What NOT To Put In Your Washer: Needing A Commercial Laundromat

Your washing machine is one of the most hardworking appliances in your home, and just like any investment, it needs proper care to last. While it may be tempting to toss everything labeled "machine washable" into your washer, not all items are suited for residential machines. Overloading or placing bulky items into your washer can cause significant damage, leading to costly repairs or even total machine failure. Let’s break down what not to put in your washer and why.

• Comforters And Extra-Large Blankets

  • Comforters and oversized blankets are often labeled machine washable, but that doesn’t mean your home washer can handle them. These bulky items retain a lot of water and become extremely heavy during the spin cycle. This extra weight can throw your washer off balance, causing it to shake violently, make loud banging noises, or even "walk" across the floor. Long term, this stress can damage the drum, bearings, or suspension system.

• Pillows

  • Washing pillows at home can be risky for similar reasons. As they absorb water, they become dense and uneven in weight distribution, making it difficult for the washer to spin properly. This imbalance stresses the internal components and may cause your washer to stop mid-cycle. If you notice your machine making loud thumping sounds during a pillow wash, that’s your washer’s way of telling you it’s not built for this task.

• Shoes

  • Throwing a pair of sneakers or work boots in your washing machine may seem harmless, but the hard soles and heavy weight can damage the drum and agitator. Shoes bounce around violently during cycles, potentially cracking the washer tub or dislodging internal parts. If they hit the glass door in a front loader with enough force, they could even shatter it.

• Rugs And Floor Mats

  • Rugs and floor mats—especially those with rubber backing—are a major no-no for home washers. Not only do they get heavy when wet, but the backing can also break down in the wash, shedding small pieces that clog your drain or pump. Even lightweight mats can cause balance issues and excessive strain on your washer's motor.

Why Balance Matters

A washer that is out of balance doesn’t just perform poorly—it puts its own health at risk. An unbalanced load puts uneven stress on the drum and suspension system. Over time, this can lead to premature wear and tear, requiring expensive repairs or a complete replacement. While some modern machines have sensors to stop the cycle if they detect an imbalance, repeated issues can still degrade performance.

Use Commercial Washers For Bulky Items

The best place to clean large, heavy items is at a laundromat. Commercial washers are designed with more powerful motors, larger drums, and more durable components to handle these types of loads without damage. They provide the space and performance needed to clean bulky items effectively and safely.

Protect Your Washer And Extend Its Life

Your residential washer isn’t meant to handle everything. If you want to enjoy years of reliable service, treat it with care. Avoid overloading, and when in doubt, take large or heavy items to the laundromat. A little extra effort can save you a lot of money and frustration in the long run.