The texture will change eventually.

Yes. After multiple machine washes, the surface texture of a washable mousepad will change. It won’t fall apart, but it will get less smooth, less grippy, or develop a slight fuzziness depending on the material.

The manufacturers aren’t lying — you can throw it in the machine. But the nylon or polyester fibers that give it a consistent glide will slowly deform from the agitation and heat. Cloth pads with rubber backing are especially prone to the backing peeling or warping after a few cycles. Hard-surface plastic mousepads hold up better, but those are less common as washable.

If you wash it, use cold water, gentle cycle, and air dry — never the dryer. Even then expect the texture to start softening or feeling different after 5–10 washes. If you’re someone who cleans your pad every few weeks, just budget for a replacement every year.

For most people, a damp cloth wipe every month will keep that fresh glide longer than a trip through the washing machine.