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Absorb water .
And they do it too well.
When soaked, a single bath mat can soak up several pounds of water — turning it into a heavy, soggy brick .
And when your washing machine tries to spin that weight?
It’s like asking a dancer to twirl while holding a bowling ball.
The imbalance can:
Overload the spin basket
Strain the drain motor
Damage the spin basket bearings
Cause loud clunking noises
Lead to leaks or complete machine failure
According to Family Handyman , heavy, water-logged items — like bath mats, duvets, sleeping bags, and large pet beds — are among the top causes of washing machine breakdowns.
And the repair?
Can cost hundreds of dollars — or mean replacing a $800+ machine.
All over a $15 bath mat.
🔧 What Happens Inside Your Machine
During the spin cycle , your washer relies on balance to rotate smoothly.
But a soaked bath mat:
Shifts to one side
Creates a heavy imbalance
Forces the machine to work harder
Causes vibrations that loosen internal parts
Over time, this wears down:
The bearings
The drain pump
The shock absorbers
And eventually, your washer starts making that dreaded sound:
Clunk… clunk… CLUNK.
That’s not just noise.
It’s your machine crying for help.
🛠️ Signs Your Washer May Already Be Damaged
If you’ve washed bath mats before, check for these red flags:
Loud banging or thumping during spin cycle
Imbalance or bearing damage
Excessive vibration or machine “walking”
Worn shocks or unlevel floor
Leaking water from the bottom
Damaged pump or tub seal
Slow or incomplete spin cycle
Motor or bearing strain
More than 1/8" gap between plastic tub and metal basket
Internal misalignment — needs repair
If you notice any of these, stop using heavy items and consider a service check.
Because once the bearings go, the repair often costs more than a new machine.
🧽 How to Clean Bath Mats Safely (Without Killing Your Washer)
You can clean your bath mats — just not the way you think.
✅ Safe Cleaning Methods:
1. Hand Wash in the Tub or Sink
Fill your bathtub with warm, soapy water
Add a cap of laundry detergent or dish soap
Soak the mat for 15–30 minutes
Scrub gently with a brush or sponge
Rinse thoroughly and squeeze out excess water
Then:
Hang to dry
Or lay flat on a rack
No machine needed.
2. Use a Front-Load Washer (With Caution)
If you must use a machine:
Use a front-loading washer (they handle weight better)
Wash one mat at a time
Use cold water and gentle cycle
Do not overfill — leave room for balance
Remove immediately after the cycle
Even then — it’s risky.
3. Spot Clean Between Deep Cleans
Use a mix of vinegar + baking soda to treat mildew
Scrub with a toothbrush
Rinse and air dry
This keeps mats fresh and reduces how often you need to wash them.
🪣 Bonus: Other Items That Should Stay Out of the Washer
Duvets & comforters
Too bulky, unbalanced when wet
Sleeping bags
Down clumps, fabric strains
Dog beds
Heavy, water-absorbent, unbalanced
Large rugs
Can warp the drum or cause leaks
Shoes (especially sneakers)
Unbalanced, can damage drum
When in doubt — hand wash or take to a laundromat with large-capacity machines .
🧠 Final Thoughts: Sometimes the Best Way to Clean Something Is Without the Machine
We trust our washing machines with almost everything.
But just because something can go in…
Doesn’t mean it should .
Bath mats are essential for safety and comfort — but they’re also one of the most machine-damaging items we casually toss in.
So next time you’re about to wash one…
Pause.
Think.
Hand wash it.
Because sometimes, the difference between a clean mat and a broken washer…
Isn’t in the detergent.
It’s in the drum .
And once you realize how much damage one soggy mat can do?
You’ll never let it near your washer again.
