How to Clean Your Bathmat — and When You Need a New One
An expert who has seen his share of dirty bath rugs shares advice on how to keep them clean
When was the last time you cleaned your bathmat or even gave it much thought? If you can’t recall, it may be time to add it to your to-do list — perhaps somewhere near the top. Luckily, it’s not a difficult task, and if you routinely clean your bath rug it will last longer. Michael Silva-Nash, a cleaning professional and executive vice president of Molly Maid of Greater Little Rock, Arkansas, shares his bathmat cleaning advice and lets us know when it’s time to buy a new one.
How to clean a cloth mat: A cloth or towel-like rug is the easiest to clean, Silva-Nash says. He recommends tossing it into the washer with a few towels. Run the load on the hot water setting, and then add bleach or your regular laundry detergent. Vinegar also works as a bleach alternative. While these methods work on most rugs, Silva-Nash says you should always check the cleaning tag. Once washed, completely dry the cloth mat in the dryer.
How to clean a rug with a rubber backing: If you toss this type of mat into the washer, the rubber backing will start to quickly degrade, especially if you put it in the dryer. Instead, Silva-Nash recommends scrubbing the mat’s front and back by hand. You’ll want to do this with a nonabrasive scrubber or sponge. Use a little bleach or vinegar while scrubbing. Silva-Nash says to check your local store for other options, such as an eco-friendly solution. When scrubbing, give the rubber side extra attention. “It’s mold heaven,” he says.
Dry your rubber-backed rug by hanging it on the clothesline, shower rod, drying rack or other location that will let the mat receive lots of air from all sides.
How to clean a rug with a rubber backing: If you toss this type of mat into the washer, the rubber backing will start to quickly degrade, especially if you put it in the dryer. Instead, Silva-Nash recommends scrubbing the mat’s front and back by hand. You’ll want to do this with a nonabrasive scrubber or sponge. Use a little bleach or vinegar while scrubbing. Silva-Nash says to check your local store for other options, such as an eco-friendly solution. When scrubbing, give the rubber side extra attention. “It’s mold heaven,” he says.
Dry your rubber-backed rug by hanging it on the clothesline, shower rod, drying rack or other location that will let the mat receive lots of air from all sides.
How to clean a wooden mat: If you have a wooden mat, such as the one above, scrub it with a nonabrasive sponge using soap and water. Then use a cloth to dry the entire surface.
Dry between uses: The side of the tub or the shower rod are convenient places to hang the bathmat between uses. You can also install hooks, another rod or a drying rack in your bathroom. But Silva-Nash says the tub or shower rod work and are better than leaving the mat flat on the floor.
When to replace the mat: Generally, Silva-Nash recommends that you replace your bathmat once or twice a year. Signs that your rug needs to be replaced include moldy spots, holes and fraying.
When to replace the mat: Generally, Silva-Nash recommends that you replace your bathmat once or twice a year. Signs that your rug needs to be replaced include moldy spots, holes and fraying.
Bathmat considerations: When you purchase your next bathmat, consider the cleaning commitments associated with different types of mats, Silva-Nash says. If you’re OK with putting in a little elbow grease, any option will work. But for a toss and wash option, think cloth.
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4 Secrets to a Shiny-Clean Bathtub
Read more housekeeping stories
Shop bathmats on Houzz
They also get dirty as you step on them when entering the tub or shower. You aren’t clean, so you transfer a little filth to the mats every time you use them.
How often to clean: Weekly.