Chemicals That Could Harm Your Washing Machine Drain

If your washing machine drain has been slow or suddenly backed up, the problem might not be a clog. It could be the chemicals you’re using.

Many common cleaning products and laundry detergents can damage drain lines, wear down internal parts of the machine, or even impact your home’s plumbing and septic systems. A little preventative care can help you avoid expensive repairs and extend the life of your washer. 

Why Chemicals Cause Damage in Washing Machine Drains

Certain cleaning agents are too harsh for modern appliances and plumbing systems. Some corrosive chemicals can eat away at pipes, while others build up and clog washing machine drain pipes.

Even if your machine seems to be working fine, recurring use of the wrong products can reduce performance and cause water to drain slowly or not at all. It might eventually force you to get a new washing machine.

Common Household Chemicals That Can Harm Your Washing Machine Drain

Using the wrong cleaning agents can cause long-term damage to your washing machine and drain lines. Here are some common household chemicals to avoid:

• Bleach: Bleach is highly corrosive. Over time, it can weaken rubber seals and hoses, and it may damage the washer’s internal components.
• Ammonia: When mixed with other chemicals, ammonia can release harmful gases and accelerate pipe corrosion.
• Drain cleaners: These are some of the most damaging products to use near a washing machine. They contain harsh acids or lye that erode plastic or metal pipes and may harm the washer’s pump and internal systems.
• Multi-purpose cleaners: General cleaners aren't always designed for use inside appliances. Some leave behind residue or contain solvents that can degrade plastic and rubber parts.
• Undissolved powder detergent: Though not a “cleaner” in the traditional sense, clumped powder can collect in the drain system, causing sludge buildup and blockages.
• Non-high-efficiency (HE) detergents: These produce excessive suds that can overwhelm the washer’s pump and leave residue inside the drain hose or standpipe.

Are Laundry Detergents Causing Damage to Your Washer Drain?

Yes, even your detergent might be part of the problem.

In particular, powder detergent can damage a washing machine if it doesn’t fully dissolve. Undissolved powder clumps inside the machine or drain, leading to gunk buildup and eventual blockages.

Liquid detergent is gentler on your system and less likely to leave behind residue. Just make sure you’re using HE soap for washers if your machine requires it. Non-HE products can create too many suds, which overwhelm your washer’s pump and strain the drainage system.

Are Laundry Pods Bad for Your Washer or Drains?

Pods may not fully dissolve in cold water, especially in high-efficiency or front-load machines. When that happens, the gel coating can stick to pipes or internal components, leading to buildup over time.

To prevent this:

• Place pods directly in the drum, not the dispenser
• Run a warm or hot water cycle instead of cold

Is OxiClean Safe for Your Septic System or Drain?

When used sparingly, OxiClean is safe for septic systems and washer drains. It’s oxygen-based, which makes it a safer alternative to bleach.

However, like most things in life, moderation is key. Using too much OxiClean can throw off the microbial balance in a washing machine septic system, especially if you combine it with other cleaners.

Are Chemical Drain Cleaners Safe to Use in Washing Machine Drains?

Chemical drain openers are not safe for your washer. These products can cause more harm than good by eating away at plumbing components and damaging the washing machine.

Instead, if you’re facing a clog, try this instead:

• Remove the drain hose and clean it out
• Call a professional for expert washing machine repair assistance

Safer Alternatives to Harsh Chemicals

For a gentler approach, switch to chemical-free washing machine cleaners that use plant-based or enzymatic ingredients. You can also:

• Clean filters and detergent dispensers manually
• Remove and rinse the drain hose regularly
• Run an empty hot water cycle with baking soda and vinegar

These washing machine maintenance tips can go a long way toward keeping things clear.

Don’t Let Your Washing Machine Drain Pipe Get Clogged by Chemicals

Always avoid corrosive cleaners to keep your washing machine in good shape. Also, choosing HE- and septic-safe detergents helps protect both your washer and your plumbing.

If your washing machine drain is slow, clogged, or backing up, don’t wait for it to get worse. Contact Roto-Rooter for expert drain cleaning and washer maintenance before your machine develops a bigger problem.