Bath Rug Slipping? Try This Easy Solution.
One of the most common problems people have in their bathroom is slipping bath rugs. It is so annoying! But a lot more than annoying, it can be a serious safety hazard too.
Bathrooms are the #1 location for slip and fall accidents in the home. This can often be caused by that slipping bath mat. Coming out of the shower, expecting to get the traction you need and the bath mat moves just so making you lose your balance and slip. Luckily, there is a simple solution for those pesky slippery bath rugs- switching over to a non-slip bath mat.
You might be asking yourself, what’s the difference between the two? A lot, actually. Keep reading to learn more.
The Basics of a Bath Rug
Before we dive into the fix, it’s good to understand the common bath rug. Often people purchase them because they can tie together decor and create a focal point for their bathroom. And while they can serve nicely as an aesthetic item, they perform poorly in actually preventing slip and fall accidents. Actually, quite the contrary. They commonly cause more harm than good.
SLIPS & TRIPS
While a bare bathroom floor is a sure-fire way to slip, a bath rug comes with its own set of disadvantages. Bath rugs oftentimes don’t have the rubber backing required to stay put and if they do it quickly deteriorates when you wash them. This added movement can create another slip and fall hazard in the bathroom.
MOLD & MILDEW
A big complaint that comes with bath rugs is the fact that they quickly harbor mold and mildew. Due to the nature of the pile construction and the amount of water they see, the bath rug can simply not keep up and generally doesn’t come with a mold barrier or mildew resistance. If you do choose a bath rug make sure you are cleaning it at least weekly and inspecting it for signs of mold and mildew.
Why Bath Mats Are Better Then Bath Rugs
A non-slip bath mat comes in to provide the slip and fall protection that a typical bath rug lacks- and then some.
Bath mats offer the added traction for your bare feet and the suction to the floor necessary to keep people safe. Their ability to soak up excess water in the bathroom while still being able to provide traction comfortable to bare feet make them an excellent choice for bathroom floors and even in tubs and showers. A bonus is a microbial bath mat, like the ones offered by Jessup Manufacturing. This type of bath mat is also able to keep mold and mildew at bay, even in the wettest conditions.
What to Look For in a Non-Slip Bath Mat
When shopping for a non-slip bath mat you will want to keep a few things in mind.
Traction
The most important consideration is safety and that starts with traction control. Having a non-slip bath mat that provides the necessary traction while also being comfortable on bare feet is important. Look for grit that is fine and preferably a vinyl bath mat. This will ensure you get an adequate level of traction while still enjoying how the bath mat feels.
Pro Tip: Another term for traction is level of coefficient.
Sizing
The standard bath mat is 20 x 30 inches. However, your location might require longer, shorter, or certain cut-outs. That is why non-slip bath mats come in all shapes and sizes. Unlike bath rugs, non-slip bath mats are excellent in the bath and shower, so sizes greatly vary. If you are using it in the tub/shower make sure to account for your drain and the length of the tub.
Mold and Mildew
With the amount of water these rugs and mats see, mold and mildew is a common problems. Even with frequent washing and cleaning, they are highly susceptible to harbor mold and mildew in their environment.
Look for a non-slip bath mat that labels itself as “antimicrobial”. This ensures it can prevent mold and mildew for the long haul.
Compliance
Not all non-slip bath mats are the same when it comes to safety. Depending on the people using your bathroom, you might want to make sure your non-slip bath mat meets additional compliance and safety regulations. Non-slip bath mats can carry certifications or meet standards set forth by organizations often including Prop 65, ADA, NFSI High Traction, and OSHA certified.
Shop Non-Slip Bath Mats
If you are ready to get rid of your slipping bath rug, consider purchasing a non-slip bath mat. Jessup Manufacturing is a leader in non-slip adhesives and provides a large selection of non-slip bath mats in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes. All our bath mats meet standards set forth by Prop 65, ADA, and OSHA. These bath mats are all certified for high traction for the NFSI and antimicrobial.
Visit our website to shop our selection today.
