Mouse problems in old washers

[lordkenmore]

Earlier, I was puttering around, and took a look at a late 1960s Kenmore washer that I'd like to resurrect this spring. Raising the top of the machine, I discovered to my disgust and dismay what appears to be mouse droppings on the large white metal frame thing that covers the tub. While this can be cleaned up easily enough, it did make me wonder something. Is there any sort of real possibility of mice having gotten down into the area between the inner and outer tub? (Ideally, I suppose I'd automatically tear the machine down as far as possible for cleaning, anyway, but that is not a very viable option for me at this time.)

 

[turquoisedude]

MICE!!

Oy, those nasty little rodents seem to be able to get into anything!!   Although I'd be surprised that a mouse could get in between the inner and outer tub of a Kenmore, I would urge you to check every centimetre of wiring in the washer...  The little buggers do love to gnaw....

 

[kenmoreguy64]

Mouse/rodent presence in machines

Here's a picture from my 2009 rebuild of a 1976 Avocado Kenmore 60-series machine.

The gap I would say is too small for rodents to crawl in, in between the baseplate and outer tub, but apparently not.

This picture shows house insulation, sunflower seed shells, and droppings. Joy...

Gordon

 

[lordkenmore]

"The gap I would say is too small for rodents to crawl in, in between the baseplate and outer tub, but apparently not."

I was sort of afraid of this answer. One thing that has astounded me more than once is finding what mice can get into.

 

[lordkenmore]

"I would urge you to check every centimetre of wiring in the washer... The little buggers do love to gnaw...."

The wiring from what I can see looks OK--although I'd certainly a very careful check. I know they like wiring. I know someone who had a thousand plus repair bill on her car due to wiring destroyed by mice.