Keeping your bathroom clean and hygienic for daily use requires constant attention to each and every feature. Bath mats are one of the integral components that are often neglected when it comes to their upkeep and cleaning. To maintain hygiene and extended lifespan, it is crucial to clean these mats periodically.
The market is stuffed with different types of bathing mats, hence, demand to be taken care of differently according to their capabilities to withstand daily use. This blog by Customized Logo Mats helps you with detailed insight into treating different types of mats based on signs along with their cleaning steps and maintenance tips.
Know About The Vaccumming Frequency Of Mats Based On Material Type
Here are useful instructions on how frequently you can wash your mats based on the usage and material type.
1. Cotton Bath Mats
Cotton or other fabrication floor coverings are prone to collect moisture and become the house of bacteria and bad odors. That’s why, it is necessary to launder them at least once or twice a week.
2. Rubber Or Plastic
Rubber or plastic material floor coverings are less absorbent and stain, fade, or moisture-resistant. Therefore, it’s enough to get them cleaned after every 3-4 weeks to avoid dust accumulation.
3. Foaming Mats
Foaming mats should be washed after every one to two weeks because they fall in the same category of fabrication. That’s because they absorb moisture and are prone to mold, mildew, and stains.
4. Coir Mats
To keep your coir mats in a presentable and favorable condition for so long, it is mandatory to vacuum them at least once a week. It will majorly help avoid excess moisture, dust, stains, and discoloration.
5. Decorative Mats
Decorative mats for guest bathrooms are not required to be cleaned often because they are positioned only for decoration. However, you must wash them periodically to eliminate any bad odor or grime bits.
Keys Signs | Your Mat Needs Cleaning
Paying attention to warning indicators will help you determine the washing time. Along with regular or frequent cleaning and maintenance, inspect your mats for:
1. Bad Odor
Moisture retention and mold or bacterial growth often become the cause for a musty and unpleasant odor. When these floor coverings start producing a foul smell, you know it’s time to get it cleaned.
2. Visible Stains
If you notice obvious spills and stains by any sudden splashes, body fluids, or spilled cosmetics, it would be favorable to instantly get rid of them. A thorough wash with gentle cleaner will be of great help.
3. Color Fading
Over time, bath floor matting starts losing its initial colors and appears unappealing due to excess use. To preserve or retain their appearance, it is necessary to opt for a regular washing routine.
4. Texture Change
Soap scum and dirt accumulation sometimes can result in the change of mat texture. And that’s why it begins to grow rough over time. Periodic cleaning is recommended to prevent this change.
Step By Step Guide To Wash Your Floor Mats
Now that you are familiar with the duration of washing them, let’s examine the procedure for performing cleaning correctly.
1. Read The Care Instructions
Before you initiate the cleaning process, must check the care label to read about the specific manufacturer’s recommendations regarding washing. The instructions for cleaning detergents, water temperatures, and hand or machine use can vary based on the materials.
2. Shake Off Loose Dirt
To get rid of the loose or settled dirt from mat surface and base, give it a thorough shake vigorously. This will prevent the clogging of dirt in the washing machine at the time of cleaning and boost the cleaning process.
3. Pre-Treating/ Spot Cleaning
Spot cleaning and pre-treating stains would be the best steps to keep your floor coverings in a pristine condition for a long. Apply some drops of stain remover at the affected spot and use the soft brush to scrub it gently until the stain fades and is removed.
4. Pick The Right Detergent
Selecting the appropriate detergent is essential to deal with mats based on their manufacturing materials. Use non-abrasive and anti-acidic cleaners that won’t be a hassle to fabricate (it weaken or discolor the fibers) floor coverings and as well as suitable for rubber, coir, and other materials.
5. Use Low Machine Setting
Although every option is not machine washable but rather requires hand washing, you have to be careful with machine washable ones. To keep them looking brand new even after years, you must wash them on a gentle cycle in cold water.
6. Let It Dry Properly
After a complete wash, allocate the proper time to get them air dry naturally. Prolonged exposure to scorching heat and sunlight can result in color fading. Air dry them for an appropriate time so that they won’t promote mold and bad odor afterward.
Tips To Maintain Your Bath Mats For Long-Lasting Use
In addition to routine cleaning, maintenance is a foremost option that keeps your floor coverings in good shape.
1. Shake, Vacuum, & Hang To Dry
Waggle your floor covering from time to time for dust removal. Use a handheld vacuum cleaner to remove tiny dust and dirt particles. Also, dry them after each use to stop fungus development.
2. Rotate Them Periodically
Rotating the sides for these floor accessories on an occasional basis will make them appear fine and reduce wear and tear. If you have several, try changing their positions periodically.
3. Invest In Liners
As an extra layer of cushioning and support, it is advised to shop for top-quality liners as part of upkeep. Using memory foam, rubber, or cotton pile liners would be of great help to add stability and traction.
4. Keep Area Well-Ventilated
Proper ventilation is another hack to avoid extra moisture and unpleasant smells. For this purpose, opening windows, exhaust fans, and opening bathroom doors mats is recommended.
5. Wash Separately
One of the special considerations is to wash them individually from other household clothes and fabrication elements. It will ideally prevent dust, dirt, and color transfer.
6. Inspect For Mold
Look for mold development from time to time by lifting the floor coverings. If you notice any signs, make sure to clean the area with a commercial cleaner to prevent mold growth and let it dry.
7. Prefer Hand Washing
Abrasive brushes and machine cycles can impact their appeal, causing fiber shedding. That’s the reason, it is best to get them hand washed, preserving their durability and effectiveness.
8. Rinse & Dry Completely
Through rinse after a wash will eliminate any left residue, improving the grip and efficiency. That’s why give it a complete wash with cold water and allow full time for natural air drying.
9. Replace Old & Worn-Out Mats
If your mats have permanent stains, show wear and tear signs, continue to smell bad, and lose their traction and effectiveness, it is advised to get them replaced as soon as possible.
It’s A Wrap!
One of the important parts of house maintenance is keeping your bath mats clean for optimal hygiene. To promote a health-conscious and safe environment, it is necessary to vacuum and aftercare your bathroom mats for optimal condition. Regular and spot cleaning is a must to treat the stains and remove grime, and bad odors as well.
Prefer handwash, however, if using the machine, keep the machine cycle gentle and use non-acidic detergent for this purpose. Aside from that, follow the care and maintenance instructions to avoid lingering odors, permanent stains, excess wear and tear, and reduced effectiveness. Additionally, the replacement of worn-out floor coverings will make your bathroom look more welcoming, fresh, and secure for daily use.
