Bath mats seem harmless enough, but putting them in your washing machine can quietly cause serious damage. Because bath mats are designed to absorb large amounts of water, they become extremely heavy once soaked. That added weight puts intense strain on your washer’s motor, drum, and internal bearings during the spin cycle. Over time, this stress can lead to loud clunking noises, poor spinning performance, or even complete mechanical failure. Repairing a damaged drain motor or spin basket bearing can be costly — and in severe cases, replacing the entire machine becomes the only option.

To protect your washer, it’s best to avoid laundering heavy, waterlogged items like bath mats, comforters, duvets, sleeping bags, and pet beds at home. If you’ve washed heavy items before, check for warning signs such as excess space between the washer tub and spin basket or unusual banging during spinning. The safest solution is to take bulky, absorbent items to a laundromat, where industrial machines are built to handle extra weight without strain. A simple change in washing habits can save you from expensive repairs and keep your machine running smoothly for years.