How To Wash Bath Mats The Right Way
Yes, you read that right. There is an art to correctly washing bath mats. And today, we’re gonna teach you how to wash bath mats. We rely on these mats to keep our feet from touching the cold floor after a warm bath or shower and to prevent us from slipping with wet feet. Knowing how to wash bathroom rugs properly means we can always enjoy having them.
How to Wash Bath Mats & Rugs
Check Care Instructions
Before the first washing of any item, it is important to begin by reading the washing instructions. These tend to vary based on the mat’s material type, whether there is backing and its color.
Select the Best Washing Machine Setting
You should understand the various settings on your washer and dryer, as this will determine whether the cycle uses hot water or cold water. Many washers these days clearly label each setting and some even have a towel setting which is gentle enough to keep your towels and mats fluffy while also being clean. If there is no easily identifiable setting that relates to the mats, based on the fabric you may want to choose a delicate or normal setting.
When to machine wash your bathroom rugs? Some rugs such as plastic or rubber-backed mats are not machine washable. The rubber backing can melt with machine drying. If your rugs cannot go into the washing machine, not to worry. Using warm water for white rugs to keep them vibrant or cold water for dark colors to prevent running, along with a little laundry detergent, can do the trick.
Use Appropriate Cleaning Materials
Speaking of laundry soap, with so many options on the market, picking the right one can seem overwhelming. Gentle detergents and fabric softeners are best to use as they are less harsh on both the fabric and your own skin. If you are prone to allergies, you’ll want to take this one step further and purchase a fragrance-free, dye-free brand as it’s less likely to irritate the skin. Some mats may recommend a specific type of soap on the instructions, though the brand will be up to you.
Dry Rug Thoroughly
Be sure to allow the bathroom rug to completely dry before using it again. If you don’t have a dryer with a tumble dry low setting, allow the mat to air dry fully, which may take some time depending on its thickness. To avoid having to use one that’s damp, you may want to have a backup rug to be able to switch to in the meantime.
When to Wash Bathroom Rugs
Bathroom rugs and bath towels should be washed beginning the moment they enter your home. Many people may not think about washing them right away, or even if they do, may not feel it’s important because the only body part that touches them is their feet. You should, however, be consistently washing bath mats for a number of reasons.
- In transit, many times, the rugs are packaged in materials or boxes that can leave a chemical residue.
- Depending on the fabric, many bath rugs collect dirt particles over time as they get trapped between the fabric.
- They also tend to hold in all the moisture that drips off your body after a shower, which can lead to mold or mildew growth. (We know that sounds pretty disgusting, but want you to know it’s highly possible.)
Weekly washings in your washing machine can help ensure the highest level of cleanliness, though washing bath mats at least bi-monthly should be the minimum. A good way to remember when they’re in need of cleaning is to wash your mats and rugs any time you wash your bathroom. Be sure to not put rubber backed rugs in the washer or dryer. See our full cleaning checklist for more info.
Where to Turn for Help Washing Bath Mats
Your free time is valuable, and services like Upstairs Downstairs Cleaning provide customers with dependable and trustworthy maid services that take care of the bathroom cleaning for you. If you live in the Chicago suburbs like Arlington Heights, Elmhurst, Palatine, Buffalo Grove or Wheeling and have limited time or are first learning how to clean, then recurring housekeeping will help you dazzle your guests without the stress.
However, if you prefer doing your own housekeeping, be sure to check out these 10 best housekeeping books we’ve put together for you. These books will teach you most of the things you need to know to spark joy back into your home.
If you’ve just purchased new bathroom rugs, you’ll want to follow these instructions on how to clean bathroom rugs, carefully:
- Check Care Instructions
- Select the Best Washing Machine Setting
- Use Appropriate Cleaning Materials
- Dry Rug Thoroughly
- Wash Frequently
- Seek Help if Needed
Proper care for your bath mats is not only good hygiene but will ensure your bath mats are gleaming for a long time.
