As an appliance technician with over 30 years of experience, I’ve seen countless washing machines damaged by the very thing many people assume they can handle: bathroom mats. In fact, I’ve even witnessed a brand-new front-load washing machine being destroyed beyond repair when a customer attempted to wash two bathroom mats simultaneously.
The bottom line is simple: Never wash bathroom mats in your washing machine. Here’s why, and what you can do when you need to clean your bathroom mats and other bulky items.
Why Can’t I Put My Bathroom Mat in the Washer?
Modern front-load washers have large spin baskets designed to accommodate big items like blankets and bathroom mats, leading many people to believe they can handle anything, regardless of size or weight. The reality, however, is far different.
Bathroom mats are notorious for soaking up water, which makes them far heavier than expected. When wet, they can weigh significantly more than your washer was designed to handle. The high-speed spin cycles in modern washing machines (up to 1,200 revolutions per minute) generate immense force, and when combined with the added weight of waterlogged mats, it can result in severe damage.
Washing bathroom mats in your machine puts you at risk for two major issues:
1. Damage to the Drain Motor
Many bathroom mats feature a rubber backing that can break down in the wash. As these rubber pieces disintegrate, they can clog the drain pump and motor, leading to costly repairs. Even mats without rubber backing can pose a problem, as long fibers can break off and block the drain.
A clogged drain motor can cost around $240 for parts and labor to replace. The damage caused by bathroom mats is often preventable, but it’s something many homeowners overlook until it’s too late.
2. Worn-Out Spin Basket Bearing
The rear bearing of your washing machine spin basket is designed to endure high-speed rotation during the spin cycle. However, the excessive weight of heavy, soaked bathroom mats creates extra strain on the bearing, which can cause it to fail. Once this bearing fails, repairs can cost upwards of $500. In some cases, the spider bracket that holds the spin basket in place may also break, leading to a similarly expensive repair.
I once had a customer with a two-year-old LG washer who complained about a loud spin cycle. The cause? A worn-out rear bearing. This customer had regularly washed heavy items like bathroom mats and blankets, leading to this costly repair. Unfortunately, the repair was so expensive that it was more cost-effective for him to buy a new washer, which cost around $1,200.
What Should I Do If I’ve Already Washed My Bathroom Mats?
If you’ve already washed bathroom mats in your washer, don’t panic! It might not be too late to save your machine.
You can check the condition of the spin basket and tub by performing a quick test:
- Open the washer door and manually spin the metal spin basket. It should rotate smoothly and quietly.
- If you hear clunking or resistance, your washer may already be damaged.
- To check further, try to rock the spin basket up and down while holding the outer plastic tub still. There should be little to no movement.
If you hear a loud noise resembling a jet engine during the spin cycle, that’s a clear sign the rear bearing is worn out. While your washer may continue to work for a while, the noise will worsen, and eventually, the machine will stop spinning altogether.
How to Keep Your Washer in Good Shape
To prevent damage and extend the life of your washer, be sure to regularly clean the washing machine filter. Additionally, avoid washing overly bulky or heavy items, especially bathroom mats, which can put unnecessary strain on your machine.
How Should I Clean My Bathroom Mats?
If you must clean bathroom mats, I recommend using the heavy-duty machines at a local coin laundromat. These machines are designed to handle large, heavy items without the risk of damaging your home washer.
If you absolutely insist on washing bulky items at home, be prepared to replace your washer every two to three years. Heavy items like bathroom mats can significantly shorten the lifespan of your machine, and continual damage may result in expensive repairs.
Other Items You Should Never Wash at Home
In addition to bathroom mats, there are several other items that are too bulky or heavy for most home washers. Washing these items at home will likely shorten the life of your machine and may even result in a broken spin basket after just one wash. These items include:
- Comforters
- Sleeping bags
- Dog beds
- Drapes
- Weighted blankets
- Large rugs
For these larger items, the best option is to take them to a coin laundry. It’s better for your washer and ensures a cleaner result without risking costly repairs.
Final Thoughts
Taking care of your washing machine and understanding its limitations is crucial for prolonging its lifespan. Bathroom mats may seem like they can be washed in a machine, but the risk of damage far outweighs the convenience. Whether you’re cleaning bathroom mats, comforters, or other bulky items, taking them to a laundromat is a much safer and more effective option.
For more helpful laundry tips and appliance care advice, be sure to check out our other guides on maintaining your washing machine and avoiding common laundry mistakes.
