Buying guide for Best bath mats
Being able to spread your toes on a fluffy, soft surface isn’t the only reason to purchase a bath mat. This bathroom accessory has many uses. The right bath mat offers a comfortable and safe surface to place your wet feet after showering or bathing. Instead of slipping dangerously on slick, wet flooring, a bath mat cradles and protects you from falls. And it catches water as it drips off your body, protecting your floors, too.
A quality bath mat should stay in place, and it should dry quickly so that mold doesn’t have a chance to grow. Every bathroom needs a mat. Whether you prefer to shower or enjoy long soaks in the tub, a bath mat is a necessary bathroom accessory.
Key considerations
Consider the following before adding just any old bath mat to your shopping cart.
Purpose
A bath mat is intended to soak up any water that drips from your body as you exit the tub or shower. Avoiding puddles of water protects your floors and prevents accidents. A bath mat helps make sure that there’s a safe spot for you to put your feet after you’re done bathing. Bath mats tend to catch debris and dirt in addition to water, so they keep your floors from getting grimy, too. Most are machine washable, so it’s easy to keep them clean and sanitized.
Your bathroom
Consider your bathroom’s size and layout. If you have a separate tub and shower, you may prefer to purchase two mats instead of always moving the same mat back and forth. The standard size for a bath mat is 20 by 30 inches. Larger mats are available, including big square mats and runners that extend the length of a tub. Specialty mats include mats shaped to fit right by a toilet bowl or miniature mats meant to catch water from a bathroom sink. You can find sets that include matching mats of all three types.
Bath mat features
Here are a few features to consider as you shop for your next bath mat.
Material
Bath mats are available in an array of materials, including the following:
Cotton: It’s comfortable to step on, durable, and very absorbent. Cotton is also easy to wash, but it’s very slow to dry, so it’s not ideal for a poorly ventilated bathroom.
Bamboo: It’s an attractive, durable, quick-drying, material. Not all bamboo mats are designed to protect floors, however. Bamboo is also not as supportive and comfortable as other mat surfaces, but it’s mold and water resistant. Read more about this type of bath mat in our bamboo bath mat buying guide.
Teak: A stylish alternative to bamboo, teak is mildew resistant and doesn’t get slick when wet. Teak is one of the most expensive bath mat materials, though.
Microfiber: This is an inexpensive, comfortable bath mat material that dries quickly. Avoid thin, flimsy microfiber mats because they tend to degrade rapidly and don’t hold up well with repeated machine washings.
Memory foam: This is an ergonomic bath mat option that’s both super absorbent and easy to clean.
- Chenille: This is a multi-purpose material that catches dust and debris in addition to effectively absorbing water.
Properties
Nonslip: Mats with a grippy backing stay in place and prevent slipping and sliding that may lead to injury. A nonslip backing also prevents water from leaking through to your bathroom floor.
Texture: Pick between low-pile and high-pile bath mats depending on your preference and bathroom décor.
Style: Choose from a variety of bath mat styles from sleek natural bamboo to bright contemporary mats made of microfiber or memory foam.
- Machine washable: While wood bath mats cannot be machine washed, most other types like cotton or microfiber are safe to wash and dry by machine, making them easy to clean and care for.
Bath mat prices
Depending on the materials and number of mats you, a bath mat can cost less than $15 or upwards of $90.
Inexpensive
Standard bath mats (20 by 30 inches) made of chenille, cotton, or synthetic fibers typically cost less than $15.
Mid-range
A bath mat set that includes multiple mats for different bathroom areas costs between $20 and $30.
Expensive
Bamboo and other wood mats start at $20 and go as high as $90 for high-quality models made of teak. You’ll pay more for a larger bath mat or for one with a unique pattern or design.
Tips
Wash your bath mat frequently. Each time you enter and exit your tub, water, bacteria, and debris build up between the fibers of the mat. Toss your mat in the washing machine to prevent mold and mildew growth and keep the surface sanitary. Always check the manufacturer’s washing and drying instructions to avoid damaging the mat.
Hang your mat to air-dry. If you notice that your bath mat is still damp the next time you bathe or shower, it might be necessary to hang it up to dry after each use.
Use a bamboo mat outdoors. A bamboo mat is an excellent choice for outfitting an outdoor shower. Wood mats are easy to clean, too. Simply wipe them down with a bit of soapy water once in a while.
Don’t let water pool on the floor. Always wipe up splashed water to avoid damaging your bathroom floor. If you frequently notice water puddling near your shower or bathtub, consider using a bigger mat or place a towel to sop up the accidental splashes.
Vacuum your bath mat. This will get rid of dust and allergens between washings.
- Inspect your mat every few months. Check for cracks in the nonslip backing that may let water through.
FAQ
Q. Is a bath rug the same thing as a bath mat?
A. Yes, they’re essentially the same thing. You can’t, however, use just any type of rug in the bathroom. Verify that your chosen mat is non-slip, absorbent, and made of a material that’s capable of drying quickly to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Q. Water still seems to end up on my floor. What’s going on?
A. Check that your shower curtain is positioned correctly when you’re taking a shower to prevent water from splashing onto your bathroom floor. If this isn’t the issue, it may be that your mat is too small or not readily absorbing water. It might be time to replace it.
Q. My bathroom is poorly ventilated, and my mat never seems to dry. What should I do?
A. Contact a professional to find out about improving the ventilation in your bathroom, or buy a dehumidifier. Poor ventilation in a high-humidity area is likely to lead to mold and mildew growth. Choose a bamboo bath mat in this situation, since wood is less likely to absorb water and dries more quickly than other materials.
Q. Won’t exposure to water damage a wood bath mat?
A. Wood bath mats won’t last forever, but teak and bamboo are water-resistant materials that won’t degrade as readily as you might think.
