Bathroom mats should never go in your washing machine, and I say that as an appliance technician with more than 30 years of experience. I’ve seen brand new front-load washers ruined because someone washed one or two mats at once. The basket looks big enough, but the damage happens fast and costs a lot to fix. It’s one of the most common and expensive mistakes I see.

The problem is weight. Bath mats soak up a huge amount of water and become much heavier than your washer was designed to handle. Modern machines spin up to 1,200 revolutions per minute, and that speed creates a lot of force. That extra weight tears things up from the inside. First to go is usually the drain system. Many mats have a rubber backing that breaks down in the wash. The small pieces clog the drain pump and hose. Fabric fibers can do the same. A drain motor replacement usually costs around $240, and it’s completely avoidable.

The other big issue is the spin basket bearing. That rear bearing takes all the pressure during a high-speed spin. Heavy, wet mats put too much strain on it. Once it wears out you’ll hear loud banging or grinding. The repair often runs $500 or more. The spider bracket that holds the basket can also crack under the stress, and that’s another $500 repair. I recently told a customer with a two-year-old washer that his bearing was shot from washing mats and blankets. With repair costs that high, it made more sense to buy a new machine.

If you’ve already washed mats, check your washer now. Open the door and spin the basket by hand. It should move smoothly and quietly. Gently rock the basket while holding the outer tub. There should be almost no play. A jet-like roar during spin means the bearing is wearing out. For cleaning, take mats and blankets to a laundromat with commercial machines. At home, shake them out, spot clean, and air dry. If you keep washing heavy items at home, expect to replace your washer every few years.