A bath mat is an essential bathroom accessory; they keep the bathroom from overflowing with water after our bath and make our feet dry up, leaving us comfortable after each bath. However, underneath that comfort could grow germs.
Besides absorbing moisture, bath mats absorb dirt from our feet, hair, and dust, which makes them uncomfortable to use. The question is: “Can you wash the dirty bath mat, or should they be thrown away and replaced?”
Can You Wash Bath Mats?
Getting a new bath mat might not be that expensive, but replacing them because they are dirty is nothing but a waste of resources. So, yes, wash your bath mats.
Washing your bath mat might look like a hassle, but it is not. A quick trip to your laundry room is all you need to get your bath mat looking brand new. Some bath mats can even be washed in a washing machine and dried using a dryer, depending on the materials it was created with.
When To Wash Your Bath Mat
It is advised to wash your bath mats after purchase before you begin usage. This is because the bath mats are packaged in materials that can leave a chemical residue that can be harmful, and washing them will set them free of these residues.
Bath mats collect dirt particles over time as they get trapped between the fabric. They also hold in all the moisture that drips off your body after a shower, which can lead to mold or mildew growth, a perfect breeding ground for nasty bacteria and germs.
Wash your bath mat frequently, depending on how frequently you wash the bathroom. For instance, if your household comprises one or two people, the bath mat can be washed once a week or two weeks. But in a bigger household, especially those with children, once or twice a week should do.
How To Wash Your Bath Mat
Washing your bath mat might look cumbersome, but that’s far from the truth. It’s simpler than you might imagine. It can be done using a washing machine or by hand washing, depending on the bath mat’s makeup materials.
You only need to know how to wash your mat. So, before washing your bath mat, read the care label attached to your bath mat to instruct you on the best cleaning method to handle your bath mat. Below are the methods and the steps to follow to clean your bath mat effectively;
Method 1: Washing Machine
You may need to go through the care label of your bath mat if this is your first time washing this bath mat. There you would know if the manufacturer recommends a machine wash. If you have the manufacturers go ahead, then follow the steps below:
Step 1: Take the bath mat outside and shake it well. This will get rid of any debris like lint, hair, and sand trapped in it. You don’t want any dirty things stuck in the machine.
Step 2: Read the care label again to know the recommended wash setting. Cold wash or warm wash. If the care label doesn’t specify, you can use warm wash for white and light-colored bath mats or cold wash for dark-colored ones.
Step 3: Place your bath mat in the machine. It is recommended to wash the bath mat alone in the washer to prevent it from disturbing other clothes.
Step 4: Add a regular detergent. A gentle detergent is recommended. You can also add pre-spray with an enzyme cleaner to help get rid of any smell.
Note: In case of any stain, you can color safe bleach (oxygen bleach). You can also add baking soda for a brightening and softening effect. Add half a cup of vinegar for disinfecting purposes.
Step 5: Set the washer on the gentle wash. Excess agitation might damage the bath mat, especially those with rubber or plastic back.
Step 6: Take the bath mat outdoors to air dry after washing. Do not use a dryer. The heat can damage its fabric, especially rubber or plastic.
Note: Inspect the bath mat, especially the back. If the rubber or plastic back is cracked or peeling, it might be time to replace the bath mat as another wash might send plastic or rubber particles down your machine drain or water pump, damaging the machine. If you don’t want to replace the bath mat yet, then using the hand wash method is recommended. With the hand wash method, you would be able to carefully wash your bath mat without causing extra damage to the machine agitation may cause.
Method 2: Hand wash
If, for any reason, you can’t follow the washing machine method above, then you can use this method. Below are the steps for this method:
Step 1: Take the bath mat outside and shake it well. This will get rid of any debris like lint, hair, and sand trapped in it. You don’t want any dirty things stuck in the machine.
Step 2: Read the care label to know what water temperature is recommended for the bath mat, cold or warm water. If the care label doesn’t specify, then you can use warm water for white and light-colored bath mats or cold water for those with dark colors.
Step 3: Fill a bowl large enough to hold the bath mat with the water. You can use your bathtub if you don’t have any bowl large enough for the job.
Step 4: Mix in some detergent and oxygen bleach if your bath mat has stains you want to remove. Add half a cup of vinegar for disinfecting purposes.
Step 5: Stir the mixture before soaking the bath mat. Make sure you get the whole rug submerged. Allow the bath mat to soak for at least 30 minutes, then scrub the bath mat with a laundry brush. Rinse with warm water and air dry.