Its no worse that taking a tumble in the water.
Can you put a wetsuit in the washing machine. Can you dry your wetsuit in a tumble dryer. A washing machine can damage neoprene so even though it may be tempting to save time dont use a washing machine to get the wetsuit clean. You can wash it using cool water in your washing machine.
Also be sure there arent any loose objects like keys or coins that could get caught between the drum and washtub during washing. Of course mine probably smell like burning cockraoches but I cant tell. Or dry it in the dryer.
Its no worse that taking a tumble in the water. It is not advised that you wash your wetsuit in a washing machine. Or use bleach clothes washing detergent stain remover fabric softener olive oil jet fuel etc.
Ive never heard of washing a wetsuit in a washing machine or ever considered sticking it in a drier. Keep your wetsuit away from heat at all times. You can put them in a washing machine as long as you only use it to spin them out.
Used to wash in the tub - a rinse more than a wash - with special wetsuit cleaner. If you clean it in the washing machine remember to not set hot water or centrifuge. Also turn the suit inside out when its drying that way the bit closest to your body is going to be dryer first.
Dont wash your wetsuit in the washing machine. In case you decide to use a washing machine for washing your wetsuit make sure that you avoid using a dryer to dry your wetsuit. Can you spin a wetsuit.