How To Clean Bath Mats: Essential Steps For Cleaning Bathroom Mats

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Too often, we overlook the bath mats that we fail to realize how unhygienic the mats have become. Shower mats offer safety in the tiled bathroom by averting trips and falls, but can also serve as a breeding ground for microbes.

We tend to forget or postpone cleaning for another day unaware that bath mats deserve thorough cleaning. And, this brings us to the question: how to clean bath mats?

Cleaning shower mats depends upon the material of the mat. Knowing how to clean the shower mat properly prevents any damage to the bathroom mats.

Irregular cleaning leads to molds or stains, reducing the life span of the shower mats. Unsanitary rugs breed bacteria and fungus, causing Athlete’ foot or unpleasant odors.

Fortunately, bath mat cleaning is not a Herculean task and hardly takes time. Read below our complete article and find out how to clean bathroom mats of any material.

TEAK CLEANER SOLUTION:

BAMBOO CLEANER SOLUTION:

ALL-PURPOSE BATHROOM CLEANERS:

How often should bath and shower mats be cleaned?

How often we should clean bath and shower mats depends upon how frequently our family uses the bathroom, especially for those of us who are raising young children.

So, how often should bath and shower mats be cleaned? If we splash water routinely on the bathroom floor, it is advisable to clean the bathroom mats once weekly. Otherwise, cleaning the bath mats at least once a month is sufficient.

A damp shower mat leads to the formation of harmful fungus and bacteria, resulting in mildews and mold. The most crucial part is to know how to clean bath mats properly to ensure we are sanitizing and cleaning the shower mats without ruining the material.

Bath mat cleaning basics: Before you start

First and foremost, before beginning the bath mat cleaning, always check the laundering instruction labels to understand which particular cleaning products we can use or dryer and washer methods we should or should not follow.

After doing that, take the bath mats outside and shake the rug of any dirt or dust accumulated on it. Shake thoroughly to allow the mass of dust, dander, or hair to fly out of the bathroom mat.

For a shower mat with plastic and rubber backing, carefully wipe the dirt or moistened part with dry and clean microfiber cloths or hang it outside to dry.

How to clean rubber bath mat?

A rubber bath mat needs to be cleaned occasionally to eliminate the accumulation of oil from soaps and shampoos that leave behind slippery layers on the floor.

These films can pose a risk while stepping in and out of a bathtub. Each bathroom is a confined room where the temperature often rises and falls, leading to a build-up of mold and mildew.

How to clean rubber bath mats with a bleach solution:

A powerful way to clean rubber bath mats is to soak the mat in a bleach solution. Pour one gallon of cold water into the bathtub (not advisable to use hot water).

Measure the preferred amount of bleach needed by using a spoon or cup. For routine cleaning, add one teaspoon (equivalent to 4.9ml) of chlorine bleach to one gallon of water.

For thorough cleaning, add one cup (equal to 240 ml) of chlorine bleach to five-gallon water. After cleaning, hang the bath mat outside to dry.

For removing molds and mildews, allow the rubber mats to soak in the bleach solution for 3 to 4 hours.

Cleaning rubber bath mats in a laundry machine:

Set the bath mat into the laundry machine and wash it for a few minutes. Next, take out the bath mat and hang it on a clothesline to dry. Never use the dryer as heat damages the material.

How to remove stains from the rubber bath mat:

To remove stains on the rubber bath mat, wash the area with a baking soda and water paste. Dishwashers can also effectively scrub the stains away on the mat.

How to clean the teak shower mat?

Teak is generally bacteria-repellent and prevents slips, but dirt, soap residues, and mildew may start to develop on the surface over time. So, cleaning the bathroom floor routinely is strongly advisable each time the shower is used. Clean every three months to make the teak shower mat durable,

For a quick method of cleaning a teak shower mat, gently scrub the surface with a soft hair brush by applying water. Next, wash the covering with fresh water and leave it to dry.

For even better cleaning results on teak bath mats, go for the Cleaning Kit (TC-DELUX). The set includes cleaning solvent and conditioning oil bottles of 8 oz each, two cleaning brushes of nylon and stainless steel, an oil applicator, hand gloves, and a cloth for cleanup.

This cleaner effectively cleans the teak while retaining its natural oils and anti-slip features.

To restore the natural color, use commercial sandpaper by sanding the teak as required. Next, eliminate any dust and use teak oil to the covering.

How to clean bamboo shower mats?

Bamboo is fungal-resistant and requires less maintenance. Bamboo shower mats have that natural blend that would complement most bathroom accessories.

The rubber padding in the bamboo shower mats provides stability by preventing any slips and falls in the bathroom.

But, frequent use of the bathroom results in the formation of mold and mildews. Bamboo can benefit a lot if we maintain strict routine cleanings.

Bamboo shower mats do not require a washing machine to keep it clean. Nor can we wash the mat in a dishwasher. However, cleaning a bamboo bath mat is easy and hassle-free. There are simple ways on how to clean bamboo shower mats.

Start by cleaning the bamboo shower mats with half a gallon of warm water and dish soap, then rinse thoroughly any dirt or debris. After cleaning, wipe the entire bamboo mat dry with a dry towel.

For effective cleaning, scrub the bamboo shower mats with food-grade mineral oil. Mineral oil is preferable to vegetable oil as it prevents the formation of molds and mildews on the surface.

How to clean a plastic bath mat?

Plastic bath mats could lead to a build-up of harmful bacteria and germs if neglected or left unclean for more extended periods. Bacteria breed in humid and moist surroundings and can cause health hazards.

There are simple ways on how to clean plastic bath mats to get rid of bacteria and germs. Clean the plastic bath mats at least once every two to three weeks with a bleaching solution and replace them once a year.

One of the effective methods to get rid of bacteria is to soak the plastic bath mat in a bathtub by pouring one cup of diluted bleach solution and cold water. Then, scrub and rinse the plastic mats thoroughly and hang them outside to dry.

For regular cleaning, vinegar can also substitute in the place of bleach. Similarly, a bleach solution can also eliminate molds, fungus, and mildews, which are agents of fungal infections.

How to clean bath mats with suction cups?

Bath mats are mostly made of rubber and plastic with suction cups to prevent any slips while going in and out of the bathroom.

The suction cups on the bath mats have many drain holes to drain water. But, over time, it can also become a breeding ground for germs and pathogens.

The best way on how to clean bath mats with suction cups is to soak in a bleach solution and water in a bathtub. Gently wash the mat inside out with a hairbrush without damaging the suction cups. Then thoroughly rinse and air dry outside.

We can also wash the mats in a washing machine. Do not put the shower mat in the dryer as it will damage the suction cups on the mat.

How to clean a bath rug?

Proper knowledge on how to clean a bath rug ensures adequate cleaning without causing any damage to the material. Bath rugs need regular washing and sanitization to get rid of dirt, dander, moisture, hair, and misfires from little boys.

To wash bath rugs, firstly check the care label for any specific washing instructions.
Shake the rug outside to allow any dirt to come out of it.
Do not use bleach or vinegar as it can ruin the rubber backing.
Do not wash the bath rugs with hot water.
Avoid putting the rugs in the dryer — Air dry in the sun.

How to clean bathroom rugs with rubber backing?

Bathroom rugs with rubber-backing prevent slips on tiled floorings. But, that does not imply we should wash them in a washing machine and expect the rugs to last for longer periods.

Understanding how to clean bathroom rugs with rubber backing will go a long way in preventing any cracks and peelings.

It is wise to check the washing instructions labels on the bathroom rugs.
Inspect the base of the rugs to find out whether the rubber backing is peeling or cracked. Purchase a new one if it is so.
Take the rugs outside and shake thoroughly for any hair, dirt, etc.
Put the rug into the machine and wash on gentle and cold settings with mild detergents.
Hang the bathroom rugs outside or tumble dry on low mode. Or, wipe the mats with a clean microfiber cloth.
Do not heat dry as it can cause the rubber backing to melt or crack.

How to clean memory foam bath mat?

A memory foam bath mat has a soft cushiony material that provides relief to the foot while standing for an extended time.

The microfiber fabric absorbs excess water, and the anti-slip backing prevents slips and falls. Knowing how to clean the memory foam bath mat will help in preventing the formation of molds and mildews.

Firstly, follow the care label for any washing directions — Vacuum-Clean the foam bath mats to eliminate all dirt and debris or scrub it with a hairbrush.

Next, place the foam mats in the washer and set them on gentle wash settings and add laundry detergent. Do not dry-clean or use bleach as these disinfectants will damage the synthetic material of the mats.

After washing, take out the foam bath mat and place it flat or hang it outside to dry in the sun. Some manufacturers recommend tumble drying on the lowest mode to avoid crackings or peelings.

How to clean bath mat mold?

Frequent use of the bathroom and leaving the bath mats damp can lead to the growth of molds. Bath mat cleaning is advisable each time we use the shower to prevent the rise of fungus or molds.

So, how to clean bath mat mold?

To get rid of molds formation, use vinegar, Borax, or other strong disinfectants. Add vinegar and water in a bucket or basin and soak the shower mats and scrub the area thoroughly to remove the molds. Next, hang it to dry outside or on the shower curtain.

Alternatively, place the rugs with other unused clothes in the machine and add baking soda and vinegar to eliminate molds and mildews.

How to stop bath mat from going moldy?

Knowing how to stop bath mats from going moldy keeps the mats fresh and sanitary. A damp bathroom is a breeding ground for harmful fungus, especially in bath mats, bathtubs, and shower curtains.

Wash the shower mats regularly to get rid of stains, unpleasant odors, and mildew leading to molds.

It is crucial to dry the bath mats after every use. Hang it to dry over the tub or towel racks or outside to check molds’ growth.

Wash the mats in the washing machine or hand-wash by adding water and white vinegar and detergent powders to clean the shower mat of any unwanted smells and molds. After thorough scrubbing and cleaning, rinse and air-dry the bath mats to stop bath mats from going moldy.

For preventing the increase of molds, it is prudent to wash and dry the shower mats on a shower rack or outside in the shade at least every once weekly.

Can you wash the microfiber bath mat?

A microfiber bath mat is a popular choice because it can dry up quickly and because they are cushiony and soft for the feet. But, can you wash the microfiber bath mat? Cleaning a microfiber bath mat is easy and hassle-free.

Before washing, read the manufacturer’s washing instructions by checking the care labels. Then, take the microfiber bath mats outside and thoroughly shake off any unwanted specks of dirt, and hairs on the shower mat.

After getting rid of the dirt, place the microfiber bathroom mats in the washing machine in cold water, and wash the shower mats with mild laundry detergent. Do not mix the microfiber bath mats with other clothes because doing that would take time to dry.

Always remember not to overload the machine or wash the mat in cold settings.

After washing, use the machine dryer to dry the microfiber bath mats on minimum heat settings. Or, hang the rugs outside to dry off completely.

Conclusion

So these are the essential tips on how to clean bath mats. The shower mats demand constant care and attention even more than our bedsheets do.

Clean shower mats protect the feet from bacteria and germs. For any questions on how to clean bathroom mats, let us know in the comment section below. We are always happy to help.