Bathrooms are supposed to be a sanctuary of self-care and hygiene. That's why we need to keep them clean and fresh - and that goes for everything, especially towels, bath, shower and bathtub mats.

They need to be much cleaner than we realise in order to do the job they're meant to do. That's also part of the reason why it's best to pick an item that's low-maintenance. Something that doesn't require a lot of effort.

Because the fact of the matter is that they're exposed to moisture daily, which means they can easily turn into a breeding ground for mould, mildew, and bacteria before we know it.

Truth be told, stepping out form the bathtub on a soggy mat doesn't exactly feel great - but that should be the least of our concerns.

Why does my bath mat get so dirty?

Looks can be deceiving - even if you think your bath mat is spotless, more often than not, that's simply not the case. They’re under constant pressure from:

• moist,
• water,
• toilet splashes,
• dead skin,
• hair,
• dirt,
• dust.

And let’s not forget how good all that sounds to bacteria. They need moisture to grow and survive, and, incidentally, your bathroom has plenty of it.

The problem here is that if this happens to your bath mat – it can happen to you. So, if you’re wondering what’s the worst that can happen if you don’t keep them clean, here it is – fungus or yeast infection.

A quick tip is to flush your toilet with a lid down as this is going to help reduce the potential spread of bacteria and toilet water. That’s not enough – but it’s a good start.

Do you even need a bath mat?

All of this is not to say bath mats, shower mats or bathtub mats are all bad and we shouldn't use them. It’s the opposite – they keep our feet warm, prevent slips and accidents, and absorb water.

Then there’s also an aesthetic aspect. Bathroom decor is tricky and we don't get too many opportunities to spruce that space up – and a nice-looking natural bath mat, perhaps coordinated with a set of organic towels, is the cure.

So, the answer is not to get rid of them but to keep them clean, and this can take some time depending on specific fabric and material. They all have their own unique properties and strengths. It’s all about making the right call for your needs.

How often should bath mats be washed?

You may not want to hear it, but the answer is probably – more often than you think.

It’s safe to assume that they’re in use every single day. Now the only question is how many people use them in your household, because that may be a good enough reason to clean them even more frequently.

Generally speaking, once a week is the minimum. This may sound like a lot, especially if you think you need to do it less often.

In that case, there’s a simple solution. It never hurts to have a spare absorbent bath mat sitting in the closet, waiting for its turn. There’s another big question though…

How to wash your bath and shower mats?

This may be a shocking revelation, but they’re not perfectly clean even straight off the washing machine.

Most natural and some synthetic materials can only be washed at 40 degrees and that’s not enough to kill off all the bacteria. But that’s fine. The goal is not to create some perfectly sterile, lab-like environment – neither ourselves nor our houses are built that way. There are bacteria living on our feet!

There’s simply no escaping it.

When it comes to specifics, the best and safest bet is to simply follow the care instructions on the label.

Warm or hot water works well if you’re dealing with a lot, unless label states otherwise. Most mats are machine washable and can be tumble dried. If they feature a non-slip backing, it’s best to air-dry them to keep it intact.

Here’s a quick routine you can follow for most fabrics:

• Wash your bath mats frequently, ideally using an antimicrobial detergent to kill germs. If you can, dry them in direct sunlight since this can help eliminate bacteria naturally.
• Don’t leave your bath mats on the floor after use. Hang them up to make sure they dry completely and stay well-ventilated. That's how you reduce the chances of mould and bacteria growth.
• Before stepping onto the bath mat, try to make sure your feet are clean.
• We already mentioned this but - close the toilet lid when flushing.
• Open windows regularly and let some fresh air in. That’s normally enough to reduce humidity. Alternatively, use extractor fan to keep the moisture levels in your bathroom at bay.

Small tweaks that make a big difference.

Mats and their Hygiene Ratings

It’s finally time to address the big question – which bath mat is the most hygienic?

Material	Pros	Cons	Hygiene Verdict
Cotton/Organic Cotton	- Highly absorbent, useful for soaking up water. - Soft, comfortable, and machine-washable, making them easy to clean.	- Holds onto moisture longer, promoting mould and bacterial growth if not dried properly. - Requires frequent washing (ideally once a week) to maintain hygiene.	Hygienic if washed regularly and dried thoroughly, but a bit more prone to bacterial growth due to moisture retention.
Cork	- Eco-friendly and natural material. - Naturally antimicrobial and water-resistant. - Light, durable, and aesthetically pleasing.	- Less absorbent compared to cotton. - Can be prone to surface wear and tear over time.	Hygienic due to its antimicrobial properties; resists moisture buildup, but may require occasional sealing to maintain.
Memory Foam	- Excellent cushioning with antimicrobial finishes to resist bacterial growth. - Memory foam bath mats are less absorbent than cotton, reducing moisture retention.	- Can trap moisture in the core if not dried correctly, leading to mould and bacteria. - Requires gentle cleaning, which may not eliminate all bacteria.	Can be hygienic with antimicrobial treatments but must be dried thoroughly and cleaned carefully to remain effective against bacteria.
Nylon	- Durable and resistant to wear. - Easy to clean and quick-drying. - Resistant to mould and mildew. - Soft and comfortable underfoot.	- Not as absorbent as cotton. - Can feel synthetic underfoot. - May show stains more easily over time.	Hygienic due to its resistance to moisture and bacteria, but not as absorbent; needs frequent cleaning to maintain freshness.
Bamboo/Wooden	- Just like bamboo towels, bamboo wood has natural antimicrobial properties, resistant to mould and bacteria. - Bamboo dries more quickly compared to a regular wooden bath mat due to its structure, which allows water to evaporate.	- Not absorbent; water can pool on the surface, which may cause a slipping hazard.	Highly hygienic due to natural antimicrobial properties and quick-drying ability; a great low-maintenance choice, but doesn’t absorb water.
Microfibre	- Quick-drying and highly absorbent. - Soft and plush underfoot.	- Can accumulate dirt and oils quickly. - Can collect hair and other debris.	Hygienic when washed regularly, but can collect dirt easily, so maintenance is key for keeping it fresh.
Silicone	- Non-slip and water-resistant, great for safety. - Easy to clean and dries quickly.	- Not absorbent. - Can be uncomfortable to stand on for long periods.	Hygienic due to non-absorbent nature and easy-to-clean surface, but not ideal for those who want absorbency.
Jute	- Eco-friendly and natural fibres. - Soft and comfortable with a rustic aesthetic.	- Not very absorbent. - Can slip and cause water pooling. - Needs frequent washing to avoid mildew.	Hygienic if dried quickly, but less absorbent and prone to mildew if not cleaned and maintained properly.
Rubber	- Water-resistant, making them less likely to absorb moisture and develop mould. - Easy to clean with a quick wipe-down and dries very quickly.	- Can accumulate soap scum and grime if not cleaned regularly. - Can become slippery when wet, posing a safety concern.	Effectively resists mould and mildew but requires regular cleaning to stay hygienic.
Natural Diatomite Stone	- Extremely absorbent and quick-drying. - Natural antimicrobial properties reduce the growth of bacteria, mould, and mildew.	- A bit less durable, may crack if not handled carefully. - Requires periodic maintenance (e.g., sanding down) to remove stains and residue.	Among the most hygienic options due to rapid drying and antimicrobial properties but requires some care to maintain.

 

What bath mats do you not need to wash?

The only possible answer is the stone bath mat.

Thanks to the use of diatomite, it only requires sanding, which is less expensive or time-consuming than washing. It dries your feet and absorbs all the water almost instantly and kills off germs and bacteria – all on its own, thanks to the natural properties of diatomaceous earth stone.

What’s the most hygienic bath mat?

For anyone who values convenience, the diatomite mat is an obvious choice – it’s simply the better way. They may be a bit more expensive, and should be handled with more care.

But there’s no risk of mould or excessive bacteria growth with barely any maintenance. It’s practical, easy on the eyes with various designs available, and simply unbeatable in terms of hygiene!