How to wash a bath mat in a washing machine

A bathroom rug not only serves a safety function but also serves as a decorative element. It instantly adds a cozy feel to the room. However, over time, these essential items, often used regularly, lose their former appearance and require careful maintenance. In this article, we'll discuss whether it's safe to machine wash a bathroom rug.

Is machine wash possible?

Modern automatic washing machines are designed to wash bath mats, too. Rugs, on the other hand, can also be washed in a machine, but it's best not to overuse them. It's best to replace such washing with regular hand cleaning, if possible. But if the question is pressing, let's figure out which rugs can be machine washed.

• PVC rugs.
• Synthetic mats.
• Woolen rugs.
• Microfiber products.
• Carpets made of different types of rubber.

All of these materials are quite delicate, so use a gentle washing cycle to avoid damaging them. Also, avoid using chlorine-based detergents or alcohol-based cleaners. We We recommend choosing capsule gels or, as a last resort, natural laundry soap without dyes.

After washing the rug at a temperature no higher than 40-60 degrees Celsius, do not spin it either by hand or in a washing machine, as this can seriously damage it. It's even better to place the rug in a cover or wrap it in a pillowcase during the wash to prevent it from touching the hard edges of the drum.

Important! Rubber and wool mats are washable at temperatures up to 40°C (104°F). Microfiber and synthetic materials can be washed at temperatures up to 60°C (140°F), following the same care instructions.

Rugs take a long time to dry, so after washing, it's best to wrap them in terry towels or other thick, absorbent fabrics. Hang the washed item indoors (but always on a hanger or clothesline) to dry if the sun is shining, or outside if the weather is overcast.

The problem is that heaters, radiators, and ultraviolet radiation destroy the structure of the carpet, distort the pattern, and dry out the fibers. After such aggressive treatment, the item can quickly become unusable, so drying is no less important than washing. To reduce drying time, turn the item over every five hours.

The nuances of washing rubber mats

Rubber and PVC mats are generally the best choice for bathrooms due to their water-repellent properties. These mats will prevent slipping and will not be damaged by constant moisture.

However, caring for such products requires special attention. Specifically, avoid exposing them to strong physical or chemical stress. For example, avoid placing heavy objects on them or washing them with harsh cleaning agents. This will damage the texture and pattern of your rug.

Machine washable at temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius and dried naturally in the fresh air or in a warm, well-ventilated room. None batteries, automatic dryers and heaters!

Do not dry this item in a washing machine that has a drying function.

If you prefer to clean it by hand, that's also entirely possible. Dry scrubbing with a brush or vacuum cleaner is usually sufficient. But if that's not enough, grate a bar of soap into warm water and dilute it. This solution is the only one suitable for washing rubber mats.

Caring for fabric products

Synthetic rugs should be machine washed at a temperature of up to 60 degrees Celsius, using the appropriate program. However, keep in mind that it's a good idea to soak your rug briefly in a basin of warm water with a small amount of non-corrosive detergent (non-chlorine or alcohol-based) beforehand. After this, wash without spinning or drying, as synthetic rugs also dry naturally.

As a cleaning agent, it is recommended to use either a gel/capsule product, or a little laundry soap or other natural soap that does not contain dyes. Recommended Rinse twice to thoroughly remove any remaining product.

As for items made from other fabrics, they can be washed at temperatures up to 40 degrees Celsius on a very delicate cycle. Nothing is spun or tumble dried. For extra care, you can throw a couple of kitchen towels or other unwanted terry items into the washing machine along with the rug.

Washing microfiber rugs

Microfiber mats have become very popular recently due to their versatility: they're quite soft yet durable and can withstand constant humidity and heat. Furthermore, compared to wool, rubber, or PVC mats, microfiber mats are very lightweight and won't overload the washing machine's drum.

Basically, washing microfiber items is the same as washing all other rugs: use a gentle cycle and low temperature, do not spin, and do not dry automatically.

Please note! Unlike synthetic rugs, microfiber rugs should be washed separately from other items.

Why shouldn't you use highly aggressive detergents? Microfiber is a specially designed fiber that resists moisture, is extremely durable, and is long-lasting, but it can be damaged by harsh chemicals. We recommend not washing microfiber rugs in the washing machine at all, but rather hand-washing them with a brush and mild soap solution.

How to care for a rug: general rules?

Now let's summarize the above information and explain the general rules for caring for different types of rugs. After all, if you take proper care from the start, your rug will last much longer and retain its aesthetic appearance for a longer period.

1. Carefully read the tags on your items. Basic care instructions are listed there.
2. Do not use high temperatures or harsh bleach-based cleaning agents.
3. It is better not to machine wash rugs made of delicate fabrics at all.
4. Don't overload the drum. If you have a lot of heavy or bulky items, wash them separately.
5. As for rubber mats, try to machine wash them only when absolutely necessary. Regular hand washing is still recommended.
6. The rubber mat must be thoroughly dried before being placed back in the bathroom, otherwise high humidity can lead to the formation of mold. Immediately after washing, wipe the product with a damp, warm cloth. This will normalize humidity and prevent excessive drying or increased humidity concentration.
7. It is best to dry mats of any material away from heaters, radiators, and sunlight, as this will cause rubber products to dry out and fabric ones to become deformed.
8. Buy removable covers or nets.

By carefully following these recommendations, you can prolong the life of your bathroom flooring. This is primarily for your safety and well-being!

   

1 reader comment

1. September 26, 2022 at 9:45 AM

   Elena:

   Thank you so much! From everything I've read, I realized it's easier to just buy a new rug. If you live in an apartment and it's chilly outside, you'll be exhausted waiting for a thick, napped rug to dry naturally without spinning.

   Answer