As of: March 12, 2024, 7:00 p.m
By: Andrea Stettner
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The bath mat often becomes dirty after a short time.
However, it shouldn't end up in the washing machine - and for a good reason.
Over time, a lot of skin flakes, hair and other dirt collect in bathroom rugs.
So put it in the washing machine!
Or maybe not?
In any case, some experts don't think this is a good idea.
Especially if you care about the lifespan of your washing machine.
Bath mats are said to harm washing machines
Bath mats become very heavy when washed and can then damage the washing machine.
© Wedel/Kirchner-Media/Imago
An appliance technician with more than 30 years of experience on the
Tasteofhome.com
portal strongly advises against cleaning the bath mat in the washing machine.
“The problem is that bathroom mats absorb so much water that they end up weighing much more than the washing machine can handle,” the site says.
The maximum spin speed has increased enormously in recent years.
If a wet, heavy bath mat is spun at high speeds, enormous forces act in the washing machine, which can damage the device.
In addition, according to the technician, rubberized mats often cause pieces of rubber or long textile fibers to come loose, which can block the drain pump.
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How to Clean Bath Mats Instead
To ensure that your washing machine lasts a long time and doesn't require expensive repairs, it's better not to put bathroom mats in your washing machine at home.
Instead, the mechanic recommends taking bath mats and other heavy items of laundry to a laundromat.
The washing machines there are more robust and more powerful than appliances for household use.
Alternatively, hand washing, for example in the bathtub, is of course also possible.
How to make the washing machine last longer?
Be careful not to overload the machine with other items of laundry: If the weight limit of the washing machine is regularly exceeded, the machine will wear out prematurely.
It doesn't matter whether towels, sweaters or jeans end up in the washing drum.
According to Focus.de
, if you treat your washing machine with care, i.e. don't overload it and clean it regularly (for example with household remedies), you can
expect it to last between five and ten years.
Usually only high-quality washing machines at appropriate prices last longer - lifespans of up to 20 years can be achieved.
How long a washing machine actually lasts ultimately depends on how you use it: the more often a washing machine is used, the faster the wear parts wear out.
Then it can also be the case that a machine gives up the ghost well before its time.