Care & cleaning

How to Care for Your Bath Mat: Cleaning Guide by Mat Type

Every kind of bath mat needs different care. Find your mat type, from fabric sets and kitchen mats to soft diatomaceous, stone, PVC suction and plush mats, and follow the right method.

By Mattona™ Team Updated 4 min read

Mattona™ guide cover: care by mat type, with two black bath mats in front of a vanity and glass shower

Quick answer

Machine wash fabric bath mat sets cool and gentle, and hand wash kitchen mats. Wipe or rinse soft diatomaceous mats, brush or damp-wipe stone mats (never machine wash them) and rinse PVC suction mats. Whatever the type, air dry fully, avoid high heat and follow the care label.

“Bath mat” covers very different materials, from soft knitted fabric to stone and PVC. Start by finding your mat below, then follow the care label that came with it.

Infographic: care by mat type. 3-piece sets: machine wash gentle below 40°C, air dry. Kitchen set: hand wash, air dry. Soft diatomaceous and single HOME mats: wipe or rinse. Stone mats: brush or damp wipe, no machine wash. PVC suction mats: rinse and clean the cups. Plush and waffle mats: gentle cool wash. Never use high heat.
Find your mat type, then use the matching method.

Care by mat type

Mat type How to clean Drying Avoid
Original and No Text 3-piece sets Gentle machine cycle below 40°C with mild detergent Air dry Bleach, softener, tumble drying
Two-piece kitchen mat set Hand wash, rinse out the soap Air dry Machine washing, high heat
Soft diatomaceous mat and single rectangular HOME mat Wipe or rinse clean Air dry fully Routine machine washing
Single U-shaped HOME mat Spot clean with a damp cloth Dry fully Other methods unless the label allows them
Stone bath mat Brush off dust or wipe with a damp cloth Dry fully, on a firm, flat floor Machine washing, soaking
PVC suction mats and foot scrubbers Rinse off soap, clean the suction cups Air dry Bath oils, uneven surfaces
Extra-long PVC mat Machine washable, as listed Air dry High heat
Waffle, faux velvet and plush mats Cold or gentle wash, or hand wash Air dry High heat, ironing

Washing the 3-piece sets

  1. Shake off loose dust and hair.
  2. Wash below 40°C (104°F) on a gentle cycle with a little mild detergent, leaving room in the drum.
  3. Skip bleach, fabric softener, harsh cleaners and long soaks.
  4. Air dry in a ventilated place, away from direct heat. No tumble dryer, no iron.
  5. Put the mat back only when the top and the backing are dry.

The full routine is in how to clean a bathroom mat set.

Everyday habits that make any mat last

  • Hang the mat after showers so it dries between uses.
  • Run the bathroom fan or open a window while you shower and afterwards.
  • Clean spills promptly and wash the mat when it looks or smells dirty.
  • Keep the floor and the underside of the mat clean and dry.
  • Keep absorbent floor mats outside the bath or shower.

If a mat starts to smell, see why bath mats smell and how to stop it.

Suction mats

Suction cups only seal on a clean, smooth surface. Before each use, press the mat down firmly and check that it doesn’t move. Rinse away soap and avoid bath oils, which can make surfaces slippery. Don’t use a mat that moves or curls, or has damaged cups.

Stone mats

Keep a stone mat on a firm, flat floor so it can’t rock or crack. Brush off dust or wipe it with a damp cloth, let it dry, and don’t put it in the washing machine. If it cracks, chips or stops absorbing well, replace it.

Stains, wear and replacement

Try gentle spot cleaning with a little mild detergent where the care label allows it, then rinse and dry fully. Don’t add vinegar, baking soda or other treatments unless the care instructions allow them. If the backing peels, the mat won’t lie flat or it no longer grips, stop using it and replace it. Not sure which method suits your mat? Contact Mattona™ with the product name or your order number.

Shop the mats in this guide

Gray Mattona 3-piece bathroom mat set with HOME lettering: U-shaped toilet mat and two rectangular mats on a bathroom floor 3-Piece Anti-Slip Bathroom Mat Set – Quick-Dry U-Shaped Toilet & Floor Mats $39.95$49.95 Shop now → Mattona gray HOME two-piece kitchen mat set, with a long runner and matching smaller mat in a bright cream and oak kitchen 2-Piece Quick-Dry Diatomite Kitchen & Bathroom Floor Mat Set | Ultra Absorbent, Non-Slip Waterproof Rugs $49.95$66.60 Shop now →

Frequently asked questions

Can all bath mats go in the washing machine?

No. Fabric sets like Mattona™ 3-piece sets can, on a cool gentle cycle. Stone mats must never be machine washed, and kitchen, soft diatomaceous and some single mats are hand washed, wiped or rinsed instead.

How do I clean a stone bath mat?

Brush off dust or wipe it with a damp cloth, then let it dry on a firm, flat floor. Don’t soak it or put it in the washing machine.

How do I keep a suction bath mat from slipping?

Clean the tub and the cups, then press the mat down firmly on a smooth surface. Avoid bath oils, and replace the mat if the cups no longer hold.

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