How to Wash a Bathroom Rug | With Easy & Effective Ways
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You may have been cleaning your shower, bathtub, and toilet regularly, but how often do you wash the bathroom rug? It is often one of the overlooked items when it comes to taking care of a clean household. Because of the nature of their use, bathroom rugs and shower mats are simply magnets to dust, hair, germs, and even mold. Through all the dripping, and walking in and out, your bathroom rug needs regular cleaning even if it’s easy to forget about.
Cleaning bathroom rugs is not a happy job, after all, they take up a considerable amount of dirt over time. But the positive thing is, most of them are machine washable. Whether or not, you should always check the care tag before cleaning the rugs.
In this article, we’re going to share a couple of easy guides on how to clean a bathroom rug. Consider giving the time and effort to clean regularly to keep those mats in good shape.
How to Wash a Bathroom Rug | 2 Basic Solutions
There are 2 basic ways to wash a bathroom rug, cleaning it by hand or by machine. Let’s take a look at both of the procedures step by step in the following.
How to Machine Wash a Bathroom Rug
Step 01: Check the Care Tag
As we’ve already mentioned, the first thing you should do before cleaning a bathroom rug is to check the tag instructions. It’s usually situated under or a corner of the mat. Carefully check for special instructions, washer, or dryer settings to avoid damaging the very thing you wish to clean. If you can’t find a tag, maybe it’s been removed and you can move on.
Step 02: Shake it Out
It may not sound like it, but simply shaking the rug will help you get rid of a lot of dust and dirt. Take the bathroom rug outside, hold it firmly by two corners, and shake it thoroughly. It will help in removing loose dirt, debris, dander, and even pieces of hair effectively. Continue shaking until you feel there’s nothing hanging on.
Also, consider wearing a mask or respirator while you do this step, especially if you’re allergic to dust.
Step 03: Wash by Machine
Before you place the bathroom rugs and shower mats in your washer, check the build type. Bathroom mats can be made out of both plastic, rubber, microfiber, and fabric. For plastic or rubber-backed mat, check below to see if there are damaged or cracked areas due to constant use.
Similarly, check for worn-down fabrics on your microfiber mat. If there is, consider replacing the rug instead of cleaning it.
Once you’re good to go, place your rug in the washer and add a sufficient amount of laundry detergent. Use the cold setting and start washing. If you want to clean multiple rugs, place similar materials together but don’t overload your washer.
Step 04: Dry
After cleaning the bathroom rug, it’s time to dry the thing before you can use it again. If you have a dryer, use a low heat setting to dry the mats.
Tips: Never dry plastic of rubber-backed rugs in a dryer.
Alternatively, you can simply hang the mats outside to air dry. While it takes a longer time, it’s essentially a better solution.
How to Wash a Bathroom Rug by Hand
Step 01: Check the Care Tag
Again, check the care tag before you attempt to clean a bathroom rug. Whether you wash the thing by hand or by machine, it’s essential to look for specific instructions that come with the product. If there’s a particular washing guide, follow it rather than hand washing the rug.
Step 02: Shake
Shaking out for cleaning is common in any way you want to wash your bathroom rug. Take it outside, hold it vertically and shake it thoroughly to remove loose dirt, dust, debris, and more.
Step 03: Wash by Hand
Hand washing a bathroom rug is preferred by a lot of people because of its safety and overall lifetime extension. Whether you have a rubber or fabric shower mat, you can clean it with simple DIY cleaning solutions.
Fill a large bucket, kitchen sink, or bathtub with warm water and add a cup of laundry detergent. Sink the bath mat into the mixture and leave it for about 5 minutes. After that, use a sponge to scrub the mat gently and remove dirt, grime, hair particles, and everything. Look for stains, possible mold and mildew growth on a rug, and scrub well to clean up.
Alternatively, you can fill a bucket with the mixture and dab your rug with a clean cloth. Simply soak a cloth with the detergent solution and press gently against the bathroom rug. Do this for both sides to loosen up the dirt and sticky residue. After that, take an old toothbrush and scrub both sides of the mat, press harder for stains and mold. Consider wearing gloves for hand washing the bathroom rugs.
Step 04: Dry
Once the cleaning part is done, dry your bathroom rug or shower mat. It’s always better to air dry for extended durability, but you can also use a dryer to do the job.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you put a bathroom rug in the washing machine?
Yes. You can clean a bathroom rug in the washing machine in the cold setting, using laundry detergent.
How often should bathroom rugs be washed?
For frequently used bathroom rugs, it should be washed weekly. However, if your bathroom rug is rubber-backed, washing once in 3-4 weeks is enough.
How do you dry a bathroom rug?
You can either air dry by hanging the bathroom rug outside or use a dryer in a low heat setting. Avoid the dryer for plastic or rubber-backed rugs.
How do I make my bathroom rug Fluffy?
Sprinkle some baking soda on your fabric or microfiber bathroom rug. Then brush and fluff up the rug without much effort.
What is the best way to wash bathroom rugs?
Toss them into the washer, add some detergent, and wash the bathroom rug in the cold setting, Alternatively, mix warm water and detergent and wash by hand. Both work great in cleaning bathroom mats.
Final Words
Because of constant use, dirt, dust, and debris build-up; it’s important to wash a bathroom rug and shower mat regularly. Routinely clean your bathroom and follow our simple guide to clean bathroom rugs effectively and effortlessly.
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