Never Wash A Bathroom Mat In Your Washer — Here’s Why (And What To Do Instead)
I think we have all been there on a Saturday morning, gathering up all the laundry in the house and tossing it into the machine. It feels productive to get everything clean at once, especially those bath mats that see a lot of traffic. But I recently learned that this common chore is actually a massive gamble with your expensive washing machine. It turns out that washing mats at home is one of the fastest ways to break your machine.
The Rubber Backing Problem
The main culprit here is that non-slip rubber coating on the bottom of most mats. It is great for safety on a tile floor, but terrible for your washing machine. The agitation and hot water cause that rubber to flake off and disintegrate into tiny chunks. Those pieces do not just disappear. They float around and get stuck in the drain pump or the filter, leading to expensive clogs and plumbing repairs.
Too Heavy
Have you ever tried to lift a bath mat when it is soaking wet? It feels like it weighs fifty pounds. These mats are designed to act like sponges, which means they hold an incredible amount of water. When the spin cycle hits, that heavy wet mass slams against the side of the drum with massive force. This can throw the whole machine off balance and shatter the internal bearings that help it spin smoothly.
It Can Destroy The Drain Motor
Beyond just the plumbing lines, the motor itself is at risk. Even mats without rubber backing can cause serious trouble because their long fibers often shed during the wash. These fibers clump together and wrap around the drain motor, causing it to overheat and fail. Replacing a drain motor usually costs hundreds of dollars in parts and labor, which is definitely more than the cost of a new bath mat.
Option 1: The Laundromat
If your mats really need a deep machine clean, do not risk your own unit. Pack them up and take them to a local laundromat. The commercial washers there are built like tanks and are designed to handle heavy industrial loads. They have stronger motors and larger drums that can handle the weight and the spinning much better than your home unit. A few quarters is a small price to pay to save your home machine.
Option 2: The Hose Method
If the weather is nice, take the mats outside to the driveway or the patio. You can lay them flat and spray them down with a garden hose. The water pressure helps blast out the dust and hair trapped in the fibers without stressing a motor. You can use a scrub brush with some soap for stubborn stains. Then, you just hang them over a railing to dry in the sun, which also helps kill bacteria.
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It is annoying to add a special step for just one item in your house, but your washing machine is a big investment. Treating it gently means it will last years longer. Next time you look at that dirty bath mat, just remember that a little elbow grease outside or a trip to the laundromat is much cheaper than calling a repairman. Your machine will thank you for keeping the heavy rubber out of its drum.
Bliss Donahue-Power
