With more than 30 years of experience as an appliance technician, this expert has seen one issue repeatedly destroy washers—washing bathroom mats at home.

The verdict?
Never put bathroom mats in your home washing machine.
And if you think your washer can handle them, think again. Even the most durable machines aren’t designed for the kind of strain bath mats can cause. Here's why—plus what you should be doing instead.

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Why You Shouldn’t Wash Bathroom Mats in a Washing Machine

Modern front-loading washers often have large spin baskets that make them look ready for heavy-duty loads. But looks can be deceiving. Many bathroom mats absorb huge amounts of water, becoming so heavy that they exceed what your washer was designed to handle.

Today's washers spin at incredible speeds—up to 1,200 RPM—to remove excess water. Combine that with an overloaded drum, and you’ve got a recipe for serious mechanical damage.

Two Common (and Expensive) Damages

1. The Drain Motor Can Burn Out

Many bath mats come with rubber backing—great for preventing slips, but terrible for your washer. Over time, that rubber begins to break down, and tiny pieces can clog the drain pump or motor.

Even mats without rubber can be risky—those with long fibers or loops tend to shed, which can block the drainage system just as easily.

💸 Cost to fix a damaged drain motor? Around $240 for parts and labor.

2. The Spin Basket Bearing Can Fail

The rear bearing supports the spinning drum. When you overload your washer—especially with soaking wet, heavy mats—it puts extreme strain on this critical part.

If the bearing wears out, the washer may still run but will make a loud roaring noise during the spin cycle. The same load may also damage the spider bracket, a part that helps support the drum.

💸 Repair costs? You’re looking at $500 or more for either of these issues—and most people simply opt to replace the washer instead.

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Already Washed Bathroom Mats in Your Washer? Here’s What to Do

If you’ve already laundered mats in your washer, don’t panic—there’s a simple test to check if any damage has occurred.

🛠️ Try This:

1. Open the washer door and locate the silver metal spin basket.

2. Spin the basket by hand. It should rotate smoothly and silently.

3. Grab the plastic lip of the outer tub with one hand.

4. With the other hand, grab the metal basket and try to rock it up and down.

There should be minimal movement between the basket and the outer tub—less than 1/8 inch. Any clunking, wobbling, or resistance might signal bearing damage.

Also, if your washer sounds like a jet engine during high-speed spins, that’s a major red flag. It might still run for a while, but it’s only a matter of time before it fails completely.

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How to Clean Bathroom Mats the Right Way

So, what should you do with dirty bath mats and other bulky items?

✅ Head to a commercial laundry or coin-operated laundromat.
These machines are specifically designed to handle heavy, water-absorbent items like mats, rugs, and blankets without damaging internal components.

Doing this not only protects your home appliances—it also gives you a better clean thanks to stronger wash cycles and industrial-grade spin power.

💡 Pro Tip: Some laundromats offer oversized washers for heavy-duty loads. It’s well worth the few extra dollars.

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6 Other Items You Should Never Wash at Home

It’s not just bath mats—many common household items are too bulky or dense for home machines. Avoid washing these at home:

1. Comforters (especially king-sized or down-filled)

2. Sleeping bags

3. Dog beds

4. Drapes or curtains

5. Weighted blankets

6. Area rugs or carpet runners

Each of these items can either damage the drum or overstress the spin motor, especially when saturated with water.

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Long-Term Consequences of Ignoring the Warning

If you continue washing heavy items in your home washer, don’t be surprised if you’re shopping for a new machine every 2 to 3 years. Most manufacturers design washers to last 8–12 years—but only with regular use and appropriate load types.

Overloading or washing waterlogged mats drastically reduces that lifespan.

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Final Thoughts: Prevention Is Cheaper Than Repair

Think of your washer like your car. Just because you can load it up with bricks doesn’t mean you should.

A few simple changes—like using a laundromat for mats or investing in stone bath mats that don’t require machine washing at all—can save you hundreds in repairs or replacements.

Take care of your washer, and it’ll take care of you.