The Easiest Way to Wash Bath Mats

When was the last time you washed your bath mats?

Whether they’re laying in front of your sink or next to your tub, the mats in your bathroom spend a lot of time in one of the germiest locations in your house. Bath mats are such a high-traffic germ hotspot that it’s actually recommended you clean them at least once a week.

The good news is, ridding all of those germs and messes from your bath mats isn’t hard, even if you don’t have a washing machine. Here are the easiest ways to wash bath mats, by hand and in the washer.

How to Wash Bath Mats By Hand

Wash bath mats by hand if you don’t have a washing machine nearby, or if the mat is made of a fragile material that won’t survive a machine wash.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Spray bottle;
• White vinegar;
• Dish soap;
• Cloth;
• Brush;
• Detergent.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Take the bath mat outside and shake out any clinging dust or debris.
2. Mix a cleaning solution in a spray bottle that is one part water, one part white vinegar and one to three tablespoons of dish soap.
3. Spray your cleaning solution directly onto any stains or discolored spots.
4. Let the spray settle for a minute, then scrub those spots with a cloth or a bristle brush.
5. Next, fill your (clean) bathtub with at least half a foot of water and pour in a few tablespoons of detergent.
6. Place your mat in the tub and scrub it with a sponge.
7. Rinse the mat until all soap residue is gone.
8. Hang the mat outside to dry.

Bonus: If you’d rather not wash bath mats every other day, this stone bath mat is just what you need.

How to Clean a Bath Mat In Your Washing Machine

You can definitely use your washing machine if the bath mat is made from a semi-durable material. Depending on the machine, you can wash the mat by itself or with other items. Check your owner’s manual first. The main thing is, the load needs to be balanced so it spins dry properly.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Take the bath mat outside and shake out any clinging dust or debris.
2. Place bath mat in the laundry machine with a gentle detergent.
3. Wash on the cold setting.

If you’re in a rush, bath mats made of microfiber and chenille can be machine dried. Most of the time, though, it’s better for bath mats if they are just air-dried, especially if they have any sort of plastic or rubber backing.