Why You Should Never Put Steel Wool in Your Washing Machine

By Lilo Last updated May 2, 2025

The Surprising Reason You Should Never Put Steel Wool in Your Washing Machine

From TikTok trends to Pinterest hacks, we’ve all come across unconventional cleaning methods that promise quick fixes. One such idea claims that placing steel wool inside your washing machine helps scrub away grime, remove odors, and even prevent limescale. But before you follow the hype, here’s what you need to know—because this hack might do more harm than good.

🧼 What’s the Claim?

People who’ve tried this trick say the abrasive nature of steel wool works like a built-in scrubber inside your washing machine. Supposedly, it:

Removes tough stains from laundry
Breaks down soap scum and residue
Helps reduce odor-causing buildup
Scrapes away limescale from the drum

It sounds tempting, especially if you’re dealing with a smelly machine or dingy clothes. But here’s the catch…

⚠️ The Hidden Dangers of Steel Wool in Your Washer

What might seem like a clever hack can actually create a laundry list of problems:

1. It Can Scratch and Damage the Drum

Steel wool is abrasive—too abrasive for your washing machine’s interior. Over time, it can scratch the stainless steel drum or tear up the rubber gasket. Those scratches become prime spots for rust, mold, and bacteria.

2. It May Leave Residue on Clothes

Tiny metal fibers can break off during a wash and stick to your laundry. This poses a risk of skin irritation and can also damage delicate fabrics like lace, silk, or wool.

3. It Can Clog the Drain System

Loose bits of steel wool can travel through the drum, end up in the drain, and cause clogs or malfunctions. Fixing a clogged washing machine often requires a technician—and that’s an expensive price for a DIY experiment gone wrong.

4. It’s a Fire and Electrical Hazard

Introducing metal into an electrical appliance is a safety risk. If steel wool touches a live component, it could cause a short circuit or even a fire hazard in rare cases.

🧺 What Should You Do Instead?

Luckily, there are safe, effective, and affordable alternatives to keep your washing machine and your clothes clean:

✅ Run a Vinegar Cycle

Pour 1 cup of white vinegar into an empty drum.
Run a hot water cycle.
This dissolves soap residue, kills odor-causing bacteria, and helps with limescale.

✅ Use Baking Soda for Freshness

Add ½ cup of baking soda to the drum.
It helps neutralize smells and soften hard water buildup.

✅ Clean the Filter and Rubber Seal

Manually check the lint trap and seals around the door.
Wipe away mold, detergent gunk, or stray hairs using a mild cleaning solution.

✅ Avoid Overloading the Machine

Overstuffed washers don’t clean effectively.
Give your laundry space to move, rinse, and drain properly.

🔍 Final Thoughts

Steel wool might belong in your kitchen for scrubbing pans—but it doesn’t belong in your washing machine. The risk of damaging the drum, clogging the drain, or ruining clothes simply isn’t worth it.

Stick to time-tested, appliance-safe cleaning methods to extend your washer’s lifespan and keep your clothes looking (and smelling) their best. Your machine—and your laundry—will thank you.