When it comes to doing laundry, many of us don’t think twice about tossing everything into the washing machine. Clothes, towels, sheets, pet bedding—you name it, it goes straight in. I’ve always been that way myself, figuring that if something’s washable, then it’s fine for the machine. But lately, I’ve realized that it might be time to be a little more cautious, especially with certain bulky household items like bath mats. While it may seem harmless, putting a bath mat in your home washer can actually do a lot more harm than good.
Bath mats are designed to absorb water, which means they get soaking wet on a regular basis. This is exactly what makes them problematic. When saturated, they become incredibly heavy, and that extra weight can do serious damage to your washing machine’s internal parts. Unlike a load of clothes, which distributes weight evenly and stays relatively light, a dripping wet bath mat is uneven, dense, and awkward—putting intense strain on the drum and motor.
According to experts at Family Handyman, waterlogged items like bath mats, comforters, duvets, dog beds, and sleeping bags can harm your washer’s spin basket bearing and drain motor. These are essential parts of the machine that allow it to operate properly. Once they’re damaged, repairs can be very expensive—and in some cases, the cost might be high enough that you’re better off buying a new machine altogether. That’s a steep price to pay just for washing a bath mat.
If you’ve already been washing heavy or saturated items in your machine, you might want to inspect it for signs of damage. One thing you can do is look at the space between the washer’s plastic tub and the metal spin basket. If there’s more than 1/8 inch of room between them, it may be an indication that the spin basket has shifted or become misaligned. Another red flag is a loud clunking sound when the basket spins, either by hand or during a cycle. These noises often suggest that something inside is off balance or starting to fail—both of which require professional repairs.
Another issue with bath mats is that many have non-slip rubber backings, which can begin to degrade over time when exposed to hot water, detergent, and repeated agitation. As the rubber breaks down, it can flake off and clog the washer’s filter or drainage system, creating yet another potential problem. Over time, this buildup can lead to blockages, leaks, and even full-on breakdowns of your appliance.
Instead of running the risk of damaging your washer, the better option is to take your bath mats to a local laundromat. Laundromats are equipped with heavy-duty, commercial-grade washing machines that are specifically built to handle bulky, wet items. These machines are larger, more powerful, and better able to balance the weight of an oversized load. Not only does this reduce the risk of damage, but it also ensures your mats get a thorough, effective cleaning.
If a laundromat isn’t easily accessible, another option is to hand wash your bath mats in the bathtub using mild detergent and warm water. While this requires more effort, it’s gentler on both the mat and your washer. Once clean, you can hang the mat to dry outdoors or over a sturdy railing inside—just be sure to give it time to dry completely to prevent mold or mildew growth.
Bath mats may seem like just another part of your regular laundry routine, but their absorbent nature and bulkiness make them one of the riskiest items to clean in a home washing machine. By taking a few extra steps and choosing safer cleaning methods, you can protect your washer from costly repairs and extend its lifespan. After all, the convenience of washing at home isn’t worth the potential expense of replacing an entire machine. A little prevention goes a long way—and your wallet will thank you later.
