You are washing your bath mat wrong. Here’s what to do.
Your bath mat is hit on a regular basis with the elements. From oils, water, even sweat the poor bath mat gets hit with it all. Unfortunately cleaning the mat often gets overlooked and just doesn’t top peoples priority lists.
Let’s back up- if you are like many people you have a carpeted style bath mat. If that is you, pay attention. These bath mats, often called bath rugs, are the biggest offenders of dirt and even mold. Think about it, the carpet in these bath rugs absorb the moisture which in turn goes nowhere. Settling into the carpet and carpet mat it builds up into potentially harmful bacteria and even mold. While weekly washing on the sanitary cycle and drying can cut back on this, the process itself destroys your rug, quickly breaking down the mat. It is really a lose-lose!
Luckily anti-slip bath mats, true bath mats, do not require a ton of maintenance and can even stop bacteria before it starts. Keep reading to learn how to select the best mat for your bathroom and proper cleaning and washing of your anti-slip bath mat to make sure it lasts.
What to Look for in an Anti-Slip Bath Mats
Not all anti-slip bath mats are created equal. If you don’t have the right type of non-slip bath mat you are still going to run into a gross mold and mildew disaster, potentially even faster then with your bath rug.
Many people think because their bath mat has a drainage hole or small holes throughout then they are all set. Water is draining, what could go wrong- right? WRONG! Sure these little holes can allow water to flow and prevent pooling, but the mildew will still find a way in. The material your bath mat is made from is critical to prevent bacteria build up.
Make sure you choose an anti-slip bath mat that clearly states it is antimicrobial. Jessup Manufacturing offers a wide selection of anti-slip bath mats, all which are antimicrobial. This means the bath mats will not only prevent pooling of water and allow it to drain, but with that little bit of water left behind the material of the bath mat will act as a deterrent to the potential bacteria.
Additional important factors in choosing your anti-slip bath mat can include sizing, esthetic, and traction. For proper sizing make sure you measure your space and account for a drain hole. In some cases a partial mat can suffice, but for elderly and toddlers you will definitely want a full size anti-slip shower mats or bath mat. When it comes to traction consider people will be barefoot and look for a fine grade vinyl option which will provide the best comfort on bare feet and offer the necessary traction to prevent slip and falls when water is present. Lastly, the esthetic of the non-slip bath is important and luckily most companies offer a variety of colors, designs, even varying shapes. From clear bath mats to bright and flashy you should be able to find something to meet your needs.
How to Clean an Anti-Slip Bath Mat
Bathrooms are meant to be a spa-like sanctuary. No matter how big or how small your bathroom may be, keeping it clean and odor free is the first step in creating a spa-like atmosphere. No one wants to smell body odor or see mold building up in a place there are trying to relax and get clean. Making sure you keep your anti-slip bath mat free from dirt and odor is luckily super simple and can be done in a matter of minutes.
How often should you clean your mat?
Depending how many people and how often the shower is in use the answer can vary to this question. For example if you have a single bathroom for a whole family you will be using your bath mat a lot more than a single person. With antimicrobial bath mats like the ones offered by Jessup Manufacturing you can even get away with less cleaning because they are naturally anti-microbial and mold deterring.
How should you clean your mat?
Cleaning an anti-slip bath mat isn’t like a bath rug. Instead of putting it in the washer and dryer, you will want to give it a good scrub. Using a stiff bristled brush is best, and pair that with your favorite tub or tile cleaner. Then gently scrub the mat to remove any unsightly soap scrum or body oil residue. Doing this periodically will ensure the lifespan of the mat and improve its overall esthetic.
Shop Anti-Slip Bath Mats
As a leader in anti-slip adhesives, Jessup Manufacturing has been a leader in anti-slip bath mats for decades. With a wide selection that is both antimicrobial, OSHA compliant, and certified for high traction you can rest assured people will be protected from slip and fall bathroom incidents when using our bath mats.