How to Clean Rubber Bath Mats

Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Last Updated: November 27, 2022 References

Rubber bath mats should be cleaned periodically to remove oily buildup from the various soaps and hair products which can leave slippery films on the surface. The bathroom is often a confined space where temperature fluctuates. Mold and mildew can develop and lead to a foul-smelling odors. Worse, the filmy buildups can pose a hazard when stepping into or out of a shower or bathtub.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Cleaning Rubber Bath Mats by Hand in a Bathtub

1
Prepare a diluted bleach solution in a bathtub. If this is the tub that contains the bath mat, lift up the bath mat so it isn’t stuck to the bottom of the tub. An easy and effective way to clean your rubber bath mat is to soak it in a diluted bleach solution in your bathtub. If you have a deep or utility sink, that may be preferable. Be prepared to measure the amount of bleach to be used in making your solution and have more than enough room for a proper soaking.
2
Use protective gear when handling bleach. Bleach may splash when being poured and can irritate your eyes or skin. Wear protective cleaning gloves before pouring bleach. You may also wish to use goggles to cover your eyes. ^{[1]
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3
Make sure the bathroom area is well-ventilated. Before preparing a diluted bleach solution, open a window or leave the bathroom door open. Fumes from using bleach or making a bleach solution can be noxious and cause dizziness. ^{[2]
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4
Add only cold water to the bathtub first. Add one gallon of water to the bathtub. Do not pour bleach directly into the bathtub. Do not make a diluted bleach solution with hot water. Hot water may intensify fumes as bleach is added. ^{[3]
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5
Measure the amount of bleach to be used. Have a measuring cup or tablespoon handy. Do not pour bleach indiscriminately into the cold water. Unequal parts of bleach to water may create a more potent and dangerous solution and cause dizziness or breathing problems. Some recommended measurements are as follows:^{[4]
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- Add 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of chlorine bleach to 1 gallon (3.8 L) of water for normal cleaning.^{[5]
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  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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- Add 1 cup (240 mL) of chlorine bleach to 5 gallons (19 L) of water for heavier cleaning.^{[6]
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  Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services
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- As an alternative to bleach, make a solution of 1 cup (240 mL) of white vinegar and 1 cup (240 mL) of water and use it to scrub the mat. Or, fill the tub or basin with equal parts vinegar and water and allow the mat to soak.
6
Let the mat soak, then scrub it. You may decide a more thorough cleaning is in order, or you might just want to keep your bath mats fresh.
- To eliminate mold or mildew, leave the rubber bath mat in the diluted bleach solution for 3-4 hours.
- To freshen up the bath mat with a quick clean, scrub the rubber bath mat with a cleaning brush or scouring pad to remove dirt and debris after soaking for a few minutes.
7
Dry the bath mat when you’re done cleaning. Remove the bath mat from the bathtub and set to dry on the back of a chair or outdoors in the sun. Drain and rinse the bathtub to remove dirt and scum collected from the cleaning.^{[7]
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- Do not put the bath mat in the dryer as the heat will warp it!

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Washing Rubber Bath Mats in a Washing Machine

1
Place the rubber bath mat into the washing machine. A bath mat can be washed in a washing machine just as you would a load of clothes. To improve the cleaning process, add laundry. ^{[8]
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- Include other, sturdy laundry items appropriate for washing in laundry detergent and chlorine bleach, e.g., white towels, should be added. Do not add items which may be damaged easily or by bleach.^{[9]
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EXPERT TIP

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Trick: Take care of deep stains, smells, or mold by adding 1/2 cup of bleach to the wash cycle!
2
Wash the items on the gentle cycle using cold or warm water. Washing rubber bath mats in a setting for normal or bulky may weaken or damage the material over time. ^{[10]
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3
Remove the mat and hang it over a chair back or clothesline to dry. You may want to hand dry the bath mat to speed up the drying process.^{[11]
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Expert Q&A

Question

Can you put rubber bath mats in the washing machine?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

Yes, you can put your rubber bath mat in the washing machine. For added scrubbing power, you should wash your mat with a couple of towels or other laundry items. You should wash the bath mat on the gentle cycle, and you can use either cold or warm water. Be sure to air dry the bath mat. Do not put it in the dryer.
Question

How do you remove rubber mat from a bathtub?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

If your rubber mat is stuck to your bathtub, you can try applying WD-40, baby oil, dish soap, or Goo Gone. If your mat is really stubborn, you may need to let the product sit on the mat for a while. In addition, you may need to use a plastic scraper like a credit card to work the mat up. If you have an acrylic tub, please note that you should be more gentle so you do not damage the tub.
Question

How do you get mold out of rubber bath mats?

Michelle Driscoll, MPH
Founder, Mulberry Maids
Michelle Driscoll is the Owner of Mulberry Maids, which is based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With five years of experience, her business specializes in cleaning homes and small offices. She holds a Masters in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.

Michelle Driscoll, MPH

Founder, Mulberry Maids

Expert Answer

You can use bleach to kill any mold on your rubber bath mats. You can either clean the bath mat by hand in the bathtub or you can put it in the washing machine with bleach. In the bathtub, combine 1 cup of bleach per 5 gallons of water then let the bath mat soak for a couple of hours before scrubbing it with a scrub brush. If you choose to use the washing machine, be sure to add bleach to the cycle. Wash the mat on gentle cycle and you can use either cold or warm water.

Warnings

Bleach is a common, household solution that must be handled with care. Be sure to wear protective gear like goggles and cleaning gloves, and make certain the work area is well-ventilated before beginning your work.^{[13]
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