How to Clean a Rubber Bath Mat – Instructions and FAQ

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how to clean a rubber bath mat

Rubber bath mats are designed to prevent slips and falls by adhering to the shower floor with suction cups. However, they can get quite dirty if not cleaned on a regular basis. Dirty rubber bath mats can lead to a buildup of dirt and grime from soaps and hair products, which can cause unpleasant odors and foot fungus. Not only that, but if they aren’t properly cleaned, dirt and grime would stay on them and could cause accidents.

Fortunately, cleaning rubber bath mats is an easy feat and takes little time. Below we have provided instructions on how to clean a rubber bath mat and answered some common questions that you might have about the process.

How to Clean a Rubber Bath Mat – Instructions

Rubber bath mats can be washed in a bathtub or a washing machine. We have listed both methods here:

Cleaning a Rubber Bath Mat in a Bathtub

  • Lift your rubber mat in such a way that it no longer sticks to the bathtub. Lay it down at the bottom of your tub.
  • Now turn on the tap of warm water and fill your bathtub to the top.
  • Put on protective rubber gloves and wear goggles to cover your eyes.
  • Open the door and window of the bathroom because you are going to be using bleach, which can be noxious.
  • Pour one teaspoon of chlorine bleach into a gallon of cold water. If you need a stronger solution for heavier cleaning, add one cup of chlorine bleach to five gallons of water
  • Pour the diluted bleach solution into the warm water.
  • Leave the rubber mat in the diluted solution for at least 10 minutes and then scrub it with a bristle brush. This would remove dirt and grime from the mat.
  • Remove the rubber mat from the tub and leave it to dry under the sun.
  • Drain the water from the tub and give it a good rinse to eliminate traces of bleach

Cleaning a Rubber Bath Mat in a Washing Machine

  • Place your rubber bath mat in a washing machine along with a few soft items – like towels –, which would act as a scrubber to remove dirt and grime off the mat.
  • Wash the rubber mat in a gentle, hot setting.
  • When the machine has finished cleaning the mat, remove the bath mat and hang it on a chair or table to dry. Don’t place the mat in the dryer because it could damage the rubber.

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Q.1) How to clean bath mat mold?

If mold has deposited on your rubber bath mat, you will have to clean it in a bathtub. Here’s how to remove mold from the rubber bath mat:

  • Lift your rubber bath mat so that it is no longer adhering to the floor and lay it down in the bathtub.
  • Fill the tub with warm water and put on protective gloves and goggles to protect yourself from bleach fumes.
  • Keep the area ventilated by keeping the window and door of the bathroom open.
  • Add one cup of chlorine bleach to five gallons of water to create a strong solution. Mix this solution into the warm water of the bathtub.
  • Leave the rubber bath mat in the bathtub for 3 to 4 hours. Follow up by scrubbing it with a bristly brush to remove mold and mildew.
  • Remove the rubber mat from the tub and hang it to dry

Q.2) How to clean a fabric shower mat?

Some fabric shower mats can be cleaned in a washing machine, but make sure to check the label of your mat to see if it can be put into a washing machine. To clean the fabric shower mat in a bathtub, we recommend using white vinegar instead of chlorine.

Make a solution of one cup of white vinegar and one cup of water and pour it into a bathtub. Leave the fabric shower mat in the bathtub containing vinegar solution for a few minutes and then scrub it with a brush.

For pesky stains, use a stain remover like Bissell Professional Stain & Odor and Woolite Advanced Pet Stain & Odor Remover. Simply spray the remover on the affected area and allow the solution to sit for ten minutes. Then just wash with water.

You could also use a laundry detergent that boasts stain removing properties – like Tide Plus Ultra Stain Release HE Turbo Clean Laundry Detergent, Purex Liquid Laundry Detergent Plus Clorox2 or Puracy Natural Liquid Laundry Detergent. 

Q.3) How to clean bath mats with suction cups vinegar?

If you don’t want to use bleach, you could opt for a vinegar solution to clean your rubber bath mat with suction cups. Simply create a solution of one cup of vinegar and one cup of water and pour this into the bathtub instead of a bleach solution. The rest of the steps are the same.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know how to clean a rubber bath mat, don’t let dirt and grime stay on your mat and risk your safety. Clean your bath mat regularly to avoid accidents. Both the bathtub method and washing machine method are safe, but we recommend the bathtub method because it is a little bit safer than the alternative.

If you any other questions, feel free to reach out to us. We’ll be more than happy to assist you.

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