How to Clean a Shower Mat.
Cleaning a shower mat can be an easy task if you know how. Mats can become a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and mildew due to the damp conditions and never really dry out, so it’s important to keep them clean and free of any dirt. This is especially true if your bathroom is often a hot, humid place.
Whether you have a plastic, cloth, or bamboo bath mat, it’s important to clean it regularly to prevent bacteria and mildew. The frequency with which you wash your mat can depend on how many people live in your house. In general, it’s best to clean the mat every two weeks. When it’s dirty, you can either hand-wash it or put it in the washing machine. If you’re not sure whether it’s washable, check the tag on your mat.
To clean a bath mat, begin by laying it flat on the floor of the shower. Use a soft bristle scrub brush to get it clean. Rinse the area with warm water to remove all residue.
After scrubbing it, let it sit in the water for at least 15 minutes. If it still has stubborn stains, let it soak for another 15 minutes or so. Once the stains have been removed, rinse the mat with cold water and hang it to dry.
If the mat is made of fabric, you can also use a laundry detergent that has stain-removing properties. You can add a half cup of baking soda to the wash cycle if you’d like, or you can add Oxi Booster pods. These are designed specifically for sanitizing bath mats and other products, so they’re an excellent choice if you want to make sure that your mat is thoroughly disinfected.
For plastic or fabric mats, you can use a solution of vinegar and Dawn. This will help to get rid of soap scum and prevent the mat from smelling. Vinegar is also inexpensive and easy to find.
Another option is to use diluted bleach. Bleach will work to remove black mold in your shower. However, you should be careful not to spray the area too harshly. While you’re working with the bleach solution then why not clean the bathtub at the same time?
Some cloth mats are machine washable. If they are, follow the care instructions on the label. Other mats, such as bamboo, should be cleaned by hand. A great tool to use when cleaning these mats is a plastic scraper. It’s also helpful to have a clothesline or clothes rack ready for drying.
Fabric shower mats can be cleaned in the wash with a detergent like Persil Bio. Be sure to use the correct setting on your machine. Using a delicate cycle or a cold one is recommended if you have a colorful cloth bath mat.
Cleaning a shower mat can be done with a few simple steps and materials:
- Remove the mat from the shower and shake off any excess water or debris.
- Place the mat in a washing machine with a small amount of detergent and set the machine to a gentle, warm-water cycle.
- Once the cycle is complete, remove the mat from the washing machine and hang it up to dry. Do not put the mat in the dryer.
- Once the mat is dry, you can use a vacuum cleaner or a lint roller to remove any remaining debris.
Tips for Cleaning a Shower Mat:
- Clean the shower mat regularly, like once a week or bi-weekly to keep it hygienic and to prevent mold buildup.
- If the mat has a non-slip bottom, it’s a good idea to turn it over after every use so that the non-slip bottom can dry properly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Can I clean my shower mat with bleach?
It’s not recommended to clean with neat bleach as it can damage the material of the mat, however, you could use it diluted. It’s better to use a detergent with anti-bacterial properties.
-
Can I put the mat in the dryer?
No, putting it in the dryer can cause shrinkage or damage to the mat’s material or non-slip backing.
-
How to clean a rubber shower mat?
Rubber shower mat can be cleaned the same way as described above, but if the mat has built up mildew or mold, you can spray it with a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water, let it sit for 15 minutes, then scrub it with a brush or sponge.
-
Can I Clean my shower mat with just water?
Water alone may not effectively remove all the dirt and grime on a shower mat, using a detergent will give a better cleaning result.