Bath mats are hardworking and attractive additions to any bathroom. The ones which sit outside the tub soak up bath and shower water while providing warmth against floor tiles. The ones inside the tub prevent both adults and children from slipping, and come in an assortment of shapes and sizes. If you want to know how to wash a bath mat which sits outside the tub, you’ve come to the right place!

Common Bath Mat Materials

There are plenty of materials to choose from when you are looking for the perfect bath mat for your bathroom! Here are some common materials you’ll find:

• Acrylic
• Bamboo
• Chenille
• Cotton
• Faux Fur
• Memory Foam
• Nylon
• Polyester

Aside from bamboo, most bath mats can be washed in the washing machine. Even so, it’s important to check the manufacturer’s label prior to washing.

How to Wash a Bath Mat

Want to know how to wash a memory foam bath mat? A cotton, nylon, or polyester mat?

Washing any of these bath mats is an easy process, and can be applied to almost every type of material.

Materials

• Mild Detergent
• Washer and Dryer OR Wash Tub
• Spot Cleaner (If Applicable)
• Bristle Brush (Optional)
• Vacuum (Optional)

Method

1. First, either vacuum or shake out any loose dirt from the bath mat.
2. Then, pre-treat any spots or stains on the bath mat. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and test a corner for colorfastness.
3. Put your pre-treated mat into the washing machine and add the detergent. Run the machine on a cold, ‘delicates’ cycle.
4. Once the cycle is done, you can either dry the mat in a dryer or hang it dry.

Since bath mats are used every day – and depending on the number of people in your household, perhaps multiple times per day – they can get dirty pretty quickly! Regular washing helps keep them clean and germ-free, so adding your bath mats to the laundry routine is a good idea!

Washing Rubber-Backed Bath Mats

For washing rubber-backed bath mats, you’ll want to follow the same steps as for washing a regular bathmat. There are just a couple things to keep in mind when cleaning rubber-backed bath mats.

• If using a washing machine, don’t wash rubber-backed bath mats with your clothes. Use towels or rags if you need to balance your washing machine.
• It’s important to keep in mind that the backing of a rubber-backed bath mat will deteriorate with frequent washes in a machine.
• If you need to frequently wash a rubber-backed bath mat, you may want to consider washing by hand to prolong its lifespan.

Washing Bamboo Bath Mats

While bamboo is naturally anti-microbial and low maintenance, they can benefit from regular cleanings. There are a couple of options to clean your bamboo bath mat – both of which use ingredients you may already have!

I. Make a mixture of vinegar and water – ¼ cup of vinegar to 1 quart water. If you’re not a fan of the smell of vinegar, a few drops of essential oil will help make the smell more pleasant! Dampen a cloth or sponge and rub your bathmat thoroughly, then let air dry.

II. Combine a few drops of dish soap with ½ gallon of water. As with the method above, use a non-abrasive cloth or sponge and scrub your bathmat thoroughly. Allow it to air dry.

Bamboo is not washing-machine friendly! Abrasive tools aren’t recommended for bamboo, especially if the bamboo is specially treated, as well.

How to Select the Perfect Bath Mat

When selecting the perfect bath mat for your bathroom, there are plenty of options to choose from! Narrow down your selection by considering some of the following topics:

• Durability: Is your bath mat going to be used or washed frequently? Choose a resilient and easy-care mat if it will be used regularly.
• Absorbency: Do your kids get as much water outside of the tub as inside? A highly absorbent mat will be your best bet if so!
• Slip Resistance: Will your mat be on a slippery surface such as tile? Choose a slip-resistant mat to avoid any accidental slips or falls.
• Size: Always measure your floor space prior to purchasing a mat, otherwise you may wind up with a small mat on too large a floor, or vice versa!

Bath Mats at the Linen Store

Looking for a bath mat to put outside your tub or shower? Check out our selection at the Linen Store here. We carry bath mats in all shapes, sizes, materials, and colors! You’ll have plenty to choose from when searching for that perfect fit!