Why You Shouldn’t Be Washing Bath Mats in the Washer
Although it may seem convenient to toss your bathroom mats into your washing machine, doing so can seriously damage the appliance. According to experienced appliance technicians, washing bathroom mats can lead to expensive repairs or even ruin your machine entirely. Here’s why bathroom mats shouldn’t go in your washing machine and how you can clean them safely.
Why Shouldn’t I Put My Bathroom Mat In The Washer?
While modern front-load washers may appear to handle large, bulky items, the weight and water absorption of bathroom mats exceed what most washers are designed to manage. Here are two major problems that can arise:
1. It Can Ruin the Drain Motor
Bathroom mats, especially those with rubber backing, often shed rubber pieces in the wash. These pieces clog the drain pump and motor, leading to malfunctions. Even mats without rubber backing can cause issues—long fibers can break off and clog the drain system. Replacing a drain motor can cost about $240.
2. It Can Ruin the Spin Basket Bearing
The heavy weight of water-soaked bathroom mats exerts excess force on the washer’s spin basket during high-speed cycles. This can damage the rear bearing that supports the basket, potentially costing $500 or more to repair. In severe cases, the spider bracket that holds the spin basket may also break, leading to similarly costly repairs.
