Every few months I put my bath mat in the dishwasher (without dishes). That black mold disappears and it smells good when I put it back in the tub. Just a thought.

Wow Jannie I never would have thought of that! Do you put it in the bottom or top rack? I can't wait to try this. What a great idea! Thank you
Joann

The dishwasher - what a brilliant idea!

Well I ran it through the dishwasher twice and there was still a little of the gunk left and I cleaned again with a dobie this time..now it looks pretty decent and I think if I keep putting it in the dishwasher like every week maybe it will stay OK.

Putting it in the DW was just a passing thought, not brilliant. I lay the bathmat in the bottom drawer of the DW. It (the mat) has holes so the soapy water can circulate. And I push the no-heat-dry-button so it won't melt. Now that would be a disaster!

I have had the same problem with the bathmat. I solved it by doing 2 things. I lift the mat up after showering and stand it on end (or as much on end as it will stand). Then I throw it into the washer with the towels every week or so. The towels seem to scrub it in the wash. The black stuff, I think, is mold and mildew.

Thank you Patty! I do realize I need to wash it more often and maybe the mold won't accumulate. I guess I learned my lesson! I never thought to wash it with the towels either. I'll try that method too.
Joann

For years I drained my bathmat after every use by hanging it on a towel bar that dripped into the tub. Now, with four people showering, I use my dishwasher.

I decided to try degreaser on my bath mat. I sprayed it upside down in the bathtub and let it sit for 15 minutes. I came back and rinsed it off along with most of the black gunk. I sprayed it again and let it sit a little longer. I am really loving degreaser! I also used it on the bathroom blinds. Spray, sit and rinse! Works on greasy laundry stains as well!

USE A DISHWASHER ONLY IF YOU DON'T PUT DISHES IN IT EVER AGAIN

Why would you say that??
I suspect the degreaser would be a great idea because I bet much of that gunk is from conditioner and "moisturizing body gel" and the like.
I solved the problem with a new bath tub with a textured non-slip bottom.