What Can Break a Washing Machine? 4 Items to Watch For
Your washing machine keeps your clothes clean and fresh, but improper use can lead to costly repairs or even complete breakdowns. Common laundry habits you might not even realize — like using too much detergent or accidentally washing coins — can shorten your washer's life expectancy.
In this guide, we'll explore four specific items that can wreak havoc on your washing machine and how to prevent problems before they start.
4 Items That Can Break Your Washing Machine
Are you sure you're using your washer correctly? Here are four top things you want to limit in your next load to avoid a destroyed washing machine.
1. Coins and Metal Objects
Coins, keys, and other small metal objects can easily slip out of pockets and into the washer drum. During a spin cycle, these hard objects can damage the drum, break the drain pump, and even cause rust buildup over time. If they get lodged in the drain system, they may cause blockages, leading to water drainage issues.
How to prevent damage:
- Always check pockets before loading clothes into the washer.
- Use a laundry bag for small, delicate items that may contain metal parts.
2. Excess Laundry Detergent
More detergent doesn’t mean cleaner clothes. Using too much detergent in the washing machine produces excess suds, which can leave residue in the machine’s pipes and seals. This buildup can lead to blockages, mold growth, and reduced washing efficiency over time.
Best practices for detergent use:
- Always use high-efficiency (HE) detergent in HE machines.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommended detergent amount to prevent residue buildup.
- Regularly clean your washing machine to get rid of built-up residue.
3. Zippers and Clothing with Hardware
You can’t avoid zippers in your laundry — after all, they’re an essential part of zip-ups, jeans, and more. But you should be cautious with these bits of clothing, as hard metal zippers, buttons, and hooks can scratch and dent the washing machine drum. In some cases, they can also snag on other fabrics, damaging both clothing and the washer’s interior. Learning how to wash a zip-up hoodie the right way can reduce the chance of damage.
How to protect your washer and clothes:
- Zip up jackets, hoodies, and jeans before washing.
- Turn clothing inside out to reduce direct contact between hardware and the drum.
4. Pet Hair and Lint
Pet hair and excess lint don’t just make laundry messy — they also clog the washer’s drain and filter. When pet hair gets wet, it sticks to the drum and rubber gaskets, leading to unpleasant odors, mold growth, and drainage issues inside the washer.
How to prevent damage:
- Brush pets regularly to minimize loose hair.
- Use a lint roller on pet bedding before tossing it in the wash.
- Run an empty rinse cycle after washing pet-related laundry.
- Clean the washing machine’s drain filter regularly to remove trapped hair and lint.
Best Practices for Washing Machine Maintenance
Being mindful of what you throw in your washing machine is a good first step. But to truly extend your washer’s life expectancy, you’ll also want to practice good washing machine maintenance habits. Follow these key steps to keep your washer in top shape:
- Run a monthly cleaning cycle using vinegar and baking soda to remove residue and odors.
- Regularly check and clean the drain filter to prevent clogs.
- Ensure the washing machine is level to avoid excessive shaking and wear.
- Use high-efficiency detergent to prevent buildup inside the washer.
If you’ve taken these steps and your machine is still not working, then it might be time to replace your washing machine.
FAQs About Washing Machine Maintenance
Can Overloading a Washer Break It?
Yes. Overloading a washing machine puts excess strain on the motor, drum, and suspension system, leading to premature wear and possible breakdowns. Always follow the manufacturer’s load capacity recommendations to avoid a destroyed washing machine.
Can Paper Ruin a Washing Machine?
While paper itself won’t destroy a washing machine, shredded paper bits can clog the drain filter and create a mess inside the washer. Always check pockets for tissues and receipts before starting a wash cycle.
Does Fabric Softener Damage Washing Machines?
Excessive fabric softener use can leave behind a waxy residue, which may clog dispensers, create buildup in the drum, and encourage mold growth. Dilute fabric softener and use it sparingly to avoid these issues, or consider only using it in your dryer.
Do Essential Oils and Scent Beads Damage a Washer?
Essential oils and scent beads can leave residue in the washing machine if not properly dissolved. Always use these products in moderation and ensure they are meant for washing machines.
Protecting Your Washing Machine
To avoid unnecessary repairs and extend your washer’s lifespan, be mindful of what goes inside. Coins, excess detergent, hardware, and pet hair are the four common culprits that can cause serious damage. Maintaining careful washing habits and performing regular maintenance are the two biggest things you can do to keep your machine running smoothly.
One other thing you can do is schedule a professional inspection to check for problems before they become major issues. Our Roto-Rooter specialists offer 24/7 service so you can get the washing machine help you need any time of day. Get started by calling a Roto-Rooter professional today at 800-768-6911 or scheduling your service online.