How to wash a bath mat properly – professional cleaners share their tips

Bath mats are one of those things we often ignore. Given that we stand on them fresh out of the shower when we are clean, we likely don't think about just how dirty these things can get.

It turns out that they are actually one of the dirtiest things in a bathroom, and professional cleaners are urging us to brush up on how to wash a bath mat when cleaning a bathroom to help keep our wash space sanitary.

Here, the experts break down how to wash a bath mat properly to prevent mold and bacteria from contaminating your space.

How to wash a bath mat

Knowing how often you should clean a bath mat, and how to do it correctly, is essential for getting rid of the musty smells in a bathroom that stem from bacterial growth and mold.

Your bath mat may have its own cleaning instructions, such as a specific wash cycle or water temperature. Before diving into washing, take note of the laundry symbols and follow instructions to keep your mat looking its best.

1. Throw bath mats in the washing machine

Washing a bath mat in the washing machine is the quickest and easiest approach to freshening up bathroom rugs.

James King, cleaning expert and operations manager at Deluxe Maid says, ‘Whether you plan to throw your bath mats in the washing machine or hand wash them, shaking them off first helps remove loose dirt.

'For shaggy piles or those with deep textures, you can also try quickly vacuuming them. I like to sprinkle baking soda all over the surface to help deodorize. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, then vacuum or shake.' Arm & Hammer's Pure Baking Soda, from Walmart, is a great choice for this step, as baking soda is great for deodorizing and making your home smell nice.

‘I usually go for Tide Original Liquid Detergent, available at Walmart, and choose the gentle or delicate cycle, and wash them in cold water. If you choose hot, bath mats might shrink or fade, especially if they’re on the colorful side. Skip the bleach and fabric conditioner, which can change their absorbency over time.’

When doing laundry, it is best to wash bath mats separately from clothing, towels and linens to prevent damaging delicate fibers.

2. Wash bath mats by hand

If your bath mat is not safe for machine washing, hand washing is your next best bet.

Rocky Vuong, cleaning expert and founder of Neatbrite, Dallas, also suggests starting by shaking out loose debris. Then, ‘pre-treat any stains with a mild detergent solution [such as Tide Free & Gentle Detergent, at Walmart].

‘Fill a bathtub or large sink with warm water and a small amount of gentle detergent. Submerge the bath mat and let it soak for 15-30 minutes. Gently scrub any stained areas with a soft-bristled brush, such as an old, clean toothbrush.

‘Finish by draining the soapy water and rinse the bath mat thoroughly with clean water until all soap residue is removed. Gently squeeze out excess water and hang the bath mat to dry completely.’

3. Use white vinegar to beat musty smells

If your bath mat still smells musty after washing, consider using white vinegar in laundry to help beat tough odors.

Rocky Vuong, cleaning expert, says, ‘For stubborn odors, try adding a cup of distilled white vinegar to the final rinse cycle to kill bacteria and eliminate odors.’

How to know when to wash a bath mat

Similarly to washing towels, it is pretty obvious when you need to wash a bath mat.

Cleaning expert James King explains, ‘If you can see any dirt, stains, or spills on the mat, it's a good sign that it needs a wash. These marks can come from regular use or accidental spills. Next, if your bath mat is starting to smell, it could be due to bacteria, mold, or mildew. If it starts feeling stiff or crunchy, it could mean there’s a build-up of soap or bacteria.

‘If your bath mat always feels wet, it’s time to wash it,’ James adds. ‘And if you see any weird discoloration, like dark spots or yellowing, it could be mold or mineral buildup.

‘When you’re in the market to shop for a new one, cotton takes the crown, and for a good reason. Considering the moisture factor in the bathroom, cotton proves to be the best material. It's impressively durable, and with the right thickness, it'll dry out quickly.’

Not allowing your bath mat to dry properly is one of the biggest unhygienic bathroom mistakes to avoid. Always allow your bath mat to dry fully before using it again. If it's safe for the dryer, use a low heat setting. Otherwise, reap the benefits of air-drying it outside (away from direct sunlight to prevent fading) or in a well-ventilated indoor space. Once dry, you may want to give your bath mat another good shake or fluff to restore its plush feel.