Learn How to Clean Bath Mats

Do you normally throw away your bath mats when you see dark patches on them? Not anymore! Look at these great tips and save money!

Today we want to share with you some simple tricks to clean bath mats, both the fabric and plastic types. They’re very useful items as they help us to step on the wet floor safely, and avoid accidents.

However, they’re not too easy to clean for this same reason: moisture. This causes mold, bad smells, and bacteria to proliferate. That is why they must be washed often and well. We’ll show you how to do it!

How to clean bath mats: rubber and plastic mats

Non-slip plastic or rubber mats are very useful; they’re usually placed inside the shower or outside, depending on each person’s preference. These mats have suction cups on the back that stick to the floor, preventing us from slipping.

Despite being so useful, they’re usually quickly thrown away. Their constant contact with water, sweat, soap, and humidity causes black mold stains to appear, which start to smell bad.

This is why many decide to throw them away and don’t try to clean them.

However, this will be a thing of the past for you, because we have an infallible trick to clean bath mats. You’ll love the results. Remember to repeat the tip of your choice every week; in this way you’ll keep your mat nice and clean.

Tip 1: Water and mild soap

1. Put on plastic gloves to handle the cleaning products.
2. Choose a container or a basin where your mat will fit. You can also do it in the bathtub, with the plug in.
3. Mix water with neutral soap and put the mat in. It should be well covered with the water.
4. Let the rug stand for a few minutes.
5. In the meantime, prepare a large brush and a toothbrush that you no longer use.
6. After 10 minutes, take the large brush to clean the entire mat, emphasizing the dark areas, where soap and grease have adhered.
7. Then, pass the same brush over the side where the suction cups are.
8. When you see that this brush has done its job, switch to the small one and focus on each suction cup, removing all the black mold.
9. Rinse with plenty of water so that none of what you have removed sticks to your mat again.
10. Let your mat dry thoroughly before placing it in the bathroom again. It’s also best for the bathroom floor to be clean and dry.

Tip 2: Bleach or white vinegar

• In addition to rubber gloves, you should wear protective goggles for your eyes as well as a mask.
• Use a basin or the shower to make the mixture to clean your bath mat.
• Mix clean water and a little bleach. Approximately one teaspoon per 4 liters of water.
• If you’re not a fan of bleach, chlorine, or ammonia, then you can use white vinegar. In this case, the vinegar will need to be in equal parts to the water.
• Soak your mat in this mixture for 15 minutes, or longer if the dirt is quite encrusted.
• In this case, you’ll notice how the mildew and dirt will come off by itself, but you can also use a brush to speed up the process.
• Afterwards, rinse with plenty of water and let your mat dry thoroughly before putting it back in place.

Tip 3: Baking soda

• Remember to wear your rubber gloves to protect your hands. Also, wear a mask and goggles.
• In a bowl, mix water with baking soda to create a paste: 3 tablespoons of baking soda to 1 tablespoon of water.
• Take some of the paste and put it on the stained parts and rub very well. You can use a brush to do this.
• Rinse with water and repeat where necessary.
• If you notice that the stains are very difficult, carefully apply the paste you made and add a splash of white vinegar. Let the reaction occur and then brush and rinse with water.

Tips for washing fabric bathroom mats

Some people prefer to use bath mats made of fabric or different textiles, whose function is to provide comfort. The idea is to step on a warm, dry and soft surface after taking a well-deserved bath.

However, these rugs aren’t immune to the ravages of moisture and also attract dirt, being a focus of bacterial proliferation. However, washing this type of bath mat is much easier.

Here’s how to do it:

• Wash your fabric bath mat every 2 or 3 days.
• Set the washing machine for a hot water cycle and the usual detergent you use for clothes.
• Add a little stain remover.
• Set the wash cycle, depending on the instructions on the mat’s label.
• When finished, hang your mat out to dry naturally, as the dryer could ruin it.
• It will then be ready to be put back in the bathroom again!
• Between uses, if it gets damp, put it out to dry.

Which tip do you prefer most? Well, it’s now time to put it into practice and keep your rugs spotless.