and engagement rings might be lost forever after I did laundry. I'm not very handy, so I'm not sure if they could be stuck in the washing machine or dryer. It's a top-loading washer without any extra features. My mom got these rings 75 years ago, so you can imagine how much they mean to me. Should I consider hiring someone to help find them, or is there something I can do myself? Thanks for any advice!
4 Answers
Also, if you're wondering how they ended up in the washer in the first place, did you maybe leave them in your pocket? It's good to check all the clothing and not just assume they went in the wash.
Rings are usually too big to get stuck in the drain. They should be sitting somewhere in the drum like coins. Take every piece of clothes out and check those pockets! You might want to check the dryer too; things can get lost in the little nooks.
Definitely check the rubber gasket of the washing machine. You’d be surprised what gets stuck in there. I've found toys and other odds and ends!
First things first, check the washer's filter! You can look up your machine's make and model online to find where the filter is located. If you're not able to do it yourself, you might want to call in a handyman instead of a plumber, as they might be more cost-effective.
If they aren't in the filter, it might mean they slipped by it or were never in the washer. You might be wasting money on a plumber if that's the case.
I had a similar experience! My rings didn’t show up in the filter but reappeared after running a few more loads. Just keep the back open between washes!
Don't stress too much; rings usually stay in the washing machine as they can't pass through the drain. Try to stay calm and keep looking around the house—sometimes they turn up in the funniest places when you least expect it!
Exactly! And remember, if they end up turning up, it's a relief! It's all about patience and checking under and around the washing area.
So true! I've found lost items in my couch cushions or behind furniture after forgetting about them for ages.

Absolutely, you should inspect everything and maybe shake the tub a bit to listen for any rattling. They might just be hiding out somewhere!