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Most of us have a pretty basic laundry routine. We separate colors, check a few labels, and toss everything into the washer without thinking twice. But the truth is, some of the most common items we wash can quietly wear down your machine over time.

It’s not always obvious right away. The damage builds slowly, clogs, puts extra strain on the drum, and builds up in the pipes until one day your washer just isn’t working like it used to. Knowing what to watch for can help you avoid those issues and keep your machine running longer.

Here are some everyday things that might be doing more harm than good.

washer in laundry room — Image Credit: Matthew Paul Argall, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Rubber Items

Rubber mats, shoes, or cushions don’t move through a wash cycle the way fabric does. Instead, they can trap water and throw off your machine’s balance while also putting stress on the drain system. Over time, they can even contribute to clogs in the pump or filter, which is why they’re better off being hand washed.

Fabric Softener

It smells great, but fabric softener can leave behind a sticky residue inside your washer. That buildup collects in the dispenser and pipes, eventually leading to blockages or reduced performance. Using it sparingly or switching to alternatives like dryer balls can help prevent that.

Too Much Detergent

It’s easy to think more detergent means cleaner clothes, but it often has the opposite effect. Excess soap creates too many suds, which can interfere with proper rinsing and leave residue inside the machine. Over time, that buildup can affect sensors and drainage and even cause lingering odors.

Pet Hair

Pet hair doesn’t just rinse away; it clumps together in the wash. Those clumps can clog your machine’s drain system or filter, making it harder for water to flow properly. Shaking out or removing as much hair as possible before washing can save your machine a lot of strain.

Large Items

The Twins Matag washer and dryer — Image Credit: Birdies100, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Bulky items like comforters, rugs, or heavy blankets can become extremely heavy once soaked with water. That added weight puts extra pressure on your washer’s drum and motor, especially during the spin cycle. For items like these, a larger commercial machine is usually the safer option.

Memory Foam Pillows

While they might seem washable, memory foam pillows don’t handle machine cycles well. They can lose their shape and don’t move enough inside the drum to get properly cleaned. Hand washing or spot cleaning is usually the better option.

Cashmere and Wool

Delicate fabrics like wool and cashmere aren’t just at risk themselves; they can also cause problems in your machine if their fibers shed or mat together. These materials do best with gentle care, either by handwashing or by using a delicate cycle with proper protection.

Keys and Jewelry

It’s easy to forget what’s left in your pockets, but hard items like keys or jewelry can do real damage once the cycle starts. They can scratch the drum, damage internal components, or even break glass doors in extreme cases. A quick pocket check goes a long way.

Coins

Coins are small but surprisingly destructive in a washing machine. They can slip into filters, clog pumps, or rattle around during cycles, causing unnecessary wear and tear. Like keys, they’re best caught before they ever make it into the wash.

Waterproof Items

Items like mattress pads, shower curtains, or waterproof clothing can trap water inside. This creates an uneven load during the spin cycle, which can throw your machine off balance and put stress on the motor. Even if labeled washable, they often need extra care.

Open Zippers

Zippers left open can snag other clothes and scratch the inside of your washer. Over time, that can wear down both your garments and the machine itself. Zipping items up before washing is a small step that helps protect everything.

Embellished Items

Clothing with beads, sequins, or decorative details can easily come loose in the wash. Those small pieces can get caught in the drum or filter, leading to clogs or damage. These items are usually better off being hand washed or handled gently.