Washing Bath Mats Properly

Bath Rug, Bath Runner or Bath Mat?

Bathrooms also have textiles on the floor that contribute to our everyday sense of comfort. Bath rugs and bath runners, or bath mats, are the products discussed in the following text.

Bath rugs are usually larger and heavier than bath runners or bath mats. On the one hand, they are functional – meaning they can absorb moisture and keep your feet warm – and on the other, they are often quite elaborately made and decorative. Some bath rugs are coated on the underside so that they do not slip. As a rule, they also take longer to dry again.

Bath mats or bath runners are designed specifically for use in front of the bath or shower. They are usually lighter than a bath rug and are sometimes smaller in size – but they also dry more quickly. This can happen while lying on the floor, or they can be hung over a standard towel rail to dry. For small bathrooms, a shower mat is a good choice because of its smaller dimensions.

In fact, “bath rug” is sometimes simply used to mean a bath mat or bath runner. In Germany, there are regional differences in the terminology. In the following text, we are referring to bath mats and shower mats, not dense rugs with a deep pile.

How Often Should Bath Mats Be Washed?

Like towels, bath mats are usually used every day. After every shower or long bath, we step “onto the mat” to avoid cold feet and dry ourselves in comfort. Shaking out or vacuuming the mats after use makes sense, but they also need to be washed in the machine regularly. Only then will they become hygienically clean again. As a rule of thumb, a bath mat can happily go into the washing machine once or twice a week. With heavier use or in households with many family members, perhaps even every other day.

As a general rule, you should also wash a bath runner before using it for the first time. This allows lint or other small particles from the manufacturing process to be washed out. Afterwards, clean the lint filter as well – or place the bath mat in a duvet cover or laundry bag for its first wash.

Washing & Caring for Bath Mats Properly

Even at low temperatures from 30°C upwards, shampoo or soap residues can easily be washed out of a bath mat.However, always pay attention to the care instructions and the degree of soiling. Some bath runners can also be washed at 60°C, which is at least occasionally advisable to keep everything hygienically fresh and clean.

Which detergent and temperature are required for a bath mat always depend on the material and colour as well. Pure cotton or a cotton-synthetic blend can usually be washed at up to 60°C without any problem. For shower mats containing linen, you should choose a wash programme with a maximum of 30°C. Coloured items should be washed with a standard colour detergent, while a biological detergent works well for white textiles.

Bath mats or shower mats can generally be washed together with other textiles – for example, towels – without any problem. Bath rugs with a coating or a deep pile, however, are best washed separately because of their size and special properties.

Can a Bath Mat Go in the Tumble Dryer?

Here too, first check the care instructions. Many bath mats may be tumble dried; however, caution is advised with coated bath mats. Drying in the fresh air is generally gentler and less problematic, as the material is not subjected to additional strain. Direct sunlight should be avoided, however, as it may cause the colours to fade. Thanks to their lower weight, bath runners dry quite quickly anyway and are therefore soon ready for use again.