Wash Bath Mats to Keep Them Fluffy and Healthy
The bath mat is the dirtiest object in the bathroom after the toilet bowl. Humidity + heat = bacteria. Wash it often!
Recommended Materials
- Washing machine
- Disinfectant detergent (or vinegar)
- Tennis balls (for fluffiness)
Steps to follow
Step 1
Shake the mat outside vigorously to remove hair, fur, and dust before wetting it.
Step 2
Check the label: most cotton or synthetic mats are machine washable. Watch out for mats with a non-slip rubber backing which can crumble with time or heat.
Step 3
Wash at 40°C or 60°C (depending on the label) to kill bacteria and fungi (responsible for athlete's foot). A low temperature is not enough to disinfect.
Step 4
Use your usual detergent. Add a cup of white vinegar in the softener compartment instead of softener to deodorize, disinfect, and revive colors.
Step 5
Do not overload the machine, the mat becomes very heavy once soaked with water and can unbalance the drum during spinning.
Step 6
For long pile mats (chenille), add 2 tennis balls in the drum (like for a down jacket) to beat the mat and restore fluffiness to the fibers.
Step 7
Dry in the open air or in the dryer (gentle temperature) if the label allows. Rapid drying is crucial to avoid odors.
Step 8
Daily drying: never leave a wet bath mat in a ball on the floor. After each shower, hang it on the edge of the bathtub or on a heated towel rail. If it stays wet for more than 24h, bacteria multiply and the smell of mold appears.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often ?
Ideally once a week for a large family. At least every 15 days for a single person.
My mat smells bad even after washing, why ?
It may have dried too slowly last time (damp smell). Run a long cycle at 60°C with baking soda and dry it quickly (sun or dryer).
Precautions
- Do not wash with bath towels (lint).
- Clean the machine filter afterwards (often full of fibers).
