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Why Bathroom Mats Shouldn’t Go in Your Washer

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1. It Can Ruin the Drain Motor
Bathroom mats often have a rubber backing that breaks down in the wash cycle. The small rubber pieces can clog the drain pump and motor.

This often requires replacing the drain motor, which typically costs around $240 for parts and labor. Even mats without rubber backing can still damage the drain motor. Long fibers from certain mats break off and block the drain.

2. It Can Damage the Spin Basket Bearing
The rear bearing that supports the spin basket endures a lot of strain from the heavy, soaked bathroom mats and the centripetal force during the spin cycle. Once this bearing fails, repairs can cost upwards of $500. The spider bracket that holds up the spin basket may also break due to the excessive weight, and fixing that costs about the same.

Recently, a customer with a two-year-old LG washer contacted me about a loud spin cycle, caused by a worn-out rear bearing. He frequently washed heavy items like bathroom mats and blankets in his machine. I had to break the bad news that the repair would cost more than $500, and it would be more cost-effective to replace the washer entirely. Now, he’s looking at spending $1,200 on a new washer, while his broken machine heads to a landfill.

Pro Tip: Washing machine manufacturers should warn customers about washing bathroom mats!

What If I’ve Already Washed My Bathroom Mats?

What If I’ve Already Washed My Bathroom Mats?
If you’ve washed bathroom mats before, it might not be too late to save your washer.

You can check the play between the plastic tub and metal spin basket. If it’s less than 1/8 inch, your washer probably has many years of life left. Here’s how to check:

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