Think your washing machine can handle bathroom mats? Think again. As an appliance technician with 30+ years of experience, I’ve seen too many front-load washers destroyed by heavy, waterlogged mats. One customer even broke a brand-new machine beyond repair after washing just two mats at once.
Why You Should NEVER Wash Bathroom Mats in Your Machine
Modern front-load washers spin faster than ever—up to 1,200 RPM. That’s a lot of force on a sopping-wet mat! The result? Major damage to your machine and costly repairs.
🚨 Problem #1: It Can Destroy the Drain Motor
Most bathroom mats have a rubber backing that breaks apart in the wash. These tiny rubber pieces clog the drain pump, leading to a repair bill of $240. Even mats without rubber can shed long fibers that tangle in the drain motor.
🚨 Problem #2: It Can Wreck the Spin Basket Bearing
The rear bearing supports your washer’s spin basket—but when heavy mats create excess force, this part wears out fast. Repairing it? $500. And if the spider bracket (which holds the spin basket) breaks too? Another $500.
Just this week, a customer called about his two-year-old LG washer making a terrible noise. Turns out, he’d been washing blankets and bathroom mats regularly—and now his washer was beyond repair. Instead of a $500 fix, he had to spend $1,200 on a brand-new washer.
Already Washed Bathroom Mats? Here’s How to Check for Damage
If you’ve washed mats before, don’t panic—your washer may still be okay. Try this quick test:
✅ Spin the drum by hand—it should move smoothly and quietly.
✅ Check for excessive play—grab the outer plastic tub with one hand and the silver spin basket with the other. Try rocking the basket up and down. If it clunks, your washer is in trouble.
✅ Listen for loud noise during spin—if it sounds like a jet taking off, your washer’s rear bearing is wearing out. It might last a few more months—but eventually, it will stop spinning altogether.
How to Wash Bathroom Mats the Right Way
So what’s the solution?
💡 Take them to a laundromat—commercial machines are built for heavy loads.
💡 Be prepared to replace your washer—if you keep washing heavy items at home, expect to buy a new machine every 2–3 years.
Other Items You Should NEVER Wash at Home
Besides bathroom mats, these 6 bulky items can destroy your washer just as fast:
1️⃣ Heavy blankets
2️⃣ Weighted blankets
3️⃣ Large pet beds
4️⃣ Oversized comforters
5️⃣ Rugs with rubber backing
6️⃣ Sleeping bags
Want a hassle-free alternative? Consider switching to stone bath mats—they dry fast, don’t hold bacteria, and you’ll never have to wash them. 🚀
