How to wash bathroom mats the right way, according to cleaning pros

Bath mats endure daily abuse. Damp feet, soap residue and humidity create the perfect environment for bacteria, mold and odors. Even when they look clean, mats can trap dirt and microbes that contribute to allergens and unpleasant smells. So it's important to know how to wash a bath mat properly — and how frequently to do it (hint, hint: It's more often than you think!).
We spoke with four cleaning professionals and relied on our experience testing bathroom mats and laundry detergents to outline easy tips and tricks for cleaning these rugs in the washing machine or by hand. While you may be surprised at how frequently you need to wash your bath mat, this task is by no means cumbersome and can be easily adapted to whatever cleaning supplies and appliances you have on hand.

How often to wash a bath mat

"Depending on the number of people in your household, washing your bath mat every one to two weeks helps prevent mildew and bacteria due to humidity in the bathroom," says Georgette Mintz , a technical trainer at MaidPro . This is especially important for bathrooms with limited ventilation, adds Rozalyn Early, director of housekeeping at Conrad New York Downtown . 

• Main bathrooms:Fabric mats should be washed at least once per week, while rubber-backed mats can be cleaned every other week if they stay relatively dry, or weekly if they tend to remain damp. High foot traffic and constant exposure to moisture create an ideal environment for bacteria and mildew, so adjusting frequency based on mat type and drying conditions helps maintain hygiene and freshness.

• Guest bathrooms:Wash before and after guests visit, or at least once a month for mats that see infrequent use. Even occasional use can introduce dirt and moisture, so cleaning helps keep the mat hygienic for your visitors.

Identify your bath mat type

Bath mats come in different styles and materials, and cleaning methods vary accordingly, says Sofia Martinez, CEO of Sparkly Maid Austin .

• Fabric bath matscan usually be cleaned in a washing machine on a gentle cycle with warm water and mild soap.

• Rubber-backed bath matsshould be washed gently in cool or warm water and always air-dried, as heat from a dryer can melt the rubber backing.

• Memory foam bath matsshould be hand-washed in cold water with mild soap and laid flat to air dry. Heat from a dryer can cause them to lose shape.

How to pre-treat a bath mat

While you don't have to pre-treat, doing this extra step helps remove stains and neutralize stubborn odors without damaging the fibers during power cycles that rely on high agitation, says Alicia Sokolowski, co‑CEO of Aspen Clean .

• General odors:Sprinkle about 2–3 tablespoons of baking soda over the mat for 10 to 30 minutes, then shake or vacuum lightly before washing. You can also add ½ cup white vinegar to the washer's cycle to help deodorize.

• Persistent musty smells:For mats with lingering odors, wash on a gentle or warm cycle twice — first with ½ cup vinegar, then again with detergent and ½ cup baking soda.

• Stains:Apply about 1–2 teaspoons of vinegar or a small dab of mild stain remover directly onto the affected area before washing. For tougher spots, let the solution sit for an hour or more before running a gentle wash cycle.

How to wash a bath mat in a washing machine

It goes without saying that before you start cleaning your mat with gusto, check the brand's washing and drying instructions to help it stay in good condition. After you confirm the mat is machine-washable, choose a the appropriate cycle and water temperature laundry detergent . 

A quick note on other laundry products you may be inclined to add to your wash. "Avoid fabric softener, as it can reduce absorbency and damage the non-slip backing," says Early. Just stick to plain old laundry detergent, and you'll be all set!

How to wash a bath mat by hand

Shake it out

Hand-washing can prolong the life of rubber-backed bath mats and is often required for those made of memory foam. First things first: "Shake the bath mat to remove any debris," says Mintz. You may want to do this outside, so dirt and hair don't find a new home elsewhere in your bathroom.

Soak with detergent

Once you've loosened debris from your mat, it's time to tackle the rest. Fill your tub with warm water and a small amount of mild detergent. Use your hands to gently rub the soapy water into the material, focusing on high-trafficked areas. If you need to fight tough stains or odors, Early recommends adding an oxygen-based cleaner during the soaking process. 

Rinse thoroughly

When you've covered enough ground (er, mat) use cold water to rinse away the laundry detergent. Remove all the remaining suds and then use your hands to press out any excess water. 

How to dry a bath mat

Before you place your mat back in your bathroom, make sure it's fully dry. Both Mintz and Early recommend air-drying your bathroom mat, but if you want to speed things up, you can also place fabric mats in a dryer on low heat.This is important because a higher temperature may impact the integrity of the mat's structure, especially if it has a rubber backing. 

Memory foam bath mats should be air-dried only: Lay them flat to dry on a surface with good airflow; do not hang or twist. Other types of bath mats can be hung over a door or towel rack in a well-ventilated room that isn't as humid as your bathroom. But if you have limited options, you can put the mat over your tub's edge or shower rod and turn on a dehumidifier so the mat doesn't sit in a moist space while wet. 

The best bath mat, according to our testing

When to replace your bath mat

Even with regular washing, bath mats don't last forever. Replace mats if mold stains persist despite thorough cleaning, if the rubber backing is peeling or cracking or if foam mats become permanently lumpy or misshapen, says Martinez. Mats should also be replaced if musty odors or a slimy texture remain after washing, or if the fabric shows signs of wear such as thinning, pilling or shedding.

Meet our experts 

• Rozalyn Early, director of housekeeping, Conrad New York Downtown

• Sofia Martinez, CEO, Sparkly Maid Austin

• Georgette Mintz , technical trainer, MaidPro

• Alicia Sokolowski, co‑CEO, Aspen Clean