10 Ways You’re Destroying Your Washing Machine

Keeping a washing machine running smoothly feels like a small miracle some days, doesn’t it? Between endless laundry cycles for the family and trying to keep everything smelling fresh, it’s easy to forget that your washer needs a little TLC too. But small mistakes—some you might not even realize you’re making—can cut its life short and leave you stuck with costly repairs or an unexpected replacement.

I’ve been there, juggling laundry while keeping up with a busy household, and I know how frustrating it is when your washer doesn’t work like it should. The good news? Avoiding common mistakes can make a huge difference. Let’s talk about the habits that might be wearing out your machine faster than it deserves—and how to fix them.

Leaving Clothes in the Washer Too Long

Letting clean laundry sit in the washer is a fast track to mold and mildew—and not just on your clothes. A damp, closed washer is the perfect breeding ground for mold, which can lead to unpleasant odors and even damage your machine over time.

Taking clothes out immediately keeps your washer dry and fresh, which will extend its lifespan. For extra credit, leave the door open after removing your laundry to allow air to circulate.

Skipping the Manual

Ignoring your washing machine’s maintenance instructions is bound to catch up with you. Laundry machine manufacturers, as noted by Consumer Reports, emphasize following their guidelines for care. This usually includes cleaning the drum regularly. Yes, even your washer needs a wash!

Most modern machines include self-cleaning cycles, making maintenance easier than ever. Set a reminder to run this cycle monthly or as recommended in the manual.

Keeping the Washer Door Shut After a Load

Shutting the washer door right after running a load traps moisture inside the drum, creating a perfect environment for mold and mildew. This is especially common in front-loading machines, which are notorious for holding onto water in the seal. The result? That musty smell that can creep onto your clothes. Instead, leave the door ajar for a few hours to let everything dry out naturally.

If you’ve got little ones or pets, double-check the drum before closing it to prevent anyone from climbing inside.

Forgetting to Empty Pockets

Leaving items in your pockets is a recipe for clogged drains and damaged machines. Coins, keys, or even gum wrappers can wreak havoc during the wash cycle, while tissues turn into a snowy mess all over your clothes. Worse, hard objects like coins can scratch the drum or get lodged in the pump, leading to costly repairs.

Making pocket checks a habit takes just a few seconds but saves you a ton of trouble. Keep a little tray or basket near your machine for pocket finds

Washing Things That Don’t Belong

Throwing the wrong items in your washing machine can cause serious damage—not just to the items themselves but to your machine. Underwire bras, for example, can break or bend, and those little wires can get lodged in the drum or pump, leading to costly repairs.

Similarly, zippers on clothing can scratch the glass door on front-loading machines or snag on other fabrics. It’s a good idea to handwash delicate items or use a mesh laundry bag to keep things safe.

Skipping Dispenser Cleanouts

Leaving detergent and fabric softener dispensers gunky after each load can lead to buildup that clogs your machine over time. Wipe down the dispensers after each use to prevent residue from hardening.

On top of cleaning the dispensers, check if your machine’s manual suggests a monthly deep clean. Running a cleaning cycle or using a washer-specific cleaner can help break down any buildup in hidden areas.

Using Too Much or the Wrong Detergent

You might think that more detergent equals cleaner clothes, but that’s not how it works. Excess detergent creates extra suds that can clog your machine and leave residue on your clothes. Over time, this buildup can cause your washer to work harder than it should, shortening its lifespan.

Stick to the amount recommended in your user manual—it’s there for a reason. And if you’ve got a high-efficiency (HE) washer, make sure you’re using HE detergent. Regular detergent produces too many suds, which HE machines aren’t built to handle.

Overloading the Machine

Stuffing your washer to the brim may seem like a good way to save time, but it’s a fast track to a broken machine. When you overload your washer, the motor has to work harder to spin, which can wear it out prematurely.

Plus, cramming in too many clothes keeps them from moving around properly, meaning they won’t get as clean. You’re just setting yourself up for having to rewash loads—which defeats the whole purpose of saving time.

Instead, stick to recommended load sizes in your user manual. It might mean doing an extra load here and there, but your washer will thank you by lasting longer. Bonus: your clothes will get a better clean, too, without being squished into oblivion.

Running Too Many Loads Per Week

Overworking your washing machine is a surefire way to cut its life short. Experts like those at H&R Block suggest limiting your laundry sessions to about eight loads a week. Exceeding this can put unnecessary wear on the machine’s motor, drum, and other components, which aren’t designed for marathon laundry days every single week.

It’s tempting to toss in a few extra loads “just to get ahead,” but pacing yourself can keep your machine running smoothly for years. If you’re juggling a household full of kids or busy schedules, try spreading out laundry over the week instead of cramming it all into one day.

Skipping Professional Installation

Installing a washing machine might seem like an easy DIY task, but skipping a professional install can lead to big problems down the road. Machines need to be perfectly level to avoid extra stress on internal parts.

Depending on your flooring, getting the balance right might take more finesse than you’d expect. A misaligned machine can wear out faster and even damage your floor.