What If I’ve Already Laundered My Bathroom Mats?
If you’ve washed bathroom mats in the past, you can check whether your washer has sustained damage by following these steps:
- Spin Test: Open the washer door and spin the silver basket by hand. It should spin smoothly without noise.
- Check for Play: Hold the plastic tub with one hand and the metal spin basket with the other, then try to rock the basket. If there is noticeable movement or clunking, the bearing may be worn out.
- Listen for Noise: During high-speed spins, if your washer sounds like a jet engine, it could indicate a failing rear bearing. The machine will get noisier over time and eventually stop spinning altogether.
How Should I Clean My Bathroom Mats?
Instead of using your home washer, take bathroom mats and other bulky items to a coin laundry. The machines there are designed to handle heavier loads and can prevent damage to your home appliance.
Other Items You Should Never Wash at Home
The following items are also too heavy for home washing machines and should be cleaned at a commercial laundromat:
- Comforters
- Sleeping bags
- Dog beds
- Drapes
- Weighted blankets
- Rugs
Avoiding these items in your home washer will extend its life and save you from costly repairs!
