How to Wash Bath Mats

A soft, fluffy bath mat feels much better underfoot than a chilly tile floor as you walk out of the shower or bathtub. Whether you have a shaggy bath rug or a cotton terrycloth mat, it’s critical to wash or clean it frequently to get rid of germs and body odor and stop the growth of mold and mildew. The best way to wash a bath mat varies on its construction and type of fibers, but generally speaking, it should be done in warm water with a strong laundry detergent that contains enzymes and allowed to air dry. To find out exactly how to clean your mat, follow the instructions below.

How Often to Wash a Bath Mat

How frequently to wash a bath mat depends in part on the bathers’ behavior. The bath mat should be washed at least twice a month if it is only used by one or two persons and is hung to dry after each use. However, the mat needs to be cleaned at least once a week if there are multiple users and it remains wet most of the time. Washing the bath mat after each usage is advised if any family members have athlete’s foot or any fungal foot condition.

Shake Out Hair and Loose Debris

Shake well the bath mat outside to get rid of hair, loose dust, and dirt. This will lessen the likelihood that the muck will become lodged in the washer’s filter.

Examine the label for precautions

There is a small label attached that tells you the fiber content and how to clean the bath mat unless you have removed it. According to the US Federal Trade Commission, every textile sold in the US must contain the label. It’s important that you read it, particularly the first time you wash the mat.

Examine the bath mat

Make sure the non-skid coating on your mat isn’t peeling or splitting by closely inspecting it if it has one. Replace the bath mat instead of washing it if the backing is damaged. The backing will keep coming off, which could harm your washer.
Look for any stains on the bath mat that need to be pre-treated.

Choose the washer’s settings and fill it up

Warm water should be used to wash most bath mats.
Make use of an enzyme-based laundry detergent with great performance. If the bath mat has stains, pre-treat the stains with a tiny bit of liquid laundry detergent. Work the detergent into the stained area with your fingertips or a soft-bristled brush.
Prior to washing the mat, give the detergent around ten minutes to disintegrate the stain molecules.
Select a slower final spin speed to assist keep your washer balanced because the mats are often heavy.
Towels that are the same color and material can be used to launder bath mats. Microfiber clothes are lint attractor; therefore, cotton towels and mats should not be washed with them.
Make sure to load heavy objects equally around the agitator of your washer if it has one to maintain the washer’s equilibrium.

Shake and Dry

After the washing cycle is finished, take out the bath mat and shake it well to get rid of any wrinkles.
The mat can be hung from a clothesline or drying rack. A bath mat with a non-skid backing should never be put in an automatic dryer.
100 percent cotton bath mats can be tumble-dried if you’re short on time.
Don’t ever try ironing a bath mat. The warmth and moisture in the bathroom will help the mat’s fibers relax and lose their creases once it is put back to use.

How to Maintain the Best-Looking Bath Mats

Instead of folding mats for storage, roll them loosely to preserve the integrity of the skid-proof backings.
After every use, hang your bath mat up to allow it to dry rapidly and help avoid the growth of mold and mildew.
Open a window or use an exhaust fan in the bathroom to improve air circulation and decrease dampness.
A non-skid bath mat should never be put in a hot clothes dryer.

How to Wash Bath Mats

How Often to Wash a Bath Mat