It’s easy to forget about your bath mat when you’re cleaning.
After all it’s usually just a small piece of fabric tucked away in the corner of your bathroom.
But it’s important to remember that your bath mat is subject to a lot of dirt and wear as well as bacteria mold and mildew growth.
All of these things add up and if you don’t take the proper care of your bath mat it can quickly become an unpleasant and unhygienic item in your bathroom.
The good news is that washing your bath mat is easy and can help keep it clean and free of germs.
The key is to use the right washer setting to get the job done.
What Is the Best Washer Setting for Your Bath Mat?
The best washer setting for your bath mat depends on a few factors such as the type of fabric your mat is made from and the size of the load.
Generally you’ll want to select either the delicate or gentle cycle depending on what type of fabric your mat is made from.
If your bath mat is made from a cotton or linen blend you can usually use the delicate cycle.
This cycle is designed for items that need to be washed with more gentle care.
It is usually best to use cold water to prevent shrinkage and fading.
If your bath mat is made from a synthetic material it is usually best to use the gentle cycle.
This cycle is designed for items that are more durable and can handle a hotter temperature.
Again you should opt for cold water to avoid damage to the fabric.
The Types of Washer Settings
Generally speaking there are five common types of washer settings for bath mats: gentle normal heavy-duty delicate and hand-wash.
While each one has a slightly different meaning they all have the same goal: to clean your bath mats without damaging them in the process.
Gentle is the most basic of the settings and is generally used for light items such as towels or clothing.
Normal is a bit stronger and is suitable for heavier items such as bedding or bath mats.
Heavy-duty is the strongest setting and should be used for tougher fabrics such as jeans or canvas.
Delicate is the most gentle setting and should only be used for the most delicate fabrics such as silk.
Lastly hand-wash is a manual setting that should only be used for items that the manufacturer specifically recommends.
Choosing the Right Setting
Now that you know the types of settings how do you know which one is right for your bath mats? The best way to determine this is to check the care label on the mats.
It should have a recommendation for the best washer setting for your bath mats so follow that.
If there is no care label then it’s best to err on the side of caution.
Most bath mats are made from synthetics so the best setting is usually gentle or normal.
For more delicate fabrics such as silk opt for the delicate setting.
What Other Tips Should You Keep in Mind When Washing Your Bath Mat?
In addition to selecting the right washer setting there are a few other tips you should keep in mind when washing your bath mat.
First it is important to use a mild detergent.
You should avoid harsh detergents bleach and fabric softeners as these can damage the fabric of your bath mat.
Second it is also important to avoid overloading the washer.
This can lead to poor cleaning as well as damage to the fabric.
Finally you should avoid drying your bath mat in the dryer.
Even if you set the dryer to the lowest setting the dry heat can damage the fabric of your bath mat.
Instead it is best to hang your bath mat up to dry.
Taking Care of Your Bath Mat
By following these tips you can help ensure that your bath mat remains clean and fresh for years to come.
And if you’re looking for a bit of added luxury consider investing in a good-quality bath mat.
Quality bath mats are designed to last longer and they can add a touch of sophistication to your bathroom.
At the end of the day taking care of your bath mat is an important part of keeping a clean and hygienic bathroom.
So the next time you’re cleaning your bathroom don’t forget to give your bath mat some extra TLC.