Effective in stopping socks and other items I put on top of my machines from falling behind where I can't reach them.  I can't even move the machines myself because they are on pedestals and in a very small space, so I had to ask a handyman to retrieve my socks before I got this laundry guard.  I wish it was a little higher though.  To stop things from falling BETWEEN my machines, I bought a clear plastic mat that happens to fit perfectly between the two ends of the laundry guard.