7 Everyday Items That Could Seriously Damage Your Washing Machine

You’re likely aware that checking care labels on your garments before laundering helps prevent issues like shrinkage, color bleeding, and fabric damage. However, there’s another aspect you might not have considered: certain items you wash could actually harm your washing machine itself.

"Throughout my career, I’ve encountered some of the worst offenders clogging washing machines," said Ian Palmer-Smith, an appliance specialist at Domestic & General.

We consulted experts to identify which items should never be placed in your washing machine and how they might cause damage. Here are some of the most unexpected culprits.

1. Excessive detergent

Using more detergent doesn’t equate to cleaner laundry.

"One of the biggest mistakes people make with their machines is using too much detergent," Patric Richardson, known as The Laundry Evangelist, told HuffPost.

Detergent contains oils that don’t rinse out easily. When used in excess, these oils accumulate inside the machine.

"This buildup interferes with sensor function," he explained. "It can also lead to a musty odor inside your washer."

So, how much detergent should you use? Richardson recommends about 2 tablespoons for a full load. (He avoids detergent pods because they typically contain more detergent than necessary for one wash.)

"Using less detergent extends your machine’s lifespan and benefits your clothes — it’s a win-win," he said.

Another consideration is the detergent type. Richardson favors laundry soap over detergent because it contains fewer chemicals (and thus less oil), making it gentler on the machine. While laundry soap has the fewest chemicals, plant-based, hypoallergenic, and baby detergents also tend to be less oily than standard detergents.

The good news: if you’ve been overusing detergent, the damage is often reversible as long as the sensors aren’t permanently damaged. By consistently using less detergent, the buildup will eventually clear out, Richardson noted. Most machines also feature a "clean cycle" (using just hot water) that can assist with this process. (Whirlpool recommends running this cleaning cycle at least once a month or every 30 washes.)

2. Fabric softener and scent beads

Although fabric softeners and scent beads leave your clothes feeling soft and smelling fresh, they can harm your machine by degrading sensors and clogging hoses, according to Richardson.

Instead, to soften clothes and reduce static, he suggests tossing an aluminum foil ball into the dryer. For fragrance, try applying essential oils to a wool dryer ball and drying it with your laundry.

3. Very small items (such as baby socks, footie socks, underwear, shoelaces, and handkerchiefs)

Ever wonder where your socks disappear to after laundry day? Small items can actually get "lost" inside your washing machine.

"They can become trapped in tiny crevices and eventually end up in the hose," Richardson said. This can cause blockages.

A simple solution is to place small items in a mesh laundry bag before washing. Richardson advises keeping one near your hamper to toss in tiny items as they accumulate. (This prevents them from getting stuck inside the machine and also helps keep socks paired.)

4. Oversized items (such as comforters, blankets, and rugs)

Trying to cram an oversized item like a king-size blanket into your washer can strain the machine.

"Overloading beyond the washer’s capacity can throw it off balance due to the heavy weight," Richardson explained. "This puts stress on belts and gears, which aren’t designed to handle such uneven loads."

If your large items don’t fit properly, it’s best to use a laundromat with bigger machines or opt for professional cleaning, advised Kristin DiNicolantonio, senior director at the American Cleaning Institute.

For large items that do fit, consider your machine type. For example, pillows can typically be washed in a front-loading washer. However, if you have a top-loader, you should wash two pillows simultaneously to maintain balance, DiNicolantonio added.

5. Shoes

Some shoes come with care labels indicating they’re machine washable. To prevent damage to your machine, place shoes inside a mesh garment bag or pillowcase and wash on a cold, gentle cycle, said Morgan LaLonde, laundry brand manager at Whirlpool.

"This prevents shoes from forcefully tumbling inside the drum," she explained.

She also recommends adding old towels or clothes to the drum to help balance the load. (However, shoes made from leather, vinyl, suede, or rubber should never go in the washer as they can be ruined.)

6. Metal objects (such as belt buckles, underwire bras, coins, and keys)

"Generally, metal and washing machines don’t mix well," Palmer-Smith said. "Metal can dent the drum and even crack the machine door."

He advises always emptying pockets before washing to avoid accidentally running coins or keys through the machine. Clothes with support or wires should be washed inside a laundry bag.

Jackets with heavy hardware like zippers or snaps can scratch the washer, so these should be hand-washed or professionally cleaned, DiNicolantonio recommended.

7. Rubber items (such as mats, boots, or cushions)

Washing rubber items can cause them to melt or deteriorate due to heat.

"If rubber breaks down into smaller pieces, pumps can be damaged and filters clogged as the fragments circulate through the system," Palmer-Smith explained.

In summary: care for your washer, and it will serve you well.

Being mindful of what you put into your washing machine helps prevent costly repairs and keeps it running smoothly for many years.

Richardson shared that treating his machine well — especially by avoiding excess detergent — has paid off: "When I told the appliance store my old washer was 19 years old, they couldn’t believe it lasted that long."