What happens if you accidentally wash your bank card in the washing machine?
In a hurry, things thrown into the washing machine can present an unpleasant surprise in the form of a bank card forgotten in your pocket. If you find her in clean jeans, there is no need to despair.
What will happen to a bank card if you wash it in a washing machine, will it work after that, and how to fix the unpleasant situation, read the article.
Content
What happens to the card after washing, will it work?
Bank cards are made of plastic (PVC). This material is resistant to moisture, heat and chemicals. However there are vulnerable spots on the product - they are represented by a chip and magnetic tape.
With chip
If the plastic is equipped with a chip, then it is highly likely to be damaged.
This metal element often fails even during normal use. Aggressive machine washing will almost certainly damage it.
Detergents make the situation worse. The more aggressive the powder, the higher the risk that the chip will oxidize. The card will almost certainly become unusable after washing with bleach.
With magnetic stripe
If information about the cardholder is contained on magnetic tape, then the chance for its normal functioning after washing remains. If the plastic does not fall out of the pocket during active rotation of the drum, this can save it.
Therefore, immediately after finding the card, you need to check its dark stripe for scratches. If they are deep, then there is a high probability of damage to the product.
Is there a difference between manual and machine processing?
Hand washing is more gentle not only on clothes, but also on plastic cards. It is easier to detect plastic in a pocket if the product is washed by hand. There will be no excess friction on the chip and magnetic tape in the basin, so the likelihood of their damage is reduced.
However, when washing by hand, there are a number of factors that can negatively affect the condition of the plastic:
- Things are often soaked in a basin for a long time. All this time the credit card will be in soapy water.
- Washing is often done in boiling water.
- Aggressive detergents, such as chlorine bleach, can be used for soaking in a basin. They are not poured into the machine. Such compositions will lead to damage to the product with a probability close to 100%.
Therefore, both hand and machine washing have their own characteristics.
What factors increase the risk of injury?
The card will not function after washing if it was affected by the following factors:
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Hot water. If its temperature exceeds 40 degrees, the risk of product damage increases.The plastic itself will not be damaged, since it begins to melt only at a temperature of 170 degrees. It is magnetic tape that is susceptible to hot water.
- Long wash cycle. The longer magnetic tape is in water, the higher the likelihood of it being damaged.
- Friction on hard elements: about buttons, locks or the drum of the washing machine. This happens when the card falls out of your pocket.
- High spin speed.
If after washing there are no visible scratches on the magnetic tape, then there is still a chance for its successful restoration.
What to do if it's washed?
If the card has been washed, you should try to restore it yourself by drying the product.
First aid
You should try to revive valuable plastic immediately after its discovery. There's no need to panic. As practice shows, in 70% of cases credit cards continue to function normally.
Actions aimed at restoring the product:
wipe the card with a soft flannel cloth to remove any remaining moisture from it;- put it in a dry place for final drying;
- Do not use a hair dryer, iron or other heat sources; let the plastic dry on its own;
- Inspect the magnetic tape and chip for damage.
When the card is dry, you need to go to an ATM and check its functionality. Several operations need to be performed. This will ensure that it is working properly. If the chip or tape is readable every once in a while, the plastic needs to be replaced.
Replacing plastic
If the credit card does not work and the information cannot be read from it, you need to go to the nearest bank branch and replace it. Calling the hotline is useless.
Operators will not accept applications for plastic recovery. The only thing they can do is block the account, which is unnecessary.
Therefore you need to act as follows:
- come to the bank office with your passport;
- write an application for re-issuance of the card indicating the reason for its replacement;
- give an application to a bank employee;
- wait for a call from the operator.
When the new credit card is ready, you need to go to the bank and pick it up.
You will find maximum useful information about washing clothes and various fabric products Here.
Conclusion
Items must be checked carefully before washing.. It is advisable to turn all pockets inside out. This is the only way to protect your card from the “painful” washing procedure and save your time, money and nerves.
