Most people check care labels to avoid ruining their clothes — but laundry specialists say many households are unknowingly putting their washing machines at risk instead.
Certain habits, products, and everyday items can clog, unbalance, or even damage your appliance, leading to expensive repairs.
Ian Palmer-Smith, an appliance expert with Domestic & General, told HuffPost that he has “seen the worst items clog up a washing machine” throughout his career. Laundry professionals shared the most common hazards.
1. Using Too Much Detergent
More soap doesn’t equal cleaner clothes.
Detergent is oil-based and doesn’t rinse easily, meaning excess amounts build up inside the washer. Patric Richardson — known as The Laundry Evangelist — told HuffPost that this buildup can interfere with machine sensors and even cause mildew odors.
Two tablespoons is better
He recommends just 2 tablespoons of detergent for a full load and avoiding pods, which typically contain far more soap than necessary. Plant-based, hypoallergenic, or baby detergents are less oily and gentler on machines.
2. Fabric Softener and Scent Beads
They smell nice — but they’re harsh on your washer.
Fabric softeners and fragrance beads can coat sensors and clog hoses over time, Richardson explained.
Safer alternatives include tossing an aluminum foil ball in the dryer to reduce static or adding essential oils to a wool dryer ball for fragrance.
3. Tiny Items (Baby Socks, Underwear, Shoelaces)
Small items really do “disappear” in the wash — often into the machine itself.
Richardson told HuffPost that baby socks, panties, shoelaces, and other tiny garments can slip into crevices and end up in hoses, causing clogs.
A simple fix: use a mesh laundry bag for small pieces.
4. Oversized Items (Comforters, Blankets, Rugs)
Stuffing large items into a small washer strains the machine.
“When you exceed a washer’s capacity, the load becomes unbalanced,” Richardson said. That throws stress onto belts and gears, wearing them out prematurely.
If a large item doesn’t fit comfortably, it’s best taken to a laundromat or cleaned professionally. Pillows can be washed at home, but top-loading machines require two at a time to stay balanced, experts told HuffPost.
5. Shoes
Washable shoes must be treated carefully.
Whirlpool laundry manager Morgan LaLonde told HuffPost that shoes should go into a mesh bag or pillowcase and be washed on a cold, gentle cycle to avoid banging into the drum. Add towels to stabilize the load.
Leather, suede, rubber, and vinyl shoes should never go in the washer.
6. Metal Accessories (Coins, Keys, Underwire Bras, Belt Buckles)
Metal can dent, scratch, and fracture the interior of a washing machine.
Palmer-Smith said emptying pockets is essential. Underwire bras or items with metal hardware should be washed inside a garment bag or cleaned by hand.
7. Rubber Items (Mats, Rubber-Backed Rugs, Cushions)
Rubber breaks down in heat — and the pieces can wreck your machine.
Palmer-Smith explained that once rubber crumbles, small fragments circulate in the system, clog the filter, and damage the pump. These items should be hand-washed instead.
Treat Your Washer Well — It Pays Off
Routine care and mindful habits can dramatically extend the lifespan of your washing machine. Experts recommend running a hot-water “clean cycle” once a month to help remove detergent and grime buildup.
Richardson told HuffPost that his own washer lasted nearly two decades because he avoided harsh products and excess soap. “They couldn’t believe it was 19 years old,” he said.
Taking a few simple precautions can prevent breakdowns, protect your machine — and keep your laundry days running smoothly.