How to Wash
Bathroom Rugs

Do your bathroom rugs seem to fall apart or get too dingy to use way before you think they should? Have you given up on bathroom rugs because they can be a hassle to keep clean? Would you use a bath mat more often if they were easier to care for? If any of these situations sound familiar, you’re in the right place. We’re going to tell you how to wash bath mats and keep them clean so you can get the most out of your bathroom rugs.

You may be considering just skipping the bath mat altogether. After all, it’s easy to wipe up water with a towel when you’re done bathing, and you’ve got washing towels down pat. There are a few reasons using a bathroom rug is a better choice. First, they create a barrier between your wet feet and the cold bathroom floor. Second, they absorb much of the water that could end up sitting on your bathroom floor, helping prevent mold, mildew, and floor damage. Third, they add a nice decorative touch and a bit of luxury to your bathroom. Fourth, once you learn how to wash bath mats the right way, they’ll stay cleaner and last longer.

Before we jump into how to wash bathroom rugs, let’s look at some popular bath mats and how they stack up:

MicroFiber Bath Rugs

Those looking for superior absorbency and comfort in a machine washable bath rug often choose microfiber. Microfiber is inexpensive, easy to keep clean, durable, and quick-drying—all the things you want in a great bath mat.

Memory Foam Bath Mats

If you love the cushiony comfort of your memory foam mattress, you’re going to love a memory foam bath rug. Many memory foam rugs are machine washable, but some require hand washing. Not a bad trade-off for the feeling of soft, supple memory foam when you step out of the shower.

Cotton Bath Mats

Cotton is soft and can absorb more moisture and dry quicker than some other bath mats. Bath rugs made of cotton tend to be easier to wash, and they’re often more durable than some other rugs. It’s hard to go wrong choosing cotton if you want the feel and easy care of natural fabric.

Chenille Bathroom Rugs

Chenille means caterpillar in French, and that’s what this popular plush fabric looks like—fuzzy pile that’s soft and fine. Manufacturers weave chenille from cotton, wool, or synthetic thread to create a bath mat that is absorbent, easy to keep clean, durable, and luxurious.

How to Clean Bath Mats

Before washing bath mats, check the labels for the cleaning directions. They’ll tell you whether you need to hand wash or machine wash the bath mat. Many bathroom rugs have a rubber backing you should check before cleaning. If the backing is coming apart, it’s time to replace the rug, because the rug is bound to fall apart, and chunks of rubber can destroy your washer.

How to wash bathroom rugs by hand:

• Beat the bath mat outside to loosen dirt and hair.
• Treat any stains with a stain remover.
• Fill a container large enough to hold the rug with cold water.
• Mix in a little detergent and oxygenated bleach if your rug is especially dirty.
• Make sure you get the whole rug submerged and the detergent evenly distributed.
• Let the bathroom rug soak for 30 minutes.
• “Agitate” the rug in the detergent and water with your hands for about a minute.
• Let the bath mat dry outside.

How to wash bath mats in a washing machine:

• Take the mat outside and beat it to get rid of embedded dirt, hair, and other debris.
• Apply a stain remover to treat any stains.
• Fill the washer with cold water.
• Wash bathroom rugs together or with a couple of towels to balance out the weight in the washer.
• Use regular laundry detergent and oxygenated bleach for tougher stains.
• Avoid vinegar and bleach because they can break down the rubber backing.
• Remove your bath rugs immediately after the washer stops.
• While you can machine dry many bath rugs, line drying is much easier on the fabric and the rubber backing.

How often you wash your bath mats depends on how much use they get. A big family that takes frequent showers and baths should wash bath mats at least once a week. If you don’t get your bath mats wet very often, you can usually go a couple of weeks without washing them. To keep your bathroom rugs cleaner and healthier between washings, you can vacuum them to minimize the dirt and hang them outside if they get too wet. The key is to make sure your bath mats don’t stay damp long enough to allow mold and mildew to develop.

Now that you know how to wash bath mats, why not tackle the rest of the bathroom with our pro bathroom cleaning tips? The Maids is on a mission to help families enjoy a cleaner, healthier home. Whether you use our DIY advice or our popular residential cleaning services, you can count on us to make your home a great place to be. Learn more about cleaning for health and what a difference we can make in your home when you get your free estimate.