Washing a bath mat: this is how you do it safely and effectively
- , through Inge | Bath&Living
- 9 min read
There are countless different bath mats in terms of material, thickness, and style. Some bath mats are primarily used as decoration, others as step-out mats next to the shower, and yet others are placed near the toilet for extra comfort.
You will also find all kinds in our range bath mats from various brands: Blomus, Vandyck, and especially Aquanova. Since there are so many different types, how do you know how to wash your bath mat safely and effectively?
A soft hotel bath mat like the Vandyck Ranger or the Aquanova London might seem easier to wash than a thick, stylish bath mat. But it's important to wash any bath mat regularly, even those with a more complex design, as dirt can get trapped between the thick pile.
We're happy to help you determine how often you should wash your bath mat and the best way to wash, dry, and maintain it. You want to get the most out of your bath mat and keep it looking its best.
General tips for washing bath mats
All bath mats in our range are machine washable. Most at 30 degrees Celsius, some at 40 degrees Celsius, and a few even at 60 degrees Celsius. To ensure your bath mat lasts as long as possible and stays looking its best, we're happy to give you some tips on washing it.
The most important tip is: check the care label on your bath mat before washing and using it. The maximum temperature and other washing instructions are carefully compiled based on the materials and techniques used in the bath mat's production. Therefore, it's important to follow these instructions.
The second tip is about how to put your bath mat in the washing machine. Wash your bath mat with similar colors and don't overload the drum. A full washing machine is more likely to damage the textile fibers.
Third, use a large laundry bag. While not required for every bath mat, we recommend it for all. Putting a bath mat in a laundry bag isn't necessarily extra work, but it can really help reduce wear and tear. It also prevents dirt and lint from getting into your washing machine. You can easily remove these from the bag after washing.
How often should you wash a bath mat?
We all know that textiles, including bath mats, wear out a little with every wash. cotton bath mat will this be anything more than a bath mat polyester or acrylicBut have you ever considered what moisture, soap residue, dandruff, and loose hair do to a bath mat? A bath mat is located in a room you frequently visit every day; either the bathroom or the toilet. A bath mat has to endure a lot in these spaces. Multiple wet feet, a daily mist of hairspray, the occasional dose of body lotion, and hair that falls out when combed.
It's important to wash these moisture and dirt residues out of the bath mat before they have a chance to damage the fabric fibers. This will cause your bath mat to wear out more than a regular wash. And you naturally want to prevent your bath mat from becoming a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and mold.That's why it's important to wash your bath mat regularly. This is not only hygienic but also ensures your bath mat lasts longer.
How often you should wash your bath mat depends on factors such as how intensively you use it, how often it gets wet, the size of your household, and how full the bath mat is. The fuller the bath mat, the more water it absorbs during washing and the longer it stays wet.
Do you live with four or more people, does your bath mat get wet daily, do you apply your hair and skincare products on or near it, and do you wear shoes on it? Then we recommend washing your bath mat once a week.
Is your bath mat in a place where it's not frequently walked on (certainly not with shoes), where it generally stays dry (so not right next to the shower or bathtub), and do you avoid using hairspray while standing on it? Then washing it less often is sufficient, especially for a full bath mat with a high pile. However, always keep in mind that a bathroom is a humid environment, and your bath mat benefits from regular washing. Below, you can read what you can do between washes to maintain the freshness of your bath mat.
Which wash program do you choose?
Not sure which program to use for your bath mat? You can generally use a normal or delicate cycle on your washing machine for all bath mats, as long as you follow the correct temperature as indicated on the care label. A thin, 100% cotton bath mat, like the Aquanova London bath mat, can also be washed on a cotton cycle, along with towels in a similar color.
Tips for drying your bath mat
Excessive moisture can damage textile fibers. Therefore, it's important to dry your bath mat thoroughly. Most of the bath mats in our range are tumble-dried, but only at a low temperature. This is primarily to protect the textile fibers as much as possible, but the anti-slip layer underneath a bath mat often can't withstand high temperatures. If the care label doesn't specify that your bath mat should be tumble-dried, let it air dry by placing it horizontally on a drying rack.
If your bath mat's care instructions indicate it can be tumble-dried, it's recommended to do so to ensure it dries as quickly as possible. Drying it horizontally on a drying rack is also an option, but will likely take longer. You also want to avoid excessive moisture retention on your bath mat.
Even if your bath mat gets very wet between washes, it's recommended to lay it horizontally on a drying rack, preferably outside, but out of direct sunlight. This allows the bath mat to air out more and dry faster.
Tips for maintaining your bath mat
We also have some tips for keeping your bath mat as well-maintained as possible between washes. We always recommend putting any bath mat outside for a short time every week for optimal ventilation. Because whether or not you stand on your bath mat with wet feet, every bathroom is a humid place. And as mentioned, moisture contributes to the wear and tear of your bath mat.
There are bath mats that you can vacuum with a smooth attachment and your vacuum cleaner on the lowest setting.But beware: this isn't good for most bath mats, and we absolutely don't recommend it. It can cause the threads or loops to come loose. A better option is to gently shake the bath mat out every now and then to remove loose dirt. However, this won't actually clean your bath mat. For that, you'll need to put it in the washing machine.
Checklist for washing a bath mat
- Read washing instructions carefully
- Gently shake out the bath mat to remove loose dirt
- Place a large laundry bag around the bath mat
- Place the bath mat alone or with a few towels of the same colour in the washing machine.
- Select washing program: normal, delicate or cotton
- Set the temperature as indicated in the washing instructions.
- Add a little mild washing powder - no fabric softener or other cleaners
- End of program? Remove the bath mat from the washing machine immediately.
- If possible, put the bath mat in the dryer on a low temperature or place it horizontally on a drying rack.