How to Wash Bath Mats

Why Bath Mats Need Regular Washing

Bath mats sit on a damp floor and absorb water, dead skin cells, and bacteria every single day. Studies have found that bath mats can harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat if not washed regularly. They're also a common source of mold and mildew in bathrooms. Washing them regularly is one of the most impactful hygiene habits you can adopt.

How Often Should You Wash Bath Mats?

• Standard household use: Every 1–2 weeks
• High-traffic bathrooms or multiple users: Weekly
• After illness: Immediately
• If the mat smells or looks discolored: Wash immediately regardless of schedule

Washing by Bath Mat Type

Cotton Bath Mats (Most Common)

• Machine wash on a warm or hot cycle — hot water kills bacteria and mold spores most effectively
• Use regular liquid detergent
• Add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to the rinse cycle for extra germ-killing power
• Tumble dry on medium heat or air dry — make sure completely dry before returning to the bathroom
• Wash separately from clothing to prevent lint transfer

Memory Foam Bath Mats

• Check the care label — many memory foam mats are not machine washable
• If machine washable: gentle cycle, cold water, no spin or low spin
• If not machine washable: hand wash in a bathtub with mild detergent and cool water
• Never put memory foam in the dryer — air dry flat in a well-ventilated area
• Allow 24–48 hours to dry completely — memory foam holds moisture deep inside

Rubber-Backed Bath Mats

• Machine wash on a gentle cycle with warm water
• Avoid hot water and high heat drying — heat degrades rubber backing and causes it to crack and peel
• Air dry or tumble dry on low heat only
• Check the rubber backing regularly — replace when it starts to crack or peel, as degraded rubber can stain floors

How to Remove Mold and Mildew from Bath Mats

• For cotton mats: wash on hot with 1 cup of white vinegar added to the wash cycle, then add Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to the rinse
• For rubber-backed mats: scrub visible mold with a brush and diluted white vinegar solution before machine washing
• Dry completely in sunlight if possible — UV light kills mold spores naturally

Quick Tips for Bath Mat Hygiene

• Hang bath mats to dry after every use — never leave flat on the floor while damp
• Use a towel hook or bar to hang the mat between uses for airflow
• Rotate between two bath mats so one is always clean and dry
• Replace bath mats every 1–2 years — fibers and rubber backing degrade over time

Recommended Products

• Lysol Laundry Sanitizer — kills 99.9% of bacteria and mold spores in every wash
• Iberia White Vinegar — natural mold and mildew treatment for bath mats
• Stainless Steel Towel Bar + Hooks Set — hang bath mats to dry properly between uses