How to Clean Your Bathmat — and When You Need a New One

A bathmat is an essential part of any bathroom. Placed on the floor around your tub or shower, it soaks up water, keeping you safe from slips and falls. It also keeps your feet comfortable and clean when you step out.

Over time, bathmats collect dirt, hair, and soap scum. Cleaning them regularly is key to extending their life and maintaining good hygiene. Knowing when it’s time to replace your bathmat is also important.

We’ll walk through how to clean bathmats of any material properly. We’ll also cover signs that indicate you need a new one. With a small time investment, you can keep your bathmat fresh, sanitary and safe underfoot for years to come.

How Often Should You Clean Your Bathmat?

How frequently you need to clean your bathmat depends on:

• Material – More absorbent materials like cotton and bamboo need washing more often than polyester or nylon.
• Use – High traffic bathrooms need more frequent cleaning.
• Appearance – Clean when visibly soiled.

Here are general guidelines on bathmat cleaning frequency:

• Cotton, bamboo, microfiber – Every 1-2 weeks
• Polyester, nylon – Every 2-4 weeks
• Vinyl, rubber – Rinse weekly, machine wash monthly
• Appearance – Wash when visibly dirty

Increase cleaning during times of heavy use – like when you have houseguests or family visiting.

You should also wash your bathmat after anyone with a contagious illness uses the bathroom. This helps prevent the spread of germs.

How to Wash a Cotton or Microfiber Bathmat

Cotton and microfiber bathmats are very absorbent. They also tend to pick up body oils, dead skin cells and products from your skin. These materials need regular machine washing to look, feel and smell fresh.

Follow these steps to clean cotton or microfiber bath mats:

1. Shake Out the Mat

• Take your cotton or microfiber bath mat outside or to your laundry room.
• Give it a good shake to remove any hair, dust and debris.

Shaking out the mat first prevents clogs in your washing machine drain.

2. Check the Tag

• Locate the care tag on your cotton or microfiber bath mat.
• Verify if machine washing is allowed.

The tag will also indicate ideal wash settings like water temperature and whether bleach can be used.

3. Wash Separately

• It’s best to wash bathmats separately from other household linens.
• They tend to shed lint and release dirt and odors that can transfer to other items.

4. Select the Hot Water Setting

• Set your machine to the hottest water temperature allowed for the fabric.
• Hot water helps kill germs and bacteria that accumulate on bathmats.

5. Use a Sanitizing Detergent

• Look for one that contains antibacterial ingredients or bleach alternatives.
• This helps remove odors and brighten dingy mats.
• Avoid using bleach on colored cotton mats, as it can cause fading.

6. Add Baking Soda

• Put 1/2 cup of baking soda directly in the drum.
• Baking soda naturally deodorizes and whitens fabrics.

7. Use Extra Rinse Cycles

• Set your machine for two or three rinse cycles if possible.
• Extra rinsing removes detergent residue that can leave mats stiff.

8. Air Dry

• Take mats outside and allow to fully air dry in sunlight.
• The sun naturally bleaches and deodorizes.

Your cotton or microfiber bathmat is now fresh, sanitized and ready for use!

How to Wash a Polyester or Nylon Bathmat

Polyester and nylon bathmats shed water well, dry fast and resist odors. But they still need regular washing to look their best and stay germ-free.

Here is how to clean polyester and nylon bathmats:

1. Shake the Mat Out

• Take your polyester or nylon bathmat outside and shake out debris.
• This prevents dirt and hair from collecting in your washing machine.

2. Check the Care Label

• Locate the tag and verify that machine washing is allowed.
• Note any special instructions indicated for water temperature, bleach, etc.

3. Wash on Gentle Cycle

• Polyester and nylon should be washed on the gentle or delicate cycle.
• High agitation can damage fibers and cause pilling.

4. Use Mild Detergent

• Harsh detergents can fade synthetic fabrics over time.
• Look for a gentle soap labeled safe for synthetics.

5. Allow to Air Dry

• Polyester and nylon mats dry very quickly.
• Hang over a rod or lay flat to allow water to fully evaporate.

With proper care, polyester and nylon bathmats will retain their shape and color for years.

How to Wash a Rubber Bathmat

Rubber bathmats have become popular thanks to their excellent slip resistance and cushioning. But like any bathmat, they need regular cleaning.

Here’s how to wash rubber bathmats:

1. Rinse After Each Use

• Give your rubber bathmat a quick rinse after every shower or bath.
• Letting soap scum, hair and dirt accumulate will shorten its life.

2. Allow to Fully Dry

• Lay rubber mats flat or hang to dry thoroughly after rinsing.
• Bacteria thrive in moist environments.

3. Spot Clean as Needed

• Use a soft brush and mild soap and water to remove stubborn stains.
• Avoid harsh cleaners that can damage the rubber surface.

4. Machine Wash Monthly

• Put your rubber bathmat in a mesh laundry bag once per month.
• Wash on gentle cycle in cold water with mild detergent.

Proper care keeps rubber bathmats hygienic while maintaining their integrity. Replace immediately if cracking, bubbling or peeling occurs.

How to Wash a Vinyl Bath Mat

Vinyl bath mats are inexpensive, easy to clean and very long lasting. Here is how to clean vinyl bath mats:

1. Rinse After Each Use

• Rinse vinyl bath mats after each use to prevent buildup of dirt and grime.
• Let air dry completely before putting back in place.

2. Spot Clean as Needed

• Use a soft brush with mild soap and water to remove stains.
• Avoid abrasive cleaners that can scratch vinyl.

3. Disinfect Monthly

• Mix 1/2 cup bleach into 1 gallon of cool water.
• Submerge the mat and allow to soak for 5 minutes.
• Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry.

4. Machine Wash Every Few Months

• Vinyl mats can be washed in the machine occasionally if needed.
• Use gentle cycle, cool water and mild detergent. Lay flat to dry.

With proper care, vinyl bathmats will retain their vibrant color for many years. Replace immediately if cracking appears.

How to Disinfect a Bath Mat

In addition to regular washing, disinfecting your bath mat helps kill illness causing germs like E. coli, salmonella and staph.

You have a few options for disinfection:

Bleach

• Make a dilute bleach solution of 1/2 cup bleach per 1 gallon of cool water.
• Soak mat for 5 minutes, rinse thoroughly and allow to dry.

Vinegar

• Fill a spray bottle with equal parts cool water and white vinegar.
• Lightly mist mat and allow to sit 10 minutes before rinsing.

Tea Tree Oil

• Add several drops of tea tree essential oil to 2 cups of baking soda.
• Sprinkle mixture over mat. Let sit 20 minutes before vacuuming up.

Hydrogen Peroxide

• Mix 1 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide into 1 gallon of water.
• Soak mat for 10 minutes, rinse and dry.

Disinfect monthly or when anyone has been ill to keep your bathmat hygienic.

How to Dry a Bath Mat Quickly

Bath mats are meant to soak up moisture. But leaving them wet for prolonged periods promotes mold and bacteria growth.

Follow these tips for fast bathmat drying:

• Blot excess water – After washing, press mat between two towels to absorb excess moisture before drying. This speeds evaporation.
• Hang to dry – Looping over a shower rod or doorknob exposes more surface area to air.
• Lay flat – Position on a drying rack or across two chairs. Flip periodically.
• Air fluff – Toss a couple tennis balls in the dryer and tumble on air only setting for 10 minutes. The balls bounce around to fluff fibers.
• Use a fan – Direct an oscillating fan on the mat to accelerate drying. Position near a heating vent for added speed.
• Try a wet vac – For rubber backed mats, a wet vac quickly sucks out absorbed water.

With a little effort, you can dry your bathmat within just a few hours. Aim to dry within 24 hours maximum to prevent mildew growth.

How to Soften a Stiff Bath Mat

Between washes, bath mats can feel stiff and crunchy underfoot. Here are some tricks for softening:

• Add baking soda – 1/2 cup per wash softens fibers.
• Use vinegar – Add 1/4 cup vinegar to final rinse. It acts as a natural fabric softener.
• Skip fabric softener – Contrary to belief, these can leave residue that makes mats stiff.
• Soak overnight – Fill tub with cool water and 1/2 cup hair conditioner. Soak mat overnight.
• Tumble dry low – Low, slow heat softens fibers without risk of shrinking or damage.
• Brush fibers – For shag bathmats, use a stiff brush to lift flattened fibers.

With a little TLC, you can bring that luxuriously soft feel back to your bathmat.

How to Remove Mold and Mildew from a Bath Mat

The warm, humid environment of bathrooms makes them prone to mold and mildew growth. Catching it early and using the right removal methods can save your bathmat.

For Minor Mold/Mildew:

• Make a paste of baking soda and water and scrub into affected areas. Rinse clean. The abrasiveness of baking soda kills and lifts mold and mildew.
• Spray full strength white vinegar onto moldy areas. Let sit 10 minutes before rinsing – vinegar’s acidity kills mold and mildew.
• If colored bathmat, spot treat mold with lemon juice. The citric acid kills mold without bleaching color.

For Severe Mold/Mildew:

• First wash bathmat with bleach added to kill spores deep within fibers.
• Allow to fully dry in sunlight. UV rays help destroy mold.
• If stains remain, make a paste from borax and water. Scrub into affected areas and rinse. The antifungal properties of borax remove stubborn mold stains.

Catching mold/mildew early improves your chances of salvaging a bathmat. But once mold has spread throughout, it’s best to replace.

How to Whiten a Bath Mat

Over time, bathmats can become dingy and grayish from dirt, body oils and product residue. Fortunately, there are several effective home remedies for whitening bathmats and restoring their original brightness.

Baking Soda

The gentle abrasiveness of baking soda lifts stains and naturally whitens fabrics. Add 1/2 cup directly to your machine with detergent. Or make a paste with water to rub onto stained areas before washing.

Lemon Juice

The citric acid in lemons acts as a natural bleach. Soak the mat for an hour in a bowl of 1 part lemon juice to 2 parts warm water before washing.

Hydrogen Peroxide

This bleach-alternative breaks down grime to restore whiteness. Add 1 cup to bathmats wash cycle, or mix with equal parts water to spray directly onto stains.

Vinegar

The acetic acid in vinegar naturally strips away dinginess. Fill your rinse cup with 1/2 vinegar, 1/2 water for the final rinse cycle. Or soak mat overnight in a vinegar water bath.

Sunlight

Hang mats in direct sunlight. The UV rays naturally bleach and disinfect. Dampen first – sunlight is more effective on wetted fabrics.

With some tried and true home remedies, you can erase years of grime buildup and restore a freshly laundered look to tired bathmats.

How to Remove Difficult Bath Mat Stains

Bathmats are magnets for stains. Rubber backing can hold onto dirt, while cotton and microfibers absorb all kinds of spills and grime. Here are the best ways to tackle some of the toughest bathmat stains:

Oils and Creams

• Apply talcum powder or cornstarch directly onto grease spots. Let sit to absorb oils, then vacuum up. The powder will wick up the oily residue.
• Alternatively, spray stain with WD-40 before washing. The oil-cutting solvents help break down greasy spills.

Hair Dye and Makeup

• Immediately sponge with rubbing alcohol to prevent pigments from setting.
• For stubborn makeup stains, spray with hairspray before washing. The alcohol will break down pigmented residues.

Mold and Mildew

• Make a paste from baking soda and water and scrub into affected areas before washing. Baking soda has natural antifungal abilities.
• For tough mildew stains, spray with vinegar and let sit several hours before washing. The acidity kills mold and lifts staining.

Rust Stains

• Make a paste from cream of tartar and lemon juice. Spread over stains and let sit an hour before washing. The citric acid dissolves rust deposits.
• For heavier stains, boil a pot of water with a couple rusted nails. Dip in mat for 10 minutes before washing. The rust essentially cancels itself out.

With the right staining agent and a little patience, even the most stubborn bathmat stains can be conquered.

How to Remove Oil and Hairspray From a Bath Mat

Oil and hairspray can create frustrating stains. The oily makeup can bond strongly to bathmat fibers. Here is how to break the bonds:

Hairspray

• Apply rubbing alcohol directly onto hairspray stained areas.
• Let sit 5-10 minutes so the alcohol can dissolve the staining agents.
• Launder as usual. The hairspray will release from fibers.

Cooking Oils

• Generously sprinkle corn starch over oily spots.
• Allow to sit 1-2 hours so the powder can absorb grease.
• Vacuum up then wash as usual.

Motor Oil/Grease

• Spray stained area with WD-40 then let sit 15 minutes.
• The solvents in WD-40 will dissolve the oil bonds.
• Launder as normal. Stain will be released from fibers.

Lipstick and Makeup

• Apply a small amount of petroleum jelly to the stain.
• Let sit 10 minutes to allow the oils to dissolve makeup.
• Wipe clean then launder. The stain will be gone.

With some simple but powerful oil-dissolving agents, bathmats stained by hairspray, grease and makeup can be restored to fresh looking again.

DIY Bath Mat Freshener Spray Recipe

Between deep cleanings, bath mats can start to smell musty and damp. Whip up this super easy freshener spray to maintain odors:

You Will Need:

• 16 oz spray bottle
• 1 cup hot water
• 2 Tablespoons baking soda
• 10 drops essential oil (optional)

To Make:

1. Add hot water to spray bottle.
2. Stir in baking soda until dissolved.
3. Add essential oil for scent if desired. Peppermint and lemon oils provide energizing aromas.
4. Label bottle and shake gently before each use.
5. Lightly mist over bathmats to neutralize odors and refresh.

The baking soda neutralizes damp odors while essential oils provide a light, clean fragrance. Use between washes to keep bathmats smelling fresh.

How to Clean Rubber Bath Mat Backing

Rubber backing traps dirt – but avoids machine washing to prevent damage. Here’s how to clean rubber bath mat backing:

• Baking Soda – Sprinkle baking soda over backing. Let sit 15 minutes then vacuum up. The powder absorbs oils and odor.
• Mr. Clean Magic Eraser – Gently wipe eraser over backing to lift dirt from textured surface. Rinse clean.
• Steam – Use handheld fabric steamer to penetrate and loosen stuck on gunk and residue from backing. Wipe clean.
• Detail brush – Use a small brush to scrub tough spots on backing. The bristles get into textured surface.
• Undermount sink scrubber – These plastic scrub pads are perfect for cleaning rubber mat backing when wetted. Rinse clean afterwards.

With some simple cleaning tools, rubber mat backing can look fresh again. Avoid soaking backing to prevent damage.

How to Clean a Fabric Shower Curtain Liner

Fabric shower curtain liners protect your decorative curtain from moisture damage. But liner curtains get