Bath mats are exposed to more moisture and dirt than any other floor covering in the home. Although often overlooked, they should be cleaned regularly to eliminate bacteria and soap scum and prevent mold. But how you wash your bath mat depends on what type you have. Here are the best ways to care for them!
Whether you use a large decorative bath rug or a simple cotton bath mat, you should clean it regularly. The frequency depends on how many people use the bathroom and how careful they are with the mat. Just remember that the humidity and heat in bathrooms create the perfect environment for mold and bacteria.
If the mat is not hung to dry between uses and remains damp most of the time, it should be washed at least weekly. If you let them dry completely after your daily shower, you can usually wash them every other week.
Check these points before washing
Shake out the bath mat:Before you do anything else, take the bath mat outside and shake it well. This will help you get rid of any impurities such as lint, hair and sand that are caught in the fibers. Dirt belongs outside, not in the filter of your washing machine.
Examine the back: If you are going to wash a rubber bath mat, turn it over and give it a quick check. If the rubber or plastic is cracked, peeling, or missing pieces, it's time to replace the carpet. A new bath mat is much cheaper than repairing the washing machine.
Before washing the bath mat – Read the labels:Take a moment to read the label. It contains valuable information about the contents of the fabric and instructions for cleaning.
Treatment of stains: If you see a specific stain on the bathroom carpet, treat it with some of your regular laundry detergent or a stain remover. Apply the product with your fingers and leave it on the bath mat for about 10 minutes before putting it in the washing machine.
Washing a bath mat – this is how it works in the washing machine
Load the washing machine: Bath mats should be washed with similar fabrics and colors. Loads of towels are best because bath rugs produce lint that you don't want on your clothes.
- Tipp: Do not overload the washing machine. Remember that bath mats can become heavy in the wash, so don't wash more than two at a time. Choose warm or hot water (40 degrees gentle cycle) and wash with your regular detergent. Avoid vinegar, which can damage some mats.
Reduce the spin speed: If your bath mat has a non-slip backing, reduce the spin speed. This prevents cracks and reduces wear.
Shake and dry:When you remove the mat from the washing machine, shake it well to remove wrinkles and creases. Hang the mat on a clothesline or let it air dry. If there are still wrinkles after drying, you don't need to get out the iron. Simply place the carpet on the floor. The humidity and heat in the bathroom will relax the fibers and remove the wrinkles.
- Tipp: Cotton, Ceylon and polyester mats can usually be tumble dried on a low setting. However, this does not apply to rubber-backed mats – they should never be put in the dryer.
This is how you get by without a washing machine
If you don't have a washing machine or your bath mat needs to be hand washed, here's how to do it. Shake the mat to remove any dirt.
Then fill a tub or sink with cold water and add about a teaspoon of laundry detergent. Allow the mat to soak for about 15 minutes, then pour off the soapy water and rinse the mat well with clean water. Squeeze out the excess water and then hang the bath mat to dry.
Notice: Also use this method if the bath mat is too big for the washing machine.
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