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How clean bath mats is a must-have skill. If not cleaned regularly, bath mats can be a breeding ground for bacteria and other nasties. In this article, we will outline the best way to clean your bath mat so that it remains free of dirt, dust, and other contaminants.
Bath mats can be difficult to clean and should not be washed in a machine. Many take the easier route and throw it out and buy a new mat. But this is not necessary if you follow our simple guide on how to clean bath mats properly:
Contents
Why It’s Important to Clean Bath Mats Regularly?
The frequency with which you should clean your bath mats is determined by how dirty they become. However, if they are stained with mildew or mold, you must act quickly to remove them. These stains can be hazardous to your health.
If you’re unsure how frequently to clean your bath mats, consider cleaning them as soon as they appear dirty. Alternatively, after you’ve just cleaned the bathroom. Bath mats are typically the dirtiest part of the bathroom. They must be cleaned on a regular basis, but because they are small, this is a job that can be completed quickly and easily.
Regardless of how frequently you decide to clean your bath mats. Please do not leave them in standing water or other fluids for an extended period of time. You should not leave them in dirty water between washes.
The dirt and grime will only get deeper into the fibers and fabric. This will make it more difficult to clean them later on properly.
Cleaning Bath Mat Using Common Household Items
1. If you want to try and clean your bath mats yourself, use a few common household items that may help. First, fill a bucket with warm water and pour in 1/4 cup of baking soda for each gallon of water.
Dip a rag in the solution and wring it out. Then, use the rag to wipe down your bath mat, scrubbing any stains or mold with circular motions.
2. Next, fill another bucket with cold water and add 1/4 cup of white vinegar for each gallon of water. Dip your rag in this solution and wring it out. Scrub the bath mat once again with a circular motion. Use a slightly different angle to make sure you cover every corner and surface of the mat.
3. Lastly, rinse your bath mat under warm running water. Allow it to dry before putting it back in place in the bathroom. Some household cleaners work well for bath mats. But you’ll have the best results when using two different cleaners in one step.
How to Deep-Clean a Bath Mat for Tougher Stains?
1. If your bath mat is badly stained or you’re dealing with mold or mildew, try cleaning it with bleach. Start by filling a bucket with warm water and adding 1/2 cup of bleach. Dip a rag or sponge into the solution. Wring it out, then use this to scrub the mat clean, paying special attention to any stains or discoloration.
2. Once you’ve sprayed your bath mat with bleach, let it sit for several minutes. Fill another bucket with warm water and 1/4 cup of baking soda for every gallon of water. Dip your rag in this solution, wring it out, and use it to scrub the bath mat clean again.
3. Rinse away any bleach residue with warm running water. Allow the bath mat to dry before putting it back in place in the bathroom. You may need to repeat the process for particularly stubborn stains or mold. But remember not to allow your bath mat to sit in bleach for too long.
Tips For Keeping Them Looking New And Fresh
Avoid placing bath mats directly on the bathroom floor. This can cause fluids and grime to build up under them over time. Allow your bath mats to dry completely before putting them away.
If you don’t want to leave them in the bathroom, hang them over the shower bar or back of the door to allow for proper air circulation. Store bath mats flat in a dry place to prevent them from getting creased or wrinkled.
Avoid washing your bath mats with other fabrics, as this can cause the threads of the fabric to become entangled and weakened over time. Consider drying your bath mats on low heat if they need to be washed, as high heat can damage or shrink the mat.
More tips on How To Clean Bath Mats
1. Bath mats come in various shapes, sizes, and materials. It’s best to clean them according to the type of fabric they’re made from. Rubberized bath mats can be cleaned with soap and water. Cloth mats can be stuffed in a washing machine along with towels.
2. For some bath mat materials, you may want to avoid using bleach or detergent while cleaning them, as these compounds can make some materials look faded and worn over time. Instead, opt for a solution of vinegar and warm water to clean the mat without damaging it.
3. For bath mats that aren’t machine washable, wipe them down with a disinfecting surface cleaner and sponge to start the cleaning process.
4. You can clean the show curtains by putting them in the washing machine along with towels but remove them beforehand if you plan on washing your bath mat too. Be sure to add laundry detergent to the washing machine according to the amount of water you’re using.
5. For cloth bath mats, use a solution of warm water and vinegar to clean them first before adding detergent, bleach, or any other household cleaners to the mix. This will help kill any mold spores without leaving behind harsh chemicals that break down the fabric’s fibers.
6. Use a sponge or stiff brush to scrub dirt and grime from bath mats, paying special attention to any stains or discoloration. For deeply ingrained dirt, allow your bath mat to soak for several minutes before scrubbing it clean again.
7. Next, fill a bucket with a mixture of warm water, detergent, and vinegar, and allow the bath mat to soak in it for about 30 minutes. Dip a sponge or rag into the solution and use it to scrub the bath mat clean again. Rinse away any residue with warm water before allowing it to dry thoroughly.
8. For cloth mats, add laundry detergent to your washing machine, along with a few towels and a pair of clean tennis shoes to help agitate the fabric during the cleaning process.
9. For particularly stubborn stains or mold, you may need to repeat the process, but be sure not to allow your bath mat to sit in bleach for too long as it can cause irreversible damage.
10. Try hanging bath mats over the shower bar or back of the door to allow for proper air circulation when they’re not in use.
Conclusion
These simple steps will ensure that your bath mat is clean and free from dangerous germs. For particularly stubborn stains or mold, try repeating the process but be careful to use bleach sparingly as it can damage the mat’s fabric.
