How to Wash Bath Mats

Becky Rapinchuk is a natural cleaning expert, home-keeping expert, and founder of the lifestyle brand, Clean Mama. She has published 4 best-selling books on cleaning.

• Working Time: 10 - 40 mins
• Total Time: 40 mins - 1 hr, 30 mins

• Skill Level: Beginner
• Estimated Cost: $0

When cleaning your bathroom, don’t overlook the bath mat. While it might not show any visible gunk and grime like the sink or toilet do, bath mats receive near-daily use that makes them susceptible to mildew and bacteria buildup. Ideally, you should regularly wash your bath mat. But because most types of bath mats—including microfiber, chenille, and plastic- or rubber-backed options—can be cleaned easily in the washing machine, it doesn’t have to be a hassle. Here’s how to wash, dry, and care for a bath mat.

How Often to Wash a Bath Mat

Your bath mat is dirtier than you think it is, so it’s best to wash it every one to two weeks. This will stop you from stepping right onto a bed of dirt and debris as soon as you get out of the shower.

What You'll Need

Equipment / Tools

• Washing machine
• Drying rack
• A sink, tub, or another container

Materials

• Detergent

Instructions

Read the Care Instructions

It’s always a good idea to check the bath mat’s care label instructions, which all textiles sold in the United States are required to have, before washing. The care label should provide information on fabric content and instructions on how to clean.

Load the Washing Machine

Place the bath mat in your washing machine. You can use your typical laundry detergent and normal wash cycle. You can wash other items with your bath mat as well, such as towels or a small bathroom rug, but take care not to overload the machine. If you have a top-loading washing machine, evenly distribute items around the agitator. Make sure your water temperature is set to cold and begin the cycle.

Dry the Mat

Either hang the bath mat to air dry or place it in the dryer on the lowest heat setting.

How to Hand-Wash a Bath Mat

If the bath mat’s care label instructions recommend hand-washing or the bath mat has wear and tear that may get worse from machine washing or cause damage to your washing machine, hand-washing may be the best option.

Depending on the mat’s size, you can wash it in a sink, bathtub, or any other container that can fit it. Fill the container with cold water and a small drizzle of detergent. Keep the mat submerged and soaking in the water for at least 30 minutes. When time’s up, scrub the mat with your hands and rinse the mat until the soapy residue is gone. Once rinsed, squeeze out any excess water and line dry the bath mat.

How to Wash a Plastic- or Rubber-Backed Bath Mat

How a plastic- or rubber-backed bath mat should be washed depends on its condition, here’s how to prepare, inspect, and choose the best washing method.

• Take your bath mat outside and give it a good shake. This will loosen any debris lodged in the fibers.
• Before washing your mat, flip it over and inspect the backing. Pieces of rubber and plastic can damage your washing machine if they become dislodged. If the back of the mat is cracked, flaking, or shows damage in any way, you shouldn’t throw it in your machine. If the backing is significantly damaged, it’s best to replace your bath mat altogether.
• If the rubber or plastic back shows no signs of damage, it’s okay to use the washing machine. Use your usual detergent and a normal wash cycle, and make sure the water temperature is set to cold. To help preserve the bath mat's condition, lower the spin cycle speed if your washing machine provides the option.
• If the back of your mat is damaged, you must hand-wash it.
• A plastic- or rubber-backed bath mat can become damaged from high heat, so it’s always best to let it air dry after washing.
  

Treating Stains on Bath Mats

To remove any pesky stains from your bath mat, use oxygen bleach. You can find products containing oxygen bleach at most stores. Read the label carefully and follow the instructions—there any many brands that sell oxygen bleach, and instructions can vary.

Bath Mat Care and Repairs

Bath mats sustain a lot of wear and tear, becoming stained and cracked in the process. Stains can be scrubbed out, but if you have a rubber- or plastic-backed bath mat that’s become cracked, it’s best to just toss it out and buy a new one.

Tips for Washing Bath Mats

• Before washing, check your bath mat’s tag for cleaning guidance on your specific product.
• While it’s best for bath mats to air dry, you can throw them in the dryer on the lowest heat setting if you’re in a rush.

Machine wash bath mats in cold water on the normal cycle using your regular detergent, but always check the care label for any instructions specific to your bath mat. For bath mats with a non-skid backing, reduce the spin cycle speed, if your washer has adjustable speeds, to help prevent cracking and reduce any wear and tear.

While you can put a rubber bath mat in the washing machine, it’s not the best way to clean it. The rubber can become damaged if exposed to high temperatures, so washing it by hand and letting it air dry is the best way to protect both your mat and your washing machine.