How to Wash Bathroom Mats for Maximum Freshness

Bathroom mats add warmth,comfort and style to your space while helping prevent slips on wet floors. But beneath their cozy surface, they can trap moisture, dirt and germs, quickly becoming breeding grounds for bacteria, mold, and mildew.

Despite their important role in bathroom safety and hygiene, mats are often overlooked during routine cleaning. If this sounds familiar, your bathroom mat may already be harbouring unpleasant odours and invisible threats that can compromise your health and cleanliness of your bathroom.

That’s why it’s not just important to clean, but also disinfect your bathroom mats regularly. When used as directed, Lysol^® kills 99.99% of viruses and bacteria that detergents leave behind^*, keeping your bathroom environment more hygienic and germ-free.

With the right care and a trusted laundry disinfectant, you can restore your bathroom mats to a fresh, clean condition that looks, feels, and smells like new.

Here’s how to wash bathroom mats to help maintain a cleaner, safer space.

[H3] What you’ll need to get started?

• Lysol^® Laundry Disinfectant - Crisp Linen
• Laundry detergent
• Stain remover (optional)
• Washing machine
• Drying rack or clothesline

Washing bathroom mats

It’s time to freshen up your bathroom mat. Whether you’re using a washing machine or washing by hand, here’s how to clean and disinfect it effectively.

How to wash bathroom mats using washing machine

Step 1: Give it a good shake

Take the bathroom rug or mat outside and give it a good shake, beating it (if necessary) to remove all the dirt, dust, hair, and debris.

Step 2: Check the care label

Read the care label for any specific washing or drying instructions. It will provide valuable cleaning and washing information, such as wash settings, cycles, and water temperature.

Step 3: Treat the stains

Inspect your bathroom mat for any signs of stains. If you find any specific stain, treat it with a specialized stain remover before tossing it in the washer.

Step 4: Load the washing machine

Read the care label and load the washing machine with the bathroom mats or rugs. Preferably, you should also wash some other similar fabrics, such as towels, to keep the machine balanced.

Note: Do not overload the washer. You want the water and detergent to reach every surface easily.

Step 5: Add detergent and select wash cycle 

Add your regular laundry detergent as per the dosage instructions along with Lysol^® Laundry Disinfectant - Crisp Linen. This laundry disinfectant is gentle on fabrics, works even in cold water, and eliminates 99.99% of viruses and bacteria.

Then, select the appropriate wash cycle stated on the mat’s care tag. For mats with water-resistant backing, reduce the washer’s spin speed to prevent cracking and wear and tear.

Adding an extra rinse cycle can also help ensure all soap residue is thoroughly removed.

Step 6: Shake and air dry

After removing the bathroom mat or rug from the washer, give it a good shake to remove wrinkles and creases. Even though some mats or rugs can be machine dry, it is best to air dry them by hanging them on a drying rack or clothesline.

How to wash bathroom mats by hand

After vigorously shaking or beating the mat to remove dirt, hair, and debris, and treating any stains with a stain remover, follow the steps below to hand-wash your bathroom mat effectively.

Step 1: Fill the a container with water

Fill a bathtub, large bucket or a container with warm water. Add the laundry detergent along with Lysol^® Laundry Disinfectant - Crisp Linen.

Step 2: Creating the detergent solution

Mix the laundry detergent and Lysol^® Laundry Disinfectant - Crisp Linen in the water to create a foam bath for your bathroom mat.

Step 3: Submerging the mat or rug

Submerge the entire bath mat in what will become a foam bath for your rug. Rub it gently with your hands, targeting any visibly dirty spots.

Step 4: Rinse the detergent

Once you are confident that your mat is clean, take it out and rinse it with clean, fresh, and cold water thoroughly, until no detergent or residue is left.

Step 5: Hang the bathroom mat to air dry

Hang the bathroom mat on a drying rail or clothesline to air dry to ensure it dries properly and quickly.

^*vs. detergent alone; Always read and follow the label.

FAQs

How often should you wash bath mats?

To help prevent the buildup of germs, bacteria, mold, and mildew, it’s best to wash your bathroom mats at least once a week. Regular cleaning keeps your bathroom safer, fresher, and more hygienic.

Can bathroom mats carry germs even if they look clean?

Yes, bathroom mats can trap moisture, bacteria, mold, and mildew, even if they appear clean. Regular cleaning and disinfecting are essential to help prevent the buildup of germs and maintain a healthier bathroom environment. Remember to include Lysol^® Laundry Disinfectant - Crisp Linen in your laundry routine to eliminate 99.99% of viruses and bacteria that detergents leave behind^*.

What type of detergent is best for washing bathroom mats?

Regular and gentle laundry detergent on the cold settings is ideal for washing bathroom mats effectively without damaging the fabric.

Can I dry my bathroom mat in the dryer?

Yes, some bathroom mats are dryer-safe on low-heat settings. However, for mats with rubber backing, it’s best to air dry them to prevent damage and extend their lifespan.

Why does my bathroom mat still smell after washing?

If your bathroom mat retains an odour after washing, it could be due to trapped moisture or bacteria that weren’t fully removed. Make sure to wash mats thoroughly with a laundry disinfectant, dry them completely, and avoid leaving them damp to prevent lingering smells.