How to wash bathroom rugs

Rubber and plastic-backed bathroom rugs are found in almost every home, and they’re designed with a wide range of materials, from nylon to cotton. Properly washing a bathroom rug includes the following steps:

  1. Check the care instructions before washing the rug. These instructions vary according to the material type, the color, and whether the rug has backing. 
  2. Look at the underside of the mat to check whether the backing is peeling or cracked. If so, you should get a new rug as the little pieces can peel off in the dryer or washer, damaging or clogging your appliances.
  3. Place the rug in the washer, and make sure that you don’t overload the machine. Use the cold setting and a fabric softener or a gentle laundry detergent to wash the rug. 
  4. Tumble dry the rug on the lowest setting or hang it out to dry. Make sure you don’t use heat when drying rubber- or plastic-backed bathroom rugs as it can melt or crack the backing. 

Where to place bathroom rugs

Along with being stylish, bathroom rugs cover wet surfaces that can cause slipping. They keep floors dry but can become moldy and dirty. They’re offered in several different textures, sizes, and colors, and can be placed in front of the sink or the tub, for decor and comfort purposes. 

Generally, it’s better to place a smaller bathroom rug in front of the sink, and a larger one in front of the shower or tub. If you’re short on space, you can place a smaller bathroom rug in front of the shower for daily use, and a bathroom rug runner to cover the remaining floor area. Thus, when you’re done with your shower, you’ll have something soft to step on, which will keep your feet warm and prevent you from slipping. 

Can you wash bathroom rugs with towels?

Bathroom rugs should always be washed alone and should never be washed with towels or other clothes, especially in the washer. They have backsplashes of toilet water and urine and are home to a lot of bacteria. So mixing such fluids and bacteria with your towels can put your health at risk. 

How often should you wash bathroom rugs?

The number of times you should watch your rug depend on many factors, including:

  • If water is splashed on the floor on a daily basis
  • If the bathroom is used quite frequently 
  • If the bathroom rug features a non-skid rubber backing 

Here’s a breakdown of how often you should wash the rug, based on the factors above:

  • Rugs with non-skid rubber backing can be washed frequently without any harm coming to them. 
  • If your bathroom is used very frequently, the rugs should be washed once a week.
  • If water is splashed in your bathroom every day, then a weekly wash is recommended. 

Are bathroom rugs machine washable?

Usually, bathroom rugs are machine washable, but you need to keep a few things in mind. 

  1. Make sure to check if the tag or instructions say that you can wash it in the machine 
  2. Before making your purchase, make sure to check the material used on the bottom. If a rubber back is frequently washed, it can become loose and disassemble. 
  3. Newer rugs that are made of microfiber technology are suitable to wash in the machine too. 

Are bathroom rugs out of style?

Bathroom rugs are not outdated at all. Instead, they provide a number of benefits, including: 

  • They provide a warm and clean spot where you can stand. In contrast to the warmth of a tiled floor, they provide softness. 
  • A bathroom rug in your vanity can be a comfortable spot as you stand bare feet while doing your morning or nightly routine.  
  • It can also protect the hardwood floor from wear and tear and ensure that it lasts longer. 
  • These rugs ensure a slip-free zone near water like near the shower. 

How to make bathroom rugs non slip

There are two ways to make bathroom rugs non-slip 

  1. Use a non-slip rug pad or a double stick carpet tape to prevent sliding
  2. Apply silicone caulking on the bottom of the rug  

What size rug for bathroom

To determine the ideal size, first, measure the entire bathroom. This includes the floor space where you wish to place the rug. Ideally, this should either be the center of the room or the space available in front of the tub. 

If you want to keep rugs in front of pedestal sinks, then the ideal measurement is 17 inches by 24 inches. Rugs kept outside tubs should measure 21 inches by 34 inches.