Everyone cleans their toilet, bathtub, and shower regularly. However, not many people give the same attention to bathroom rugs.
Since the rug is lying on the floor, it’s easy to forget to wash and clean it. But you need to clean it regularly and properly. Otherwise, the rug will accumulate dust, hair dander, and other pollutants.
Let’s explore how to wash bathroom rugs the right way!
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Wash Bathroom Rugs
Bathroom rugs attract dust, hair, pet dander, and various other pollutants. If your bathroom remains damp, then the wet rug can also attract mold and mildew.
The rug essentially picks up anything that your shoes track in. This is why you need to clean the rugs at least once every 2 to 3 weeks.
Here’s how to wash bathroom rugs:
1. Shake the Rug
The first essential step to clean bathroom rugs and mats is to take them outside and give them a good shake. This will help loosen any dirt particles and debris.
Be prepared to see dust, dirt, dander, and hair fly out of the rug. Alternatively, you can use a vacuum cleaner to clean the rug.
Moreover, if the rug has rubber or plastic backing, you can use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe that off.
2. Inspect the Care Tag
Even though most bathroom rugs are machine-washable, proper care can vary based on material and cleaning methods.
Sticking to appropriate cleaning methods will prolong the life of your bathroom rug. This is why you need to carefully inspect the care tag on your rug.
You will find this tag on the back of the rug. It has all the critical instructions that you need to follow to clean the rug.
It will ensure that you don’t use the wrong cleaning products or washer settings to wash your rug.
3. Wash the Rug
There are two ways in which you can wash your bathroom rugs – machine-washing and hand-washing. The type of method you choose will depend on the material of the rug.
Let’s explore each method in detail:
Washing Bathroom Rugs and Mats in Washing Machine
Here are the bathroom rug materials that can be machine-washed:
- Polyester
- Cotton
- Nylon
- Memory foam
- Chenille
- Plastic
You need to select a hot or warm temperature for polyester, cotton, plastic, and nylon rugs. The high temperature will kill any bacteria and mold.
However, when it comes to a memory foam bath rug, you need to wash it at a cooler temperature. This will help keep the synthetic material intact.
Additionally, don’t use bleaching products on the memory foam rug. They will ruin the material of the rug.
Always select a gentle cycle setting for all bathroom rugs. This setting is vital, particularly for washing large rubber-backed rugs. This is because it keeps the adhesive, slip-resistant exterior from any damage.
If you have an all-plastic bathroom mat, then you can use vinegar to clean it as well. Simply pour ¼ cup of distilled white vinegar with your regular detergent into the machine.
This mixture will help clean and sanitize the mat. You can also add a few drops of tea tree oil into the mix to get rid of any bad odor from your mat.
The pleasant fragrance will also keep your bathroom smelling fresh.
You can also toss your dirty bath towels into the load. This will help prevent your washing machine from off-balancing.
It will eliminate the loud noises that you might otherwise have to hear mid-cycle. Just make sure that you don’t overload the machine.
Washing Microfiber and Chenille Bathmats
Chenille and microfiber bathroom rugs and mats are quite popular due to their quick-drying nature. It’s also because they feel exceptionally soft on the feet. Here’s how you can clean a chenille or microfiber rug:
- Shake it and read the care instructions on the back.
- Put the mat or rug in the washer and don’t overload the machine.
- Use a gentle laundry detergent to clean the mat on a cold setting.
- Tumble dry the clean rug on the lowest heat setting. You can also hang the rug or mat outside to air-dry.
Pro Tip: Don’t dry your chenille or microfiber bathroom rugs with other fabrics, particularly towels. This is because these rugs will pick up lint and won’t dry as quickly.
Washing Plastic or Rubber-Backed Bathmats
Plastic or rubber-backed bathroom rugs and mats are quite popular. They can be made with a wide range of materials, such as nylon and cotton. This is why you must read the care tag before washing your plastic-backed rugs.
Here’s how you can wash plastic or rubber-backed rugs:
- Inspect the underside of your rug to ensure that the backing isn’t peeling or cracked. If it is, then you need to get a new mat. Otherwise, the little peeling pieces will come off in your washer or dryer. They might even cause clogs and consequent damage to your machine.
- Put the rugs in the washer and don’t overload the machine.
- Use a mild laundry detergent to wash the rugs on a cold setting.
- Tumble dry the rugs on the lowest setting or hang them out to air-dry.
Pro Tip: Don’t use heat when drying rubber or plastic-backed bathroom rugs and mats. The heat can cause the backing to crack, peel, or even melt.
How to Hand-Wash Bathroom Rugs
Materials that can only be hand-washed include jute, bamboo, and other natural fibers. Hand-washing a bathroom rug or mat helps maintain its material and extends its lifetime.
Before hand-washing your bathroom rugs, you need to wear some rubber gloves.
Depending on the size of the rug, fill a large tub or your kitchen sink with warm water. Mix a few tablespoons of laundry detergent into the water.
If you’re cleaning inside your house, then make sure to lay down a towel or plastic drop cloth. This will protect your floors from potential water damage.
Put the bathroom rug or mat into the sink. Gently scrub the rug with a sponge. Empty the tub or sink and rise the rug with cool water until the soapy water completely washes away.
For bathroom rugs that are made with natural fibers or bamboo, don’t soak them entirely. Instead, prepare a bucket of warm, soapy water. Dip a sponge into the mixture and then clean the dirt and grime off of your rug.
4. Dry the Rug
Drying a bathroom rug is quite simple. If you can machine-wash a certain rug, then it’s quite likely that you can machine-dry it as well.
But always read the care tag to double-check. Memory foam rugs can’t be tumble-dried at all.
With that said, you can machine or tumble-dry a wide variety of bathroom rugs and mats on a cooler temperature setting. This will prevent your mat from shrinking, particularly if it’s cotton.
Alternatively, you can choose the hang-drying method to dry your bathroom mats. Bathroom rugs and mats with a plastic underside need to be hang-dried. This is to prevent the underside from melting in the drier.
To dry the clean bathroom rug or mat, simply hang it on an appropriate surface. You can hang it over a shower rod, drying rack, or even a clothesline outside your house.
Just make sure that the spot you choose is away from direct sunlight. Otherwise, the harsh sun rays can discolor certain rugs.
Once the rug has dried completely, you can put it in its original spot.
How Often Should You Wash Your Bathroom Rug?
Your bathroom rugs are a sweet haven for all sorts of bacteria, mildew, and fungi. This is because these pollutants and contaminants thrive on warm, humid surfaces.
Certainly, the last thing that you want is to put your clean feet onto a cesspool of microorganisms. This is why you must wash your bathroom rugs frequently.
The regularity with which you wash your bathroom rugs depends entirely on your specific household.
If your bathroom rug or mat is always wet or you have kids who play a lot of sports, then you must wash your rug weekly.
Alternatively, if your house only has two to three residents who only shower once a day, you can get away with washing your bathroom rug every two to three weeks.
Tips on Buying a Good Bathroom Rug
Want to replace your old bathroom rug with a new one? Here are some tips that will help you select the right bathroom rug material:
- Cotton bathroom rugs are inarguably cozy and are machine-washable. However, they are on the thin side. This makes them more vulnerable to wear and tear in the long run. They will eventually deteriorate due to the wet bathroom floor.
- Bamboo mats are certainly more durable than cotton mats. However, they are not as comfortable as their cotton counterparts.
- For your common bathroom, you can invest in nylon and polyester bathroom rugs. They are durable and slip-resistant. This means that they will last longer and prevent accidental falls as well.
Bathroom rugs need to be washed correctly and regularly. If you don’t wash your rugs, they will accumulate dust, dirt, hair, bacteria, mold, etc.
Depending on the material, you can either machine-wash or hand-wash your bathroom rug. Similarly, you can use a machine dryer to dry the rug or hang-dry it.
To wash and dry your bathroom rug correctly, always read the care tag on the back of your rug.
When to Replace Bathroom Rugs
Replacing bathroom rugs is essential to maintain a clean and comfortable environment in your bathroom.
It’s important to inspect your rugs regularly and be aware of the signs that it’s time to replace them:
- Wear and tear: Bathroom rugs undergo daily use and endure frequent contact with moisture. The constant wet and dry cycles can cause them to deteriorate over time. Look for thin or threadbare patches, as well as any holes or fraying edges that may indicate your rug has seen better days.
- Cracked or peeling backing: The rubber or latex backing on bathroom rugs provides a non-slip surface to keep you safe. However, this backing can become cracked or start peeling over time due to exposure to water and humidity. This is not only unsightly but could also be a safety hazard, as it can no longer offer the proper grip on the floor. If you notice any damage to the backing of your rug, it’s time for a replacement.
- Odors: Persistent musty or mildewy smells can sometimes be eliminated by properly washing your bathroom rug. However, if the odor persists even after a thorough cleaning, it might be a sign that the rug has become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. This can worsen allergies and affect your health, so it’s best to replace the rug in such cases.
- Stains: While regular washing can help remove most stains, some can be stubborn or even impossible to eliminate. This might be due to certain types of substances or simply age. A rug with persistent stains can detract from the overall cleanliness and appearance of your bathroom, so consider replacing it for aesthetic reasons.
- Appliance upgrades: If you decide to renovate your bathroom or upgrade your appliances, your existing rugs may no longer match the new design or color scheme. In this case, it’s a good opportunity to replace them with rugs that better complement your updated space.
Remember that routinely washing and caring for your bathroom rugs will help prolong their lifespan.
Ultimately, paying attention to the condition of your rugs and replacing them when necessary will contribute to a cleaner and more inviting bathroom for you and your guests.
Frequently Asked Questions
What setting should I use to wash bathroom rugs?
When washing bathroom rugs, it is essential to check the care tags for specific instructions.
Generally, use cold or warm water and a gentle cycle to prevent damage to the fabric and rubber backing. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners, as they can damage your rug.
Is it possible to wash bath mats in a front loader?
Yes, you can wash bath mats in a front-loading washing machine. Before washing, shake off any excess debris and ensure the rug is compatible with your machine.
Use a gentle cycle and appropriate detergent for the best results.
Can I wash a rubber bath mat in the washing machine?
Most rubber bath mats can be washed in the washing machine, but check the care label for specific instructions.
Be cautious with rubber-backed rugs, as damaged or cracked backing can worsen in the wash. Consider replacing the mat if the backing is in poor condition.
How can I wash bathroom rugs with towels?
Washing bathroom rugs with towels is possible, but keep the following in mind:
- Use only towels of similar color to prevent color bleeding.
- Ensure the towels have similar fabric weight to avoid uneven wear and tear on your rugs.
- Do not overfill your washing machine, as this can cause the rug’s rubber backing to deteriorate.
What is the best drying method for rubber-backed rugs?
Air-drying is the preferred method for rubber-backed rugs, as it lessens the risk of damaging the backing. Avoid direct sunlight, which can fade the rug’s color.
If you must use a dryer, opt for low heat and check the care label for restrictions.
How often do I need to wash bathroom rugs?
The frequency depends on the rug’s exposure to moisture and use. For heavily trafficked bathrooms or rugs exposed to post-shower moisture, consider washing them at least once a week.
For guest bathrooms or powder rooms, you can wash them less frequently. Regular washing helps prevent the buildup of bacteria, mold, and mildew.
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