How to Wash a Bath Mat—and How Often You Should

If there’s one thing in your bathroom that probably needs cleaning, it’s your bath mat. Easy to overlook but frequently used, bath mats can get very dirty. After all, you use them every single day, so it’s not surprising they can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Fortunately, most bath mats can be cleaned easily in the washing machine, so keeping them fresh isn’t a labor-intensive chore. We turned to a fabric care specialist to find out how often you should be cleaning your bath mat and how to ensure a deep, effective clean.

Materials Needed

• Washing machine
• Drying rack or clothesline
• Good quality, deep-cleaning detergent
• Odor-fighting fabric rinse (optional)
  

Instructions

Ready to give your bath mats a thorough, deep clean? Follow the tried and true method of Sammy Wang, fabric care senior specialist at P&G, below.

1. Begin by reading your bath mat’s care instructions to make sure it is machine washable. Most are, but it’s important to check to avoid damaging your bath mat.
2. Vacuum or shake out any loose dirt, hair, or debris. This helps keep your washing machine’s filter clean.
3. Load your bath mat and other similar items into the washer, or you can wash the bath mat in a load on its own.
4. Use a deep cleansing detergent to help remove stubborn odors and build-up.
5. Add your fabric rinse to the fabric softener compartment, then activate the softener/rinse cycle. This will dispense the product during the rinse cycle so it doesn’t interfere with the detergent’s wash cycle.
6. Choose a setting with a relatively high spin speed to help remove excess water, making the bath mat easier to dry.

How to Dry a Bath Mat

Most, but not all, bath mats can be tumble-dried. Some have rubber backing that can’t withstand the heat of standard dryers, though just because a mat has a rubber back does not mean it isn’t dryer-safe.

“Always be sure to check your bath mat’s care instructions before drying, but many can be machine-dried,” says Wang. If your bath mat can be machine-dried, place it into the dryer. Use an optional dryer sheet to help cut down on static. As always, refer to the care instructions for the correct dryer setting.

If your bath mat cannot be machine-dried or you simply prefer not to use the dryer, hang it to dry on a clothesline or drying rack.

How Often You Should Wash Your Bath Mat

How often you need to wash your bath mat really depends on how often it gets used. "In general, you should wash bath mats every month or so, or when you notice signs of dirtiness, like visible stains or odor," says Wang. You can also shake out any loose dirt or debris or vacuum your bath mat to keep it looking fresh between washings.