Your first step out of a shower or a bathtub should be onto a clean and fluffy bathroom mat. Whatever the material it is made of, make sure to clean and wash it regularly as its position on the bathroom floor makes it particularly exposed to moisture and various types of debris, dust, hair, skin particles, etc, that are perfect for bacteria, and mold growth.
Can You Wash Bathroom Rugs?
Yes, most of the bath mats are made to be easily and regularly washed and cleaned. However, they could be made of many different materials, so don’t forget to check their care label for details on how to wash them. Most of the mats should be machine washable, but even hand washing can sometimes be enough.
How to Wash Bathroom Rugs?
Here’s how to wash bath mats during regular bathroom cleaning:
Shake out the dust and loose debris
Before washing your bath mat, take it outside and shake it thoroughly to get rid of hair, loose dust, and debris that may get stuck in its fibers. This will prevent these particles from getting trapped in your washing machine’s filter.
Check the care label
If not already removed, every bath mat should have a small label attached to it indicating its fiber content and cleaning instructions. It’s important to read it, so you know how to wash a bath mat properly.
Select the washing cycle
Most bath mats are best to be washed with warm water using a mild detergent.
In the case of stains, try to pre-treat them by applying a small amount of liquid laundry detergent to them. Use your fingers or a soft brush to work it into the stained area. Let it sit for about 10 minutes for the detergent to break down the stain molecules before washing the mat.
Choose a slower final spin speed to maintain balance in your washing machine when washing a bulky bath mat. Of course, include only fabrics of a similar color and type.
Drying and ironing
Shake the bath mat after the washing is over and you take it out of the machine. If your bath mat is 100% made of cotton you can dry it in a tumble dryer, however, take care never to put a mat with a non-skid backing into the dryer.
Ironing the bathroom mats isn’t necessary. As soon as they are back in the warm and moist bathroom, they will lose all the wrinkles. Drying the mat on a clothesline or a drying rack is perfect enough.
How Often to Wash Bath Mats?
The frequency of washing bath mats depends on the materials they are made of and how often they are used. For mats made of cotton or other absorbent materials, it’s recommended to be washed every one or two weeks, especially if they are used in bathrooms of big households.
Mats in less frequently used bathrooms or those made of quick-drying materials can be washed less frequently, maybe once a month or during deep cleaning sessions. Of course, if there are noticeable stains or spills on the mat, prompt spot cleaning is important to maintain the mat between the standard cleaning routines.
Regular bath mat washing generally helps prevent the buildup of moisture, bacteria, and black mold in bathroom that causes unpleasant odors and can be harmful to health. Besides, following the care label instructions will help you clean the mats properly and ensure their longevity.
Can You Wash Bath Mats with Towels?
Bathroom rugs are usually machine washable so they are commonly mixed with towels and other types of laundry when loading the washer. However, we recommend you wash the bath mats separately as they collect the dirt, bacteria, hair, and other tiny particles from the bathroom floor that you don’t want to get stuck in the fibers of your towels.
Bath mats usually require lower temperatures for washing, while towels are better to be washed at higher temperatures. If you anyway decide to wash your bath mat together with any other laundry make sure you wash it separately for the first time before use and avoid potential color bleeding.
How to Wash Bathroom Rugs by Hand?
If your bath mat is made of a delicate material, you should follow the care instructions and wash it by hand.
Shake the mat to get rid of dust, and any sticking debris on it, and check if there are any stains that you need to treat before washing the mat.
If the mat is ready, and stain remover absorbed, soak it in the bathtub, a large sink, or a bucket filled with warm water. Add a few drops of mild laundry detergent and gently rub the mat with your hands or a cloth. After that, rinse the mat thoroughly with cold water. Wring the water out of the soaked mat and hang it to dry.
Should You Wash Bath Mats Before Using?
It is surely a good idea to wash your bath mat before its first use in a clean and cozy environment of your bathroom. Many people wouldn’t think of washing a newly bought bath mat, however, in shops and in transit, the mats are packed in boxes or materials that may leave dust and various other particles inside of their fibers.
No matter if you only use the mat on the floor, and touch it with your feet, the dust and other dirt can become airborne and spread around in your bathroom, as well as onto your skin. By washing them before use you make sure the bath mat is clean and fresh for your home.
How to Wash Rubber Bath Mats?
Keeping the bathroom clean is important for preserving overall hygiene. Bath mats are the details that often get overlooked in the cleaning routines which can lead to bacteria and mold buildup. Rubber mats are an especially good breeding ground for mold as they stay damp longer. If they are not regularly cleaned, they can develop ugly dark spots and unpleasant odors, which if neglected, even lead to health threats.
Luckily, cleaning rubber bath mats is easy:
- Use rubber gloves and optionally a mask to protect yourself while cleaning the mat.
- Remove the mat from the bathtub or the floor and give it a good shake so you get rid of all the loose dirt particles. It’s best if you can do that outdoors.
- Fill a bucket (or a bathtub) with warm water, add a bit of mild detergent, and scrub the mat gently. If your rubber bath mat has been affected by mold, consider making a solution of white vinegar and water and applying it to the mat before you proceed with the cleaning. The vinegar should dissolve the mold and make it easier to remove. If using vinegar solution, let it sit on the mat for at least 30 minutes and then rinse it thoroughly.
- After scrubbing the mat, let it soak in the soapy water a bit longer and then rinse it thoroughly with clean cold water.
- Gently dry the mat with a clean towel or a microfiber cloth, and hang it to air dry.
Some rubber mats can also be washed in the washing machine making the cleaning even easier. Check their care label to find out how to properly wash them and preserve their quality.
