Stepping out of a steamy shower into the embrace of a cushy bath mat can swiftly turn unpleasant when we’re met with a sodden heap. Tossing them into the washing machine alongside our towels seems like a convenient solution for fresh, clean mats without hassle.
Yet Scott Flint, a handyman with more than three decades in appliance repair, warns that laundering bath mats is not as straightforward as it appears. Throwing bath mats into the washer is a major error, he cautions.
Speaking to Taste of Home, he explained: “The problem is, bathroom mats absorb so much water that they end up weighing far more than the washer was designed to handle.”
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Today’s high-speed washing machines grapple with the excessive force of heavy items being tossed inside them. The added mass of water-logged mats can cause significant damage to the machine, possibly ripping it apart.
Moreover, Flint notes the rubbery backing, essential for preventing slips on bathroom floors, often deteriorates at high washing temperatures. This leads to pieces breaking off, potentially clogging the motor line and blocking the drain pump.
Even if your bath mat lacks a rubber underside, the message from Flint remains clear – be wary of how you clean these bathroom essentials.
However, the dense fibres from the mat can still lead to blockages, which could set you back as much as £180 each time for repairs. If the spin basket is damaged, the cost could escalate to nearly £400.
For those concerned about potential damage to their spin basket from washing heavy items like bathmats, Scott suggests giving it a gentle push. If it produces a loud clunking noise, it might be damaged, as it’s supposed to operate quietly.
If you’re wondering how to clean your bath mat without using your washing machine, Scott has a straightforward solution. Rather than using your home appliance, head over to the local laundrette where the machines are robust and designed to handle heavier items such as sleeping bags and rugs.
Not everyone agreed with Scott. On the Instagram post Gina said: “Washed my rubber backed bath mats at LEAST a thousand times, in my 44 years of keeping house, with zero issues. I’ve had my current washer for 8 years. Just sayin!!”
Monique added: “I have a bath mat from Ikea. It doesn’t have rubber on the bottom & isnt super thick. Ideal for the washing machine. I did however nearly ruin my machine with an incorrect mat. The technician rescued my machine. That’s why I have an Ikea mat. Lesson learned”
Maet: “I’ve been doing laundry for 40+ yrs and I’ve never had a problem with mats with soft rubber bottoms.”
