It's a good idea to add towels to your laundry when washing a bathroom rug because it can balance the wash load. They also both have a heavier fabric weight that makes them ideal to wash together. It's important to sort laundry items by fabric type to help keep your clothing in good shape.
Bathroom rugs should be washed with similar fabrics and colors. Loads of towels often work best, as bathroom rugs will produce some lint and you don't want that on your clothes.
In the Washing Machine
Simply shake away any debris, then wash your rug through a regular wash cycle on the cold setting. Use your regular detergent and avoid vinegar or bleach, which can damage some mats. Keep in mind that bath mats can get heavy in the wash, so don't wash more than two at a time.
Some recommendations apply to all of our bath mats, such as using a gentle cycle, using detergents recommended for colours and not using bleach to wash them. Also, we would suggest that all bath mats should be washed separately. This is even more important for bath mats crafted with cotton.
Unless the rug has a tag stating it should be dry cleaned, small rugs (such as throw rugs, braided or woven rugs, and others made of cotton or synthetic fibers) can often be washed in the washing machine. Wash the rug on a gentle cycle with cold water, without adding other items to the wash.
Proper Bath Mat Care
Wash bath mats alone, with other bath mats, or with towels. Do not mix clothes or sheets into the load. Use warm or hot water and plenty of detergent. Rubber-backed bath mats should never go into the dryer, but should be hung to dry.
However, April Sargies, the founder of Cloth Bristle and owner of The Neat Nest, says a good rule of thumb is to wash your bath mat at least every two weeks. If you see or smell signs of dirt or mildew, it may be time for this piece to take a spin in your washing machine, says Sargies.
It Can Ruin the Drain Motor
Bathroom mats often have a rubbery backing that disintegrates in the wash cycle. The small rubber pieces then block the drain pump by clogging its motor and drain line. Often the drain motor needs to be replaced.
“We recommend washing bath towels after every three uses, or at least once a week, to ensure truly clean towels,” said Kate Elks, Brooklinen director. “Brooklinen's bath offerings, including bath towels and sheets, hand towels, and washcloths, only differ in size, so you can care for them all the same way.”
How to Dry Bath Mats and Bath Rugs. Most bath mats and bath rugs look their best and last longer if you use your dryer's tumble-dry-low setting. If you dry your bath mat on a warm or hot setting it may shrink or change the look of the weave or knit.
Bathroom Rug Washing Basics
Most cotton and synthetic rugs can be washed in the washer in cold water on the gentle cycle. Just remember to avoid putting rubber backed bathroom rugs into the dryer. Doing so could cause the backing to melt or shed. The backing also will not hold up well to weekly washing and drying.
Use warm or cold water, a gentle wash cycle, and (if your machine has one) a soaking cycle. Then, rinse in cold water with a gentle spin cycle. “This gentle treatment will help it hold its shape, minimize shrinkage, and reduce wear-and-tear on the backing,” Van Buskirk says.
Small rugs and mats
Bathroom rugs and small rugs can be washed in the washer, but you need to be careful about your settings. Always use warm water and a gentle cycle.
“Because towels come into contact with skin cells and dampness frequently, you should wash them with hot water to rid them of any lingering bacteria. However, sheets don't need to be washed in hot water. In fact, if you do, it could damage the finer fabric. Don't Wash Sheets and Towels Together!
You shouldn't use fabric conditioner at all – or, at most, only a little – when washing towels in order to keep towels soft and absorbent, so this may influence what you choose to put together in the drum. Note also that new towels may shed fluff, so this can be a reason to wash them as a separate load at first.
You can wash rugs together, or with towels. However, be sure not to overload your washing machine. The washing machine cleans using water, soap, and agitation. If you overload the washer, it won't be able to agitate properly.
Washing your bed sheets about once a week ensures they always stay fresh. Plan to add this task to your weekly cleaning schedule to help reinforce the habit. Keep in mind that you don't necessarily need to wash sheets the same day as you strip your bed.
As a general rule, launder your bath towel (or swap in a clean one) at least once a week and your washcloth a couple times a week. Wash towels more frequently if you're sick to avoid reinfection.
If you're currently suffering from a loud washing machine, you should invest in an anti-vibration pad, which can help manage the vibration levels and keep your units from moving or “walking” across the floor when they shake.
Use regular laundry detergent and oxygenated bleach for tougher stains. Avoid vinegar and bleach because they can break down the rubber backing. Remove your bath rugs immediately after the washer stops. While you can machine dry many bath rugs, line drying is much easier on the fabric and the rubber backing.
It's also where you step with your wet feet and where you drip off as you're drying. Bath mats are designed to catch water—and it holds that moisture, breeding bacteria until you wash your mat.
A hardwood floor in the bathroom can show wear near the sink and shower areas quickly. A rug will protect the floor so it will last longer. Bathroom rugs also provide a slip-free zone near water features like the tub and the shower. Having a rug in your bathroom is strongly advised.
If you are not a fan of a rug in front of the toilet, check it off your list but, if you want one, be sure to wash it often. This part of the bathroom can harbor more dirt and germs than other areas and will need extra care.