How to Stop Bath Mat From Going Mouldy
Mould is a fungus that can grow in moist environments such as bathrooms, and it can be seriously damaging to your health. Bath mats are one of the most common causes of mold growth because they typically lay on damp floors where moisture is abundant.
A bath mat with a non-slip surface and proper ventilation will minimize the amount of moisture trapped underneath it, preventing mold from growing. The best way to control how to stop bath mat from going mouldy is by using these simple tips! Mold grows easily in wet places like bathroom floors.
Materials You Needed
- Rubber Gloves
- Bleach Cleaner
- Clean water in a spray bottle
- White vinegar
- Hair Dryer
Step by Step Follow Guide How to Stop Bath Mat From Going Mouldy
Step One
Rinse your bath mat in cold water. If you don’t have a rinse function on your washer, do this manually by soaking the bath mat in a large container of cold water overnight to loosen up any surface dirt or soap scum.
If there is still an excessive amount of dirt that won’t come off with just rinsing, scrub it down with a cleanser or gentle laundry detergent. The mat should be totally wet, so don’t wring any excess water from the bath rug after rinsing.
Step Two
Machine-dry your bath mat on the lowest warm setting. Some towels and bath mats have a special care label that says to avoid drying on high heat but don’t worry, the fabric is usually designed to withstand the dryer’s heat. If you’re worried about overheating your bath mat or towel, check its care label before drying it on medium-high or high heat.
Step Three
Dry some old towels in the dryer with the bath mat to give it extra fluff. This will also help soften it up after being in the dryer for so long, which is good because you want your bath mat to feel soft and plush.
Step Four
Iron your bath mat when it comes out of the dryer if desired. If you have a brand-new bath mat that you’re concerned about getting dirty, an iron can help give it a deep-down clean. The heat from the iron will kill any germs and bacteria your mat may have picked up in the steamy bathroom. Use a low setting on the iron, so you don’t overheat or damage your bath rug.
Step Five
Add fabric softener to your bath mat if desired. Bath mats are typically made of terrycloth, which is absorbent and fluffy–and fabric softener can help make it even softer! If you’re worried about adding fabric softener to your bath mat, be sure to do a patch test first by applying some fabric softener to an area on the back or underside of the bath mat that won’t be seen.
Step Six
Hang your bath mat to dry if rinsing or washing it doesn’t work. This is especially helpful if you’re dealing with a small hand towel where it would be impractical to wash and machine-dry constantly, but not doing so will make your towels take much longer to dry. Hang your bath mat over a clothesline or shower curtain rod and let it air-dry to keep germs and bacteria from growing!
Step Seven
Put your bath rug in the freezer overnight if you notice odd smells. This is a great trick for removing odors from small items like hand towels and washcloths and removing mildew smells from a bath mat. Just make sure the item is dehydrated before putting it in the freezer; damp items left in there can cause condensation and damage to your freezer.
How Do You Keep Bath Mats Fresh and Clean?
1. Mould, mildew, and bacteria love the damp, dark conditions common in showers. Bath mats can go moldy if they’re not dried well after each use.
2. Bath mats that are frequently used need regular cleaning. If you don’t want to buy a special cleaner for them, mix you’re own using dish-washing liquid and water.
3. After every use, squeeze the excess moisture out of a clean bath mat before hanging it to dry. If your bath mat is wide enough, you can hang one end on a towel rack or over the shower door and let it dangle down into the tub while you have a shower. This way, both sides of the mat will dry off.
4. Make sure your bath mats don’t touch the shower walls while they’re drying; otherwise, mold and mildew will form. If you hang them on a hook elsewhere in your bathroom, be sure to keep them away from direct heat, such as a radiator or heater vent.
5. Some people find it helpful to set their bath mat on the floor of the tub while they shower and put it back in its usual place after they’ve finished showering. This way, both sides of the mat get a good airing out of direct sunlight warmth and humidity make mold grow quickly.
5. You may also want to use a bath mat that is treated with an antibacterial compound. Some manufacturers market them as anti-fungal, but “antibacterial” really means they’re capable of killing bacteria and you needn’t worry about the difference between the two.
6. There are also disposable or throwaway bath mats available in most supermarkets these days. If you’re not too concerned about the environment or your wallet, they may be a good option for you.
How Often Should Bath Mats Be Washed?
Bath mats, although not as important as bath towels, should also be washed regularly. Bath mats should not be left soiled for more than a day as they can quickly become mildewed and smelly, especially if the bathroom is seldom used.
They are easy to remove from the tub and clean in a washing machine on a delicate cycle. Allow them to air dry or put into the dryer on a low setting.
Frequently Asked Question
Do Anti Mould Bath Mats Work?
Anti-mould bath mats are a great product to have in your bathroom. They can be used as a non-slip bath mat, or they can also be used on the shower floor to prevent slipping and falling.
Some of the benefits of using anti-mould bath mats are:
• They don’t absorb water, so you won’t slip on them.
• They are durable and easy to clean.
• They will help keep bacteria from spreading around your bathroom.
Why Do Bath Mats Get Moldy?
There are many factors that contribute to the growth of mold on bath mats.
One factor is moisture. Bath mats, like most bathroom items, will trap moisture and if they are not dried properly after use, they can be at risk for mold growth.
How Often Should You Replace Bathtub Mat?
Bathtub mats should be replaced every 6 months or when they become discolored.
We recommend that you replace your bath mat at least once a year to avoid any potential health hazards.
Is Vinegar or Bleach Better for Killing Mold?
In general, vinegar is better for killing mold because it contains acetic acid which is a powerful antimicrobial agent.
Bleach can be used as well but it is more expensive and uses more water than vinegar.
If you have no other choice then you can use both at the same time to kill mold and keep your home safe from harmful molds.
Does Baking Soda and Vinegar Clean Mold?
There are many products that claim to be able to clean mold, but baking soda and vinegar are the most popular.
To make a paste of baking soda and vinegar, mix one tablespoon of each in 1/4 cup water. Apply this mixture on the mold with a damp cloth or sponge.
Leave it for 20 minutes, then scrub off with soap and water.
Conclusion
If you’re wondering how to stop bath mat from going mouldy, we hope this blog post has been helpful. Plenty of things can be done to prevent the growth of bacteria and mildew on a bathmat; some involve simple household items while others require more work or money.
For instance, if you have an old towel lying around, it could make for a great replacement mat to keep your feet drier and cleaner! If not, there’s always the option of purchasing one new rug designed with anti-bacterial properties like our Rubbermaid Rug Pad.
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