Items That Should Not Go In Your Washer—Even If They Say Machine Washable

Your washing machine is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home, but it has its limits. While many items are labeled as "machine washable," that doesn’t always mean they should go into a residential washer. Items like extra-large blankets, quilts, comforters, pillows, shoes, area rugs, and floor mats can cause significant damage to your machine over time. Let’s explore why these bulky and heavy items should be kept out of your home washer and what could happen if they are washed improperly.

The Dangers of Overloading Your Washer

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is overloading their washers with oversized items. While your washer may be capable of handling a large capacity, that doesn’t mean it is designed for excessively heavy loads. When wet, bulky items absorb an enormous amount of water, making them incredibly heavy and difficult for the machine to handle. This extra weight can throw the washer off balance, leading to excessive vibrations, strain on suspension components, and even long-term damage to the motor.

How Oversized Items Cause Damage

Many modern residential washers rely on a suspension system to keep the drum stable during wash cycles. When a load becomes too heavy or off-balance, the machine struggles to compensate, leading to excessive movement. Here’s how this can harm different components over time:

• Suspension Damage: The suspension rods or springs in top-load washers, and the shock absorbers in front-load models, are designed to stabilize normal loads. Overloading with heavy wet blankets, comforters, or rugs causes excessive strain, wearing these parts down quickly.

• Motor Strain: The washer’s motor is built to handle average loads, but when an excessively heavy item is inside, the motor has to work much harder. Over time, this added stress can lead to overheating, burnout, and motor failure.

• Bearing and Drum Damage: When the machine is off-balance, the drum can shift erratically, leading to premature wear on the bearings and other internal components. Eventually, this can cause leaks, loud banging noises, and costly repairs.

• Belt and Pulley Wear: In some washers, the drum is connected to the motor via a belt and pulley system. A consistently heavy load can wear these parts down, leading to slippage, inefficient spinning, or complete breakdowns.

Specific Items to Avoid Washing

• Extra-Large Blankets, Quilts, and Comforters – These items hold an excessive amount of water, creating an unbalanced load that can damage internal components. Instead, use a commercial washer at a laundromat.

• Pillows – While some pillows are machine washable, they become waterlogged and difficult to spin properly, leading to imbalance and ineffective cleaning.

• Shoes – The weight and uneven shape of shoes can create an imbalance, damaging both the drum and suspension system.

• Area Rugs and Floor Mats – Many rugs and mats absorb significant amounts of water, making them too heavy for residential washers. The rubber backing on some mats can also deteriorate and clog drain pumps.

Safer Alternatives

Instead of risking damage to your washer, consider these safer washing alternatives:

• Use a commercial washer at a laundromat for bulky items.

• Hand wash rugs and mats using a hose and mild detergent.

• Spot clean shoes rather than tossing them in the washer.

Conclusion

Just because something is labeled “machine washable” doesn’t mean your residential washer can handle it safely. Overloading your machine with oversized or water-absorbing items can lead to costly repairs and shorten the lifespan of your appliance. When in doubt, opt for alternative washing methods or use commercial-grade machines designed to handle larger loads. Protect your washer, and it will continue to serve you for years to come.