Bath mats and rugs are essential parts of the bathroom and shower routine. Clean bath mats and rugs are functional and give your bathroom a decent, hygienic, and aesthetically pleasing look. However, as they are often soaked in water, they become prone to mold, mildew, fungi, and foul odor.
So, it becomes extremely vital to maintain clean and hygienic bath mats or rugs for a healthy environment. So, how do you clean them? Can you wash bath mats? And are bath mats easy to wash at all? If yes, how do you wash bath mats? Let’s take a look.
Yes, you can easily wash a bath mat using the correct elements and following a proper procedure. Depending on the mat’s material, you can wash them by hand or in a washing machine.
Which Kind of Bath Mats Can Be Washed?
- Microfiber Bath Rugs: Microfiber rugs are extremely comfortable, soft, and smooth, with high absorbency capacity. While being inexpensive, they are durable, quick-drying, and easy to wash.
- Memory Foam Bath Mats: Memory foam bath mats are soft and supple, making them highly comfortable. Some are machine washable, while others may need careful hand washing.
- Cotton Bath Mats: Cotton mats are durable and absorb moisture better than other bath mats. They are also easier to wash and dry quickly, making them a fine choice.
- Chenille Bathroom Rugs: Chenille bath mats have fuzzy and elevated thread, making them plush and unique. Moreover, they are washable, durable, and low-maintenance.
- Wooden Bath Mats: Wooden mats such as teak and bamboo bath mats are pleasantly solid and sturdy. Nonetheless, they can be economically washed at home. However, hand-washing these mats is best as they are unsuitable for washing machines.
- Rubber-backed Bath Mats: Rubber or plastic-backed bath mats can be trickier to wash as they can damage your washer. However, the right cleaner and machine settings can help you do the job.
Can You Put Bath Mats in the Washing Machine?
Yes, most bath mats or rugs can be washed in a machine. Cotton mats are easy to machine wash, while chenille and rubber mats may need cold water and specific settings. However, sturdy wooden mats like bamboo or teak mats should be hand-cleaned rather than washed.
But first, it is essential to check the label for cleaning directions on whether to wash them by hand or put them in the washing machine. For example, some bath mats, such as rubber-backed bath mats or rugs, need special care and attention while being washed in the washer.
Moreover, you can wash fabric mats with a regular detergent with vinegar in a washer; however, for a rubber or plastic mast, using only a mild detergent and avoiding oxygenated bleach or vinegar is recommended.
How to Wash Bath Mats by Hands?
If a bath mat does not support the machine wash and you are cautious about your machine and want to wash mats with your hands, you can follow the steps below. Your mats are guaranteed to look as clean and shiny as machine-washed.
Here’s what you will need:
- Spray Bottle
- White Vinegar
- Dish Soap
- Cloth
- Brush
- Laundry detergent
- Oxygenated Bleach
- Sponge
Step 1: Dust off Your Bath Mat
Take your bathroom mat outside and beat or shake out any debris, dust, hair, or dirt clinging to it.
Step 2: Prepare a Cleaning Solution
Mix a cleaning solution of one part water, one part white vinegar, and one to three tablespoons of dish soap in a spray bottle.
Step 3: Spray the Solution On The Mat
Next, spray the solution directly onto blackened and spotted areas on the mat to treat dirty stains and spots.
Step 4: Scrub the Spots
After the spray is settled, use a brush or cloth to gently scrub off any visible bath mat stains and spots.
Step 5: Soak It in a Container
Take a clean container or bathtub and fill it with clean water. Then add a little detergent and, if required, oxygenated bleach, especially for the heavily dirty mat. Make sure the solution is mixed well. Then, soak the entire bath mat in the solution for 30 minutes.
Step 6: Scrub the Mat Again
Agitate the mats with your hands, and then take a sponge to scrub off the dirt and stains on the bath mat.
Step 7: Rinse It off
Next, rinse the mat thoroughly with clean water until all the soap residue is gone, and ensure it is thoroughly cleaned.
Step 8: Dry the Mat
Finally, hang the bath rug or mat outside to dry.
How to Wash Bath Mats in the Washing Machine?
It is effortless to wash your semi-durable bath mats or rugs in your washing machine. All you need to do is use the right cleaner and washer setting and take care of some other vital elements. Remember, balancing the load is crucial so the machine spins appropriately.
Hence, the steps below will help you do the job better.
- Take the bathroom floor mat outside and beat or shake it to loosen up dirt, dust, or debris.
- Apply a gentle stain remover to the visible dark spots and challenging stains.
- Place the bath mat in your washing machine with a gentle detergent, and if required, add oxygenated bleach.
- Fill the washer with cold water and turn on the cold settings.
- You can wash all your bath mats in a single run, or to balance the load; you can even place a few towels in it.
- Remove the bath mats as soon as the washer stops.
- Finally, it is better to line dry or air dry the bath mats. However, if they are a suitable material, you can even put them in the dryer.
Precautions to Take While Washing Bath Mats
While washing your bath mats, it is necessary to do it correctly. Washing them on your own without instructions can lead to mishaps, especially because different materials can be damaged or cause damage to your washer.
Thus, following the tips and precautions below while washing your bath mats can prevent any havoc.
- The first tip is always to check the labels for washing instructions and care recommendations.
- You should always bundle up your mats and take them outside to shake or beat them. This will help loosen any dirt, dust, debris, or hair clinging to them. If it’s impossible, just run a handheld vacuum over the mats.
- If washing your mat in a machine, set the water temperature and washer settings according to the care recommendations.
- Place the mats of similar color and wash them separately from your laundry to prevent color bleeding.
- If you have plastic bath mats or invested in a rubber mat, it is recommended to wipe them down first.
- Avoid using bleach, harsh chemical detergents, or cleaners on teak or bamboo mats. Instead, use a gentle detergent, soft brush, and water to clean wooden mats.
- Do not place specific mats in the dryer if they are not recommended. Some mats, such as rubber-backed bath mats, are advised to hang dry or in a no-heat tumble-dry dryer setting.
- Never use vinegar or oxygenated bleach while washing a plastic or rubber bath mat.
Can You Wash Plastic/Rubber-Backed Mats?
Yes, you can wash the plastic/rubber-backed bath mats or rugs using cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid washing these mats with hot water, as it can damage the rubber backing. To wash the plastic-backed mats in the machine, use cold settings for best results.
Moreover, if the undersides or backing on your bath mat is removable, you can wash it without the backing and put it on later once the mat is dried.
However, you must be more careful while washing your rubber-backed mats. Always check the undersides of your bathroom mats. If your backing is cracked and peeling off, they are no longer washable, especially in a machine, and it is time to replace the bath mats.
It is because those small rubber pieces can come off in the washer and clog the entire washer, causing severe damage to the machine. With all the critical care, you will have your rubber-backed mats perfectly cleaned.
Can You Put the Bath Mats in the Dryer?
You can wash most regular cotton mats in a dryer for quick drying, but microfiber and rubber mats should be line-dried. But if you are in a rush, you can tumble dry them in the lowest setting in a dryer.
In addition, as mats are made of different materials, it is always important to read the care instructions and maintenance recommendations on the label for a better idea.
This will save you time and money as some mats can be prone to wear and tear if placed inside a dryer. When drying, mats with plastic or rubber backing need even more exceptional care.
How to Dry Bath Mats With Rubber Backing?
After washing your plastic or rubber-backed bath mats in your washer, it is typically advised to line dry or air dry them outside to avoid wear and tear and be safer.
Another alternative way is to dry the mats using a microfibre cloth. But if the washing machine is your only option, you can tumble dry your mats in the dryer.
Finally, never use too much heat and warm water for plastic/rubber-backed bath mats, as they can crack or even melt the bath mats.
Can You Wash Bath Mats With Towels?
There is no fixed thumb rule regarding whether to wash the bath mats with towels or not. However, it is recommended not to wash your bathroom rugs with towels as they are mostly filled with bacteria and toilet water backsplash.
You would not want them mixed with your towels as they can be extremely unhygienic. Another reason not to mix your bathroom mats with your towels is if they are color-bleeding.
Also, bathroom mats produce lint; you would not want them on all your towels and clothes. But still, despite these concerns, if you are fine with mixing your bathroom mats with bath towels, there are no limitations.
How Often Should You Wash a Bath Mat?
The number of times you wash your bath mats entirely depends on how much they are used. If your bath mats frequently get wet, you should at least wash them once a week. But if they are not used much, washing them once a few weeks is fine.
However, if you do not regularly wash them, vacuum them at least once a week to remove dirt, dust, debris, and hair stuck to them. If the mats or rugs are constantly wet, hang and air-dry them to restrain mold, mildew, and fungi.
Especially for a shower mat that is highly absorbent and takes a long time to dry, wash it within 3-5 days to prevent bacteria and germs and create a healthier environment.
How Do I Stop the Bath Mats from Smelling?
Generally, bath mats are frequently soaked in water, so if they’re not allowed to dry completely, they will have a foul smell. This smell can not only take over your bathroom but your entire home, resulting in an uninviting vibe.
The best way to prevent bath mats from stinking is to use an enzyme cleaner before washing your mats. This cleaner breaks down the microorganisms and treats mold and mildew. Once the mold is rectified, the smell will naturally fade.
When Should You Replace a Bath Mat?
It would be best if you generally replaced a bath mat every two years. Though they are frequently used, they are durable and last long. In addition, proper washing and good upkeep will extend their lifespan and ensure that they work fine for a reasonable amount of time.
Also, if your bath mats have succumbed to mold, mildew, fungi, and foul odor, replacing them to restrict germs and bacteria from entering your home is best.
Ultimately, the quality of your bathroom rug and its material determines its life span. But for rubber-backed bath mats, if the underside is cracked and peeled off, it’s time to replace them.
Why do my mats go yellow?
Your mats stain yellow due to a bacteria called Serratia marcescens. This bacteria harbors and grows in high-moisture areas and standing waters that can trap moisture, such as your bath mats.
How to turn bath mats white again?
You can turn your bath mats white again by mixing a solution of 50/50 bleach and water. Add this solution to your washing machine for regular fabric mats. But for synthetic mats such as rubber-backed mats or plastic mats, spray this solution and rinse them after 5-10 minutes. Also, don’t forget to dry them completely.
How do you dry a heavy mat?
To dry a heavy mat, remove the excess water by placing the mat between two layers of towel and pressing them firmly. If it’s still not working, you can add another layer of kitty litter for quick drying and then use a wet-dry vacuum to suck out all the water from both sides. Finally, air-dry it outside to complete the process.
Bath mats are a vital part of the shower routine and hygienic lifestyle. Regular washing of bath mats will keep mold and bacteria away, keep them smelling fresh, and extend the lifespan of your mats. Additionally, this will give you healthier surroundings in your bathroom.
The above details will help you understand different material bath mats, their washing process, and important tips. However, if you plan to get more sustainable bath mats, Bamboo mats are an excellent choice. But are bamboo bath mats good enough? Find out in my next blog.
