One common frustration in laundry is when tissue paper left in pockets dissolves during the wash cycle, leaving behind a sticky mess of lint that clings to clothes. This not only ruins the laundry but also requires extra cleaning effort. A potential solution could be a washing machine feature—or an add-on for existing machines—that detects tissue paper before the cycle begins, preventing the issue altogether.

How It Could Work

The detection system might use a combination of sensors to identify tissue paper in the drum. For example:

• Optical sensors could scan for white, paper-like materials before the wash starts.
• Weight sensors might detect unusually light objects that differ from typical fabrics.
• Conductivity sensors could identify wet tissue based on its electrical properties.

If tissue is detected, the machine could either alert the user or pause the cycle until the issue is resolved. This would be especially useful for households, laundromats, and elderly users who might struggle with manual checks.

Potential Implementation Strategies

One way to test this idea could be through a simple add-on device that clips onto existing washing machines, connecting to a mobile app for alerts. This would serve as a low-cost MVP to validate demand. If successful, the technology could later be integrated directly into new washing machines through partnerships with appliance manufacturers.

How It Compares to Existing Solutions

Current solutions like lint traps or manual pocket checks are reactive or require user effort. In contrast, this approach would proactively prevent the problem, saving time and frustration. While some smart washing machines offer connectivity features, none currently detect tissue paper before it causes a mess.

By starting with an add-on prototype, this idea could be tested and refined before committing to full-scale production, making it a low-risk way to address a widespread annoyance.