Rubber bath mats are a safety accessory; they prevent slips and falls in the bathroom. However, failing to clean them correctly can make them unsafe.
An unclean rubber bath mat can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. A dirty rubber mat can also become slippery as it accumulates oily residues from soaps and hair products.
Of course, if your rubber bath mat becomes slippery, it defeats its own purpose.
Cleaning a rubber bath mat is not a difficult task. However, adopting the proper cleaning procedure is essential to get the best results.
This article discusses seven tips for cleaning a rubber bath mat. With this guide, you will know how to clean a rubber bath mat without damaging or reducing its life span.
Table of Contents
7 Tips for Cleaning a Rubber Bath Mat
Wash It by Hand in the Tub With Bleach
One of the most effective ways to clean your rubber bath mat is by handwashing it in a bathtub with bleach. Since bleach has disinfectant properties, it is ideal for eliminating stains from rubber.
To clean your rubber bath mat by hand, you need bleach, a scrub brush, and rubber gloves.
Before you begin, ensure you have enough room to submerge the rubber bath mat. Also, when handling a chemical like bleach, ensure you wear rubber gloves.
Work in a well-ventilated area since bleach fumes can cause dizziness.
Do not mix bleach with hot water since hot water intensifies bleach fumes.
To clean the rubber mat, place it in the bathtub and fill the tub with warm water. You can also use a sink or large bucket for this step.
Next, measure two cups of bleach and pour it into the water. Soak the rubber bath mat in the mixture before using a cleaning brush to scrub it.
After scrubbing the mat, remove it from the bath, rinse it off, and leave it to dry in the sun.
Only return the rubber bath mat to the bathroom when it is dry to prevent mold and fungus from forming. You can repeat the steps if you still notice any discoloration or mold.
Use a Washing Machine With Bleach
If you are not too keen on cleaning your rubber bath mats by hand, you can try using a washing machine. Washing your rubber mat with a washing machine is similar to how you would wash your clothes.
Place your rubber bath mat in the washing machine with bleach, laundry detergent, and sturdy laundry items like white towels. The towels can help improve the cleaning process.
Do not add any items that can get damaged by bleach.
Next, set your washing machine to the gentle cycle and wash with cold or warm water. Using a different setting for the rubber mat may damage the material.
Remove the rubber bath mat from the machine and hang it out to dry. Hand drying the bath mat may also help to speed up the drying process.
Since heat can damage rubber, do not machine-dry your rubber bath mat.
Use Your Dishwasher
Another household appliance you can use to clean a rubber bath mat is a dishwasher. You can also use the dishwasher to clean other shower accessories like plugs or soap holders.
Start by placing your rubber mat on the top rack of the washer. Put white vinegar or dishwashing detergent in the soap dispenser and run the dishwasher.
Once the washing is complete, remove the mat and air dry.
Avoid returning the mat to the bathroom before it dries. You can repeat the process weekly to prevent stains and mold.
Wash It by Hand in the Tub with Soap
Another effective hand washing method to clean rubber bath mats is to wash them in a bathtub with soap. All you need is a large bucket and some detergent.
To clean your rubber mat, pour one cup of detergent into a bucket of water.
Place the rubber mat in the bathtub, soak it with the cleaning solution, and give it a few minutes to sit. The cleaning solution helps to loosen any dried-up dirt on the rubber.
Next, use a cleaning brush to scrub the rubber mat. Use a more abrasive scrubbing brush if the stains are difficult to remove. But ensure the scrubbing brush you use will not cause any damage to the rubber mat.
Once scrubbing is complete, rinse the rubber mat with clean water and hang it outside to dry. You can also hand dry it with a towel or rag.
Vinegar and Hot Water Spray
Another effective way to clean your rubber bath mat is by spraying it with vinegar and hot water. With this method, you can get rid of dirt and offensive odors simultaneously.
All you need for this is vinegar, water, an empty spray bottle, and rubber gloves.
Mix 1/2 cup of vinegar and 1 cup of hot water (1:2 ratio) and pour it into the spray bottle. Place your rubber mat on the floor and spray it with the solution.
Use a cleaning brush to scrub the mat as you spray. After cleaning the rubber mat, rinse it off with warm water and hang it out to dry.
Use Baking Soda Paste
Baking soda paste is an excellent way to remove stubborn grime and stains on your rubber bath mat.
You can prepare the paste by mixing baking soda with water. Ensure the mixture does not have a runny texture to make handling it easy.
Apply the paste to the dirty rubber mat and scrub it thoroughly with a bristled brush. After that, rinse the rubber bath mat with water and hang it outside to dry.
You can also use this paste to eliminate odors from smelly shower drains.
Use a Commercial Enzyme Detergent
Another convenient and effective method to clean a rubber bath mat is to use a commercial enzyme detergent.
Eliminating tough stains and grime from your rubber mat with an enzyme cleaner is easy.
To clean your rubber mat, pour some enzyme detergent into a large bucket and fill it with warm water. Put the rubber mat in the solution and let it soak overnight.
The next day, remove the rubber bath mat from the bucket, put it in your washing machine, and switch it on.
You can repeat the process if there are still stains left on the bath mat after washing. This time you can opt for a more concentrated solution or leave the rubber mat to soak longer.
Resources:
- https://creativehomemaking.com/cleaning/bathroom/rubber-bath-mat/
- https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Rubber-Bath-Mats
- https://www.tipsbulletin.com/how-to-clean-a-shower-mat/
- https://www.labourmatters.com/how-to-clean-bath-and-shower-mats/
- https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/bathroom-cleaning/how-to-clean-your-shower-mats.html
- https://homesteady.com/how-7816169-rubber-off-tile.html
- https://www.matscorner.com/how-to-clean-rubber-bath-mats/
- https://ichbaby.com/how-to-clean-bath-mats/
- https://teakshowermats.com/how-to-clean-bath-mats/
- https://www.rugknots.com/blogs/professional-cleaners/how-to-clean-bath-rugs
- https://how2removestains.com/how-to-remove-stains-from-a-rubber-bath-mat/