Finding a random metal piece mixed in with your laundry can be confusing, especially when you have no idea where it came from. At first glance, it is easy to assume it must have fallen off the washer or dryer. But in many cases, the mystery object actually comes from an item that was inside the load, not from the appliance itself.
If the piece is small, made of metal, magnetic, and has a soft rubberized end, there is a very good chance it is a zipper pull tab or a pull from clothing, a bag, or a jacket accessory.
Why It Probably Did Not Come from the Dryer
When people find a small machined metal part in a load of laundry, their first thought is often that something inside the washer or dryer broke loose. That is understandable, especially if the part looks manufactured and sturdy.
However, if your LG washer or dryer still seems to be working normally and you do not see a missing part inside the drum, door, filter area, or lint trap opening, then it is much more likely the item came from something in the wash.
Dryers and washers usually do not contain loose, finished pieces like this with a soft rubber grip on the end. That kind of design is far more common on wearable items and accessories.
What It Most Likely Is
The shape strongly suggests it is a zipper pull or pull tab from apparel or luggage. These are commonly attached to:
- Jackets
- Hoodies
- Backpacks
- Gym bags
- Luggage
- Boots
- Laundry bags
- Athletic wear
The hole on one end is typically where it attaches to the zipper slider or another connector, while the rubberized red portion is meant to make it easier to grip and pull.
Because these tabs are handled often and pulled with force over time, they can break off without being noticed right away. Once detached, they can end up in the washing machine or dryer and only become visible when you unload the clothes.
Why It Looks Like a Machine Part
The reason this piece can be misleading is because it looks solid and precisely shaped. Since it is metal and magnetic, it can seem like something mechanical or structural. But many zipper pulls and hardware accents on clothing are made of iron, steel, or zinc-based alloys, and they often include rubber or plastic grips for comfort.
That combination of metal and soft grip is very common in garment hardware.
How to Figure Out Where It Came From
If you want to solve the mystery, the best place to start is by checking the items that were in that laundry load. Focus on anything with zippers or decorative attachments.
Look closely at:
- Jackets with front or pocket zippers
- Sweatshirts or hoodies
- Duffel bags or backpacks
- Pants with zipper pockets
- Shoes or boots washed with the load
- Garments with branded pulls or tabs
You may find a zipper missing its pull or a small attachment point where this piece used to be connected.
Check the Appliance Just in Case
Even though it is unlikely to be from the machine, it is still a good idea to inspect a few areas for peace of mind:
- Around the door seal
- Inside the drum
- Near the lint filter housing
- Around the detergent drawer area on the washer
- Any visible plastic trim or flap
If everything appears intact and the appliance is running normally, that is another sign the piece probably came from clothing or a bag.
Final Answer
This mystery metal tab is most likely a broken zipper pull or accessory pull tab from an item in the laundry, not a part from your LG washer or dryer. The rubberized end and attachment hole are typical features of something designed to be gripped by hand, especially on clothing, outerwear, or bags.
So while it may look like a machine component at first, it is probably just a small piece of garment hardware that finally broke loose during the wash or dry cycle.
