How Often to Wash a Bath Mat—and the Right Way to Do It

A soft bath mat and slippers placed near a bathtub — Credit:
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You may clean your bathroom once a week, but when was the last time you washed your bath mat? While it can be easy to overlook when it comes to routine cleaning, your bath mat can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria if it's not sanitized regularly. To help you stay on top of this chore, we spoke to cleaning experts who revealed just how often you should be washing your bath mat—and their tips for doing it the right way.

Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO at AspenClean
Becky Rapinchuk, founder of Clean Mama and author of Simply Clean and The Organically Clean Home

How Often to Wash a Bath Mat

Aim to wash your bath mat weekly for optimal home hygiene. "Because bath mats absorb water, soap residue, body oils, and dead skin, they stay damp for long periods. This creates an ideal environment for bacteria, mold, and mildew to grow," says Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean. "Even if a mat looks clean, microbes can build up quickly, leading to odors and potential skin issues. Regular washing helps keep the bathroom sanitary."

You may need to wash your bath mat more often if multiple people use the same bathroom, you take daily showers or baths, your bathroom lacks ventilation, your pets step on the mat, you notice visible odor or mildew, or someone in your household has a skin or fungal infection. In these instances, washing every three to four days is ideal, notes Becky Rapinchuk, founder of Clean Mama.

No matter how long it's been since your last wash, if your bath mat is discolored, has a musty or mildewy smell, looks matted down, or is permanently slimy or wet, it's time for a deep clean. "These are all signs that bacteria or mold are present, and it needs immediate washing," says Rapinchuk.

How to Wash a Bath Mat

Standard cotton or microfiber bath mats can be laundered in the washing machine on a normal or heavy-duty cycle, using warm water. "Wash cotton bath mats separately from clothing or with other towels to prevent lint transfer and ensure a thorough clean," says Sokolowski. "Make sure you use a regular liquid laundry detergent, but don’t use too much, as excess detergent can build up in the fibers and make the mat stiff and smelly over time."

Depending on what the care label says, either tumble dry your bath mat on low to medium heat or hang to air dry in a well-ventilated area. "Make sure the mat is completely dry before putting it back on the bathroom floor," says Rapinchuk.

Cleaning Other Types of Bath Mats

If you have a bath mat other than cotton or microfiber in your bathroom, different cleaning methods may be required. "Different materials come with different washing and care instructions," says Sokolowski. "It’s important to always check the manufacturer’s care label when available." Here's how she recommends cleaning other common types of bath mats.

Memory foam: Machine washing a memory foam bath mat can cause the foam to break down or lose its shape. Instead, hand-wash with cool or lukewarm water with a small amount of mild detergent. Gently press the mat to remove excess water and air-dry in a well-ventilated area.
Bamboo bath mats: Never put a bamboo or wooden bath mat in the washing machine. "Clean them by wiping with a cloth or soft brush using mild soap and water, then rinse and dry immediately and thoroughly," says Sokolowski. "Leaving them wet can cause warping or mold."

Cleaning Products to Never Use on a Bath Mat

Using these products can damage the fibers or backing of your bath mat.

Fabric softener: Fabric softener coats the fibers, reduces absorbency, and traps moisture, leading to mildew and odors, Sokolowski says.
Chlorine bleach: Chemical bleach can break down microfiber, foam, and rubber, ruining the quality of your bath mat. It can also cause discoloration and damage fibers, says Rapinchuk.
Strong disinfectants: These leave behind residues that can irritate your skin and damage the fabric of your bath mat.
Essential oils: When added to the wash, essential oils can stain fibers, damage the backing of your bath mat, and create a buildup that traps odors.
Ammonia-based cleaners: These cleaners are usually too aggressive for textile fibers and can weaken backing materials, Sokolowski says.

Mistakes That Shorten the Lifespan of a Bath Mat

Avoid these common mistakes to extend the longevity of your bath mat.

Leaving it wet or bunched on the floor: After washing or showering, hang your bath mat to air dry. Sokolowski says leaving it wet or bunched on the floor traps water and encourages mold, mildew, and odor, which break down fibers over time.
Overusing detergent: Using too much detergent or fabric softener when washing a cotton or microfiber bath mat can cause residue to build up, making the mat feel stiff or smelly.
Washing with heavy or rough items: Avoid washing your bath mat with jeans, shoes, or heavy towels, as Sokolowski says this can wear down fibers and fray the edges of your bath mat.
Using high heat: Tumble dry your bath mat on low to medium heat, as high heat can shrink, warp, or melt the backing, says Sokolowski.
Ignoring the care label: Always follow the instructions on the care label before cleaning your bath mat. "Using inappropriate water temperature, cycle, or detergent quickly weakens the mat," says Sokolowski.
Letting mildew or stains set: Don't wait too long to wash a bath mat that is stained or smells bad or your risk permanently damaging its fibers and color.
Wringing or twisting memory foam mats: Sokolowski says this can break the foam structure, causing permanent deformation.