Why You Shouldn’t Put Your Bath Mat in the Washer – The Hidden Risk to Your Machine (and How to Clean It Safely)

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 Water