You’ve just stepped out of a warm shower, towel wrapped around you… and there’s your trusty bath mat, doing its job — soaking up water, keeping your feet dry.
But over time, it starts to smell musty.
It feels less absorbent.
And you think: “Time for a wash!”
So you toss it into the washing machine — after all, it’s just fabric, right?
Not so fast.
While it might seem harmless, putting a large, thick bath mat in your washing machine can actually cause serious damage — to your appliance, your floors, and even your health.
Let’s break down why this common habit is riskier than you think — and how to clean your bath mat safely instead.
⚠️ Why Bath Mats Are a Washing Machine Hazard
1. They Absorb Massive Amounts of Water1. They Absorb Massive Amounts of Water
Bath mats are designed to soak up moisture — often several cups of water per use.
When wet, they become extremely heavy — sometimes weighing 10+ pounds when saturated.
💥 This weight throws off your washer’s balance during the spin cycle, causing:
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