How To Clean Rubber Bath Mats: 10 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Home » How To Wash Bath Mats » How To Clean Rubber Bath Mats: 10 Steps (with Pictures) - WikiHow

Maybe your like

Skip to ContentQuizzes
  • Home
  • Random
  • Browse Articles
  • Quizzes & Games
  • All QuizzesHot
  • Love Quizzes
  • Personality Quizzes
  • Fun Games
  • Dating Simulator
  • Learn Something New
  • Forums
  • Courses
  • Happiness Hub
  • Explore More
  • Support wikiHow
  • About wikiHow
  • Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow 2 Easy Ways to Wash a Rubber Bath Mat (And Keep It Clean) PDF download Download Article Fight mold, mildew & odors in your shower or tub Co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH and Dan Hickey

Last Updated: March 22, 2025 Fact Checked

PDF download Download Article
  • Hand Washing
    • |
  • Machine Washing
    • |
  • Keeping Bath Mats Clean
    • |
  • Why do rubber mats get dirty?
    • |
  • Video
    • |
  • Expert Q&A
    • |
  • Tips
    • |
  • Warnings
|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 355,004 times.

You step into your shower after a long day and look down to see black or brown spots growing on your rubber bath mat—gross! Mold and mildew growth on your shower mats is super common (the frequent moisture and lack of air circulation are mold’s best friends), but thankfully, cleaning them is easy. In this article, we’ll show you 2 simple ways to clean up moldy rubber bath mats, plus explore how to keep them from getting so dirty in the first place.

Best Way to Clean Rubber Shower Mats

Lift up the mat so it’s not stuck to the floor, then fill the tub with warm water. Add 2 cups (473 mL) of chlorine bleach (or 1 cup each of baking soda and white vinegar for a natural solution). Let the mat soak for up to 4 hours if it’s very dirty, then scrub with a brush or scouring pad. Rinse and air dry.

Steps

Section 1 of 4:

Cleaning Rubber Bath Mats by Hand in a Bathtub

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Fill your bathtub with warm water and add 2 cups (473 mL) of chlorine bleach. 1 Fill your bathtub with warm water and add 2 cups (473 mL) of chlorine bleach. Lift up the bath mat so it isn’t stuck to the bottom of the tub anymore (this lets the water circulate around the underside where debris and mold can accumulate).[1] Then, fill up the tub with warm, not hot, water and measure out your bleach once it’s full of water (adding bleach right away can make a more potent solution and cause dizziness or breathing problems).
    • If you prefer, wash your bath mat in a clean utility sink or other large container instead. Add 1  tsp (4.9 mL) of chlorine bleach for every 1 US gal (3.8 L) of water for normal cleaning, or 1  c (240 mL) of bleach for every 5 US gal (19 L) of water for heavier cleaning.[2]
    • For a natural alternative, sprinkle 1 cup (272 g) of baking soda over the mat, then add 1 cup (237 mL) of white vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to the bath water instead of bleach.[3]
    • Warning: Do not make a diluted bleach solution with hot water. Hot water may intensify fumes as bleach is added.[4]
    • Warning: Wear protective eyewear and gloves when working with bleach. Prop open a window or door to ventilate the space and avoid inhaling bleach fumes.[5]
  2. Step 2 Let the mat soak for up to 3–4 hours if it’s extra dirty. 2 Let the mat soak for up to 3–4 hours if it’s extra dirty. To eliminate mold and mildew or get rid of bad odors, leave the rubber bath mat to sit in the diluted bleach for up to a few hours. This helps kill bacteria and loosen stuck-on debris that may be clinging to the suction cups or other areas. Keep your windows open for ventilation the whole time it’s soaking.[6]
    • If you’re just going for a light or maintenance cleaning, leave the mat to soak for about 10–20 minutes.
    Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Scrub the mat with a cleaning brush or scouring pad to remove dirt and debris. 3 Scrub the mat with a cleaning brush or scouring pad to remove dirt and debris. After the soak, put your gloves back on and give the mat a good scrub to get rid of stains, sticky spots, or any debris still clinging to the rubber.[7]
  4. Step 4 Rinse the mat and air dry it when you’re done cleaning. 4 Rinse the mat and air dry it when you’re done cleaning. Remove the bath mat from the bathtub and set it out to dry on the back of a chair or outdoors in the sun. Drain and rinse the bathtub to remove any dirt and scum that collected from the cleaning.[8]
    • Do not put the bath mat in the dryer as the heat will warp it.
    • Sunlight is a natural deodorizer and can help prevent future mildew buildup and kill some odor- and mildew-causing bacteria (especially those that are not normally exposed to direct sunlight).[9]
    5. Advertisement
Section 2 of 4:

Washing Rubber Bath Mats in a Washing Machine

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Place the rubber bath mat into the washing machine with a few old towels. 1 Place the rubber bath mat into the washing machine with a few old towels. A bath mat can be washed in a washing machine just as you would a load of clothes. To improve the cleaning process, add sturdy laundry items that can handle chlorine bleach, like white towels, or some old towels or garments you don’t mind getting potentially stained by bleach.[10]
    • Do not add delicate laundry items or garments that can be damaged by bleach (like wools or silks).
    • The other laundry items act like gentle scrubbers to help loosen debris and clean your bath mat (and can help dampen the noise from washing a hard mat, too).
    • Have a fabric bath mat? Whether it has a rubber bottom or not, fabric bath mats can go in the washer too. Use cold water, a mild detergent, and vinegar or bleach to remove stains and odors.[11]
    • You can also use your dishwasher to clean rubber as an alternative.[12] If you have the option, avoid the very hottest setting (although most dishwasher temperatures are set by the manufacturer).
  2. Step 2 Wash the mat on a warm, gentle cycle with detergent and ½ cup (118 mL) of bleach. 2 Wash the mat on a warm, gentle cycle with detergent and ½ cup (118 mL) of bleach. Run the washer as normal with your bath mat and towels.[13] Make sure to use a gentle cycle if possible; washing rubber bath mats on the normal or heavy-duty setting may weaken or damage the material over time.
    • If you don’t want to use bleach, try ½ cup (118 mL) of white vinegar instead for a natural solution.
    • Bleach is helpful for cleaning up deep stains, smells, or mold. If you’re just doing a routine cleaning, you can probably skip the bleach altogether.
  3. Step 3 Remove the mat and hang it over a chair back or clothesline to air dry. 3 Remove the mat and hang it over a chair back or clothesline to air dry.[14] Always air-dry a rubber bath mat since the heat from the dryer can cause the rubber to warp or crack. If you’re in a hurry, hand-dry the mat with a clean rag or cloth.
    4. Advertisement
Section 3 of 4:

Keeping Rubber Bath Mats Clean

PDF download Download Article
  1. Step 1 Clean your bath mat once a week to prevent mold or mildew buildup. 1 Clean your bath mat once a week to prevent mold or mildew buildup. A regular cleaning schedule means bacteria can’t hang around long enough to make your rubber bath mat gross or odorous. If you have a large family or your shower is getting used very frequently (AKA, more people are leaving and potentially stepping on germs), you may want to clean it more often.[15]
  2. Step 2 Hang your bath mat to air dry after each use. 2 Hang your bath mat to air dry after each use. Hang it somewhere high and away from the moisture of the tub; over the shower curtain rod or on a dedicated towel bar (not a bar where you’d also hang clean towels) are great options! Letting the water dry away each time leaves less opportunity for mold and mildew to grow.[16]
    • Avoid leaving the mat to dry over the edge of the tub, since this is still in the “moisture” zone.
  3. Step 3 Keep your bathroom as ventilated as possible. 3 Keep your bathroom as ventilated as possible. Stagnant, humid air contributes to bacteria growth (on a bath mat or anywhere else in your bathroom). So, keep your exhaust fan running whenever you shower or bathe and leave it on for about an hour afterward to keep air circulating. If your bathroom has a window, leave it cracked open whenever you can (try all day in spring or fall, or just a few hours a day in the winter).[17]
    • If you live somewhere with hot and humid summers, using the AC instead of opening windows can help cut down on indoor humidity in your bathroom.
    • Good ventilation will also help prevent mold and mildew growth in other areas of your bathroom, too!
    4. Advertisement
Section 4 of 4:

Why do rubber bath mats get dirty?

PDF download Download Article
  1. Bath mats combine warm moisture and debris like skin cells to fuel mold growth. Bath mats combine warm moisture and debris like skin cells to fuel mold growth. Think about the underside of your rubber bath mat: it’s frequently warm and wet, collects debris like hair, soap scum, skin cells, or bacteria, and doesn’t get good air circulation very often. These are all prime ingredients for mold or mildew growth! Leaving the mat to sit for too long in these conditions without cleaning makes it a “dream home” for mold colonies.[18]
    • Because mold spores travel by air, a moldy bath mat might lead to mold growth in other areas of your bathroom, too (especially if it’s not well-ventilated or frequently humid).

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question Can you put rubber bath mats in the washing machine? Michelle Driscoll, MPH Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's 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 Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 17 Helpful 32
  • Question How do you remove rubber mat from a bathtub? Michelle Driscoll, MPH Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's 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 Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 7 Helpful 12
  • Question How do you get mold out of rubber bath mats? Michelle Driscoll, MPH Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's 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 Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner 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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 22 Helpful 37
Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

  • For stains or set-in grime, try scrubbing the area with a paste made from 1 part water and 3 parts baking soda. Thanks Helpful 2 Not Helpful 1
  • Before cleaning, check the manufacturer’s instructions before using bleach and test on an inconspicuous spot first. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Warnings

  • Avoid drying the mat in the dryer, as the heat is likely to ruin it. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 1
  • Bleach is a common household solution that must be handled with care. Wear protective gear like goggles and cleaning gloves and make certain your work area is well-ventilated before cleaning your rubber bath mats.[19] Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
Advertisement

You Might Also Like

Clean Black Mold in a ShowerHow toClean Black Mold in a Shower Clean Mold from GroutHow toClean Mold from Grout Remove Bathroom MoldHow to Easily Get Rid of Mold in Your Bathroom and Shower Clean Rubber8 Ways to Cleanse Different Types of Rubber (Shoe Soles, Rubber Mats & More) Clean a Bathtub with BleachThe Best Ways to Clean a Bathtub with Bleach Clean a Front Loading Washing Machine GasketHow to Remove Mold & Mildew from a Front-Loading Washer Gasket Clean Bathroom GroutThe Most Effective Ways to Clean Grout in Your Shower or Bathroom Floor Prevent Mildew on a Shower CurtainWhat Can You Do to Prevent Mold & Mildew on Your Shower Curtain? Clean Car Floor MatsHow toClean Car Floor Mats Clean Mold in a ShowerHow to Get Rid of Mold and Mildew in Shower Grout Clean Mold in Shower Grout NaturallyHow to Get Rid of Mold in Shower Caullk & Grout Wash Your Bathroom FloorHow toWash Your Bathroom Floor Clean Mold Off WallsHow toClean Mold Off Walls Clean White MoldHow toClean White Mold Advertisement

References

  1. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/bathroom-cleaning/how-to-clean-your-shower-mats.html
  2. ↑ https://www.cdc.gov/natural-disasters/safety/how-to-safely-clean-and-sanitize-with-bleach.html
  3. ↑ https://www.housedigest.com/1247460/black-mold-shower-mats/
  4. ↑ http://www.info.gov.hk/info/sars/en/useofbleach.htm
  5. ↑ http://www.info.gov.hk/info/sars/en/useofbleach.htm
  6. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/bathroom-cleaning/how-to-clean-your-shower-mats.html
  7. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/bathroom-cleaning/how-to-clean-your-shower-mats.html
  8. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/bathroom-cleaning/how-to-clean-your-shower-mats.html
  9. ↑ https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/10/18/658335490/grandma-was-right-sunshine-helps-kill-germs-indoors
More References (10)
  1. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/bathroom-cleaning/how-to-clean-your-shower-mats.html
  2. ↑ https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/weekend-projects-wash-your-bath-mat-36714874
  3. ↑ https://www.treehugger.com/things-you-can-clean-in-the-dishwasher-aside-from-the-dishes-4868040
  4. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/bathroom-cleaning/how-to-clean-your-shower-mats.html
  5. ↑ https://www.cleanipedia.com/gb/bathroom-cleaning/how-to-clean-your-shower-mats.html
  6. ↑ https://creativehomemaking.com/cleaning/bathroom/rubber-bath-mat/
  7. ↑ https://cleanmyspace.com/dealing-with-moldy-bath-mats/
  8. ↑ https://cleanmyspace.com/dealing-with-moldy-bath-mats/
  9. ↑ https://www.themichaelrubino.com/a-moldy-bath-mat-the-often-overlooked-bathroom-oopsie/
  10. ↑ https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/flood/home/chlorine-bleach-safety

About This Article

Michelle Driscoll, MPH Co-authored by: Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner This article was co-authored by Michelle Driscoll, MPH and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Michelle Driscoll is a professional cleaner based in Fort Collins, Colorado. With over 7 years of experience, Michelle is the founder of Mulberry Maids, specializing in cleaning homes and small offices. Mulberry Maids services Northern Colorado, including Fort Collins and Loveland, and offers a variety of services, including commercial cleaning, move-in and move-out cleaning, and regular home cleaning. Michelle holds a Master's in Public Health from the Colorado School of Public Health. Additionally, Mulberry Maids has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. This article has been viewed 355,004 times. 11 votes - 82% Co-authors: 14 Updated: March 22, 2025 Views: 355,004 Categories: Bathroom Cleaning Article SummaryX

To clean rubber bath mats, start by mixing a solution of 1 gallon of cold water and 1 teaspoon of chlorine bleach in a well-ventilated bathroom. Without proper ventilation, you run the risk of inhaling noxious fumes and getting dizzy. Also be careful not to pour an indiscriminate amount of bleach straight from the bottle, or you might make a solution that is too potent. Once you have a mixture, let the mat soak in it for 3 to 4 hours to eliminate mold. Finally, give it a quick scrub with a scouring pad or cleaning brush before setting it outside in the sun to dry. For more advice from our Cleaning co-author, like how to use a washing machine on your bath mats, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

In other languages German French Spanish Indonesian Russian Dutch Korean Chinese Italian Vietnamese Thai Turkish Japanese
  • Print
  • Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 355,004 times.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Michelle Driscoll, MPH Co-authored by: Michelle Driscoll, MPH Professional Cleaner Co-authors: 14 Updated: March 22, 2025 Views: 355,004 82% of readers found this article helpful. 11 votes - 82% Click a star to add your vote

Quizzes & Games

Do I Smell Bad QuizDo I Smell Bad QuizTake QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizHow Disgusting Am I QuizTake QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizWhy Can't I Sleep QuizTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake QuizOCD TestOCD TestTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

Clean Black Mold in a ShowerHow toClean Black Mold in a ShowerClean Mold from GroutHow toClean Mold from GroutRemove Bathroom MoldHow to Easily Get Rid of Mold in Your Bathroom and ShowerClean Rubber8 Ways to Cleanse Different Types of Rubber (Shoe Soles, Rubber Mats & More)

Trending Articles

Am I Good at Flirting QuizAm I Good at Flirting QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Sexual Am I QuizHow Many Secret Admirers Do I Have QuizHow Many Secret Admirers Do I Have QuizRank My Attractiveness QuizRank My Attractiveness Quiz5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your Shape5 Different Types of Butts: Find Your ShapeWhat Would My Nickname Be QuizWhat Would My Nickname Be Quiz

Watch Articles

Impress a Girl on a First DateHow toImpress a Girl on a First DateWhat Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?What Are Tear Burns on TikTok and What Causes Them?Wear a HoodieHow toWear a HoodieChiffonadeHow toChiffonadeMake a Fabric RoseHow toMake a Fabric RoseConfront a BullyHow toConfront a Bully

Trending Articles

What Is My Intelligence Type QuizWhat Is My Intelligence Type Quiz210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-Blowing210+ Shower Thoughts: Funny, Deep, Weird & Mind-BlowingTell That Your Crush Likes You BackHow toTell That Your Crush Likes You BackDepression Test for TeensDepression Test for TeensSCP Fight Simulator: Who Will Win?SCP Fight Simulator: Who Will Win?Am I Autistic QuizAm I Autistic Quiz

Quizzes & Games

Should I Hire a Housekeeper QuizShould I Hire a Housekeeper QuizTake QuizWhat’s My Perfect Hair Care Routine?What’s My Perfect Hair Care Routine?Take Quiz Choose Bed Sheets QuizHow to Choose Bed Sheets QuizTake QuizWhat Chakra Do I Need to Balance QuizWhat Chakra Do I Need to Balance QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizMental Health QuizMental Health QuizTake Quiz wikiHow
  • Categories
  • Home and Garden
  • Home Maintenance
  • Bathrooms
  • Bathroom Cleaning
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
  • Home
  • About wikiHow
  • Experts
  • Jobs
  • Contact Us
  • Site Map
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Info
  • Not Selling Info
  • Contribute

Follow Us

×

Get all the best how-tos!

Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter

Subscribe You're all set! X --504

Tag » How To Wash Bath Mats