Fear and loathing when the washing machine goes 'thunk'

If doing the laundry is a regular part of your life, you had better be prepared for moments of deep chagrin. These moments are rare, but memorable. They are typically preceded by an odd sound. There you are, lifting the lid and pulling out armloads of clothing still damp from the spin cycle. Here comes a pair of trousers, all twisted, that you shake out before you put them in the dryer. Here’s a handful of socks and T-shirts, wadded together. Here comes –