How do you wash a bath mat?

Some bath mats are machine washable but double-check the label beforehand for detailed care instructions. If you're able to wash your mats in the machine, make sure to wash them separately from other items as not to overfill the washing machine. Wash them on cold with mild detergent. Tumble dry them on the lowest heat setting or hang them out to air dry.

How often should you wash a bath mat?

If you have a larger household where your bath mats receive frequent foot traffic, you'll want to wash them weekly . This prevents mold or other bacteria from forming on your mat and keeps away any unwanted odors. If you're the only one using your mat, washing it every two weeks or so should be adequate. To keep your bath mat as fresh as possible, try hanging it off the side of the tub after use so bacteria and moisture don't accumulate on the mat.

Are bath mats sanitary?

As long as you wash your bath mat properly and frequently, it is sanitary. Keeping your bathroom properly ventilated can also help prevent excess moisture and humidity from getting on your bath mat. This ensures it stays fresh and clean for longer periods of time. Alternatively, a wooden bath mat is a great option because it doesn't absorb water and keeps your bathroom more sanitary.

The 10 Best Bath Mats on the Market, Confirmed by Our Tests

Gorilla Grip Original Chenille Bath Mat — The Spruce / Theresa Holland

A reliable bath mat absorbs excess water, prevents slipping, and adds style to your bathroom.

We extensively researched the top options available online and had our tester evaluate our top picks on design, comfort, grip, and value. Backed by our testing, our favorite is the Frontgate Resort Skid-Resistant Bath Rug, an absorbent, plush, and grippy mat that’s also easy to clean in the washing machine.

Here are the best bath mats.

Our Top Picks

Best Overall:

Frontgate Resort Bath Rug at Frontgate

Jump to Review

Best Budget:

Yimobra Luxury Chenille Bath Mat at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Looped:

L.L.Bean Classic Cotton Bath Mat at L.L.Bean

Jump to Review

Best Cotton:

Privet House Portuguese Cotton Bath Mat at Privethouse.com

Jump to Review

Best Microfiber:

Lifewit Microfiber Bathroom Rug Bath Mat at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Chenille:

Gorilla Grip Original Chenille Bath Mat at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Memory Foam:

Genteele Memory Foam Bath Mat at Amazon

Jump to Review

Best Wooden:

Haven Acacia Wood Tub Mat at Bed Bath & Beyond

Jump to Review

Best Runner:

Azulina Home Super Soft Bath Mat at Food52

Jump to Review

Best Round:

Urban Outfitters Round Crochet Bath Mat at Urban Outfitters

Jump to Review

In This Article

Our Picks
How We Tested
What to Look for
FAQ
Why Trust The Spruce

Courtesy of Frontgate

View On Frontgate

What We Like

Long-staple cotton
Luxurious texture
Non-skid backing
Lots of color/size options

What We Don't Like

Expensive

We tested all of the mats in this roundup, and Frontgate's Resort Rug was a clear winner, receiving a perfect score in all categories! Bath mats are often either aesthetically pleasing but relatively low-quality or basic-looking but actually high-end. This one, however, is the best of both worlds. As Saana Baker, a San Francisco-based textile expert, notes, cotton is ideal for bath mats, as it's low-maintenance and naturally absorbent, especially with a looped weave like this one has.

Woven from exceedingly strong long-staple cotton yarns, the Resort Bath Rug is a step up from most cotton mats. It's nearly 2 inches thick with a high-pile surface to offset the low loops. The result? An incredibly soft and undeniably luxurious texture that feels amazing between the toes.

We also like that it has a slightly grippy latex-treated backing, providing slip-resistance without compromising the blankety feel. What's more, you can throw it in the washing machine, and the long-staple cotton gets softer with every wash. This bath mat is more expensive than most others in its category, but considering the quality, we wouldn't say it's overpriced.

Price at time of publish: $59 for 21" x 34"

Frontgate_Resort_Bath_Rug_Hero_Horz — The Spruce / Theresa Holland

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart View On Yimobra.com

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Highly absorbent
Lots of color/size options

What We Don't Like

Doesn't dry quickly
Prone to fading

You don't have to shell out a lot of money to protect your floors from moisture damage and spruce up your bathroom decor. Also rated a perfect score in every category, the budget-friendly Yimobra Chenille Bath Mat is very plush with an ultra-comfy, shag-like weave that feels good between the toes—and a slightly grippy backing to boot.

This mat is machine washable and even vacuumable on a lower suction mode. We also appreciate that it comes in lots of sizes and colors. One thing to note is that while the microfiber is highly absorbent, it doesn't dry quite as quickly as others in its category. In our tests, this rug took longer to dry after consecutive showers.

Price at time of publish: $22

Yimobra Original Luxury Chenille Bath Mat — The Spruce / Theresa Holland

4.5

Courtesy of L.L. Bean

View On L.L.Bean

What We Like

Long-wear looped cotton
Non-skid backing
Machine washable
Multiple color/size options

What We Don't Like

Relatively pricey
Average appearance

We're also big fans of L.L.Bean's Classic Cotton Bath Mat. The brand is a tried-and-true resource for practical home goods, so it's no wonder this rug is a hit. According to Baker, looped cotton is best for durability and absorbency. Woven from long-wear cotton and loomed with extra-thick, ultra-tight loops, you can bet this mat will absorb water while offering luxurious comfort.

Though the shag-like surface feels great underfoot, the Classic Cotton Bath Mat looks like your average bathroom rug. Our tester noted that the appearance was not as high-end as other options on this list, rating it a four out of five in value. Having said that, it's undoubtedly sturdy but also lightweight and soft with a non-skid backing to help it stay in place on your bathroom floor.

Price at time of publish: $40

L.L.Bean Classic Cotton Bath Mat — The Spruce / Theresa Holland

The 10 Best Non-Slip Bath Mats of 2023

4.3

Courtesy of Privet House

View On Privethouse.com

What We Like

Hand-woven
Beautiful appearance
100 percent recycled cotton

What We Don't Like

No grippy back
Only one color/size

Baker recommends the charming, handwoven Portuguese Cotton Bath Mat from Privet House, and after testing one, we can see the appeal. "While the look is traditional, they have a special 'perfectly imperfect' look because they are made by hand," she says.

All in all, this 100 percent cotton bath mat is a high-quality product with an authentic appeal. But as Tina Martindelcampo notes, "If you prefer a stylish, more traditional style rug for a bath mat, then make sure you put a rug pad underneath to keep it from slipping." Our tester also noted that the weave makes this product feel more like a mat than a rug, and rated it a three out of five for comfort and overall value.

Price at time of publish: $75

Privet House Portuguese Cotton Bath Mat — The Spruce / Theresa Holland

4.5

Amazon

View On Amazon

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Highly absorbent
Incredibly soft

What We Don't Like

Sheds a lot
Must be air-dried

For those looking for a super-soft bath mat, this is the one to get, earning a perfect score for comfort during testing. The ultra-thick, high-pile Lifewit Bathroom Rug is very reasonably priced, highly absorbent, and feels amazing underfoot—almost like sherpa. However you should keep in mind a bath mat's thickness in regard to your shower design. "Think about clearance for shower and bathroom doors—will your door clear a thick mat?," says Baker.

Made of microfiber with a notably grippy and protective TPR (thermoplastic rubber) backing, this mat is machine washable. However, the manufacturer recommends air-drying it to avoid warping the rubbery back. In our tests, this bath mat earned a score of four out of five because it shed considerably, which called for more frequent vacuuming.

Price at time of publish: $23

Lifewit Microfiber Bathroom Rug Bath Mat — The Spruce / Theresa Holland

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Gorillagrip.com

What We Like

Highly absorbent
Heavy-duty rubber backing
Lots of color/size options

What We Don't Like

Bald line down the middle

If you're partial to chenille, your best bet is the Gorilla Grip Bathroom Rug. Made of polyester with a shag-like surface, it soaks up an impressive amount of water, dries remarkably fast, and feels pleasantly cushy underfoot. In terms of the design, our tester rated it a four out of five, noting that there's a seam that runs down the middle of the bath mat, although it's not super noticeable.

This bath mat has a heavy-duty rubber backing, protecting your floors from water damage and preventing you from slipping. We also like that it's machine washable and comes in an array of sizes and colors. The price is about average, though the smaller sizes are budget-friendly.

Price at time of publish: $30

4.5

Amazon

View On Amazon View On Walmart

What We Like

Budget-friendly
Easy to vacuum
Lots of color/size options

What We Don't Like

Larger sizes awkward to wash

For maximum plushness, go with the Genteele Memory Foam Bath Mat. When you step out of the shower, your feet will sink into the polyurethane inner foam and be pampered by the velvety soft outer material.

Thanks to an anti-skid backing with grippy rubber dots, this budget-friendly mat stays in place while protecting your floors from moisture damage. It's also machine washable and even vacuumable using low suction. However, in our tests, we found that the larger sizes of this bath mat were a little awkward to wash in a standard washing machine, earning it a four out of five in that category.

Price at time of publish: $30

The 10 Best Bath Towels of 2023, Tested and Reviewed by Us

4.5

Courtesy of Bed Bath & Beyond

View On Bed Bath & Beyond

What We Like

Natural appeal
Rubber grips on back
Rolls up

What We Don't Like

Only one size option
Some water drips through

If you're interested in a wooden option, you should definitely consider the Haven Acacia Tub Mat, which was rated a perfect score in design and overall value. As its name suggests, this mat is made of 100 percent Acacia, an inherently beautiful and moisture-resistant tropical hardwood.

The material is naturally absorbent, though you can expect some water to drip through when you step out of the tub or shower. For this reason, it's best if your bathroom flooring is water-resistant (if not waterproof). We also like that it has tiny rubber grips on the back to help it stay in place and that it rolls up for easy transport and storage. Our tester noted that this wood tub mat only comes in one size, though, which may be limiting for some customers.

Price at time of publish: $40

Haven Acacia Wood Tub Mat — The Spruce / Theresa Holland

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4.3

food52

View On Food52

What We Like

Handwoven
100 percent cotton
Sturdy weave

What We Don't Like

Relatively pricey
Must be air-dried

Need something a bit longer? Check out the Cali Bath Mat from Azulina Home. Measuring 60 x 20 inches (including the tassel fringe), the runner size is perfect for large bathrooms or walk-in showers.

This 100 percent cotton bath mat was handwoven in Bogotá, and it shows. It has a stunning authentic appeal, and the weave is notably sturdy with a slight stretch. The backing isn't grippy, but you have the option to include an anti-slip mat with your order. While the Cali is priced relatively steep, the quality is unmistakable, and it's definitely a sight for sore eyes. In terms of care and maintenance, our tester liked that this bath mat is machine washable but noted that it must be air-dried.

Price at time of publish: $65 for Small

Azulina Home Super Soft Bath Mat — The Spruce / Theresa Holland

4.8

Courtesy of Urban Outfitters

View On Urban Outfitters

What We Like

Very soft and plush
100 percent cotton
Anti-slip backing

What We Don't Like

Only one size option
Not ideal for large bathrooms

Think outside the box with this round bathroom rug from Urban Outfitters. At first glance, it looks slightly worn and almost scruffy, but it's surprisingly soft and way plusher than it appears online.

The Crochet Trim Bath Mat is made of 100 percent cotton with a cut-pile surface and a doily-like trim. It's got a slightly rubbery, anti-slip backing and can be washed in a standard washer. Measuring 24 inches in diameter, it's ideal for accenting a small bathroom, clawfoot tub, compact shower, sink, or vanity. If you have a larger bathroom, though, you may need a more sizable rug. Our tester gave it a four out of five for design based on its appearance and size and noted that the orange color appears slightly lighter in person (it's more of a golden hue). Otherwise, this rug earned a perfect score in comfort, washability, and overall value.

Urban Outfitters Round Crochet Bath Mat — The Spruce / Theresa Holland

		Overall Rating	Design	Comfort	Easy to Clean	Value
Best Overall: Frontgate Resort Bath Rug	Frontgate	5	5	5	5	5
Best Budget: Yimobra Luxury Chenille Bath Mat	Amazon	5	5	5	5	5
Best Looped: L.L.Bean Classic Cotton Bath Mat	L.L.Bean	4.5	5	4	5	4
Best Cotton: Privet House Portuguese Cotton Bath Mat	Privethouse.com	4.3	5	3	5	4
Best Microfiber: Lifewit Microfiber Bathroom Rug Bath Mat	Amazon	4.5	4	5	4	5
Best Chenille: Gorilla Grip Original Chenille Bath Mat	Amazon	5	4	5	5	5
Best Memory Foam: Genteele Memory Foam Bath Mat	Amazon	4.5	4	5	4	5
Best Wooden: Haven Acacia Wood Tub Mat	Bed Bath & Beyond	4.5	5	4	4	5
Best Runner: Azulina Home Super Soft Bath Mat	Food52	4.3	5	4	4	4
Best Round: Urban Outfitters Round Crochet Bath Mat	Urban Outfitters	4.8	4	5	5	5

Final Verdict

Our number one pick is the Frontgate Resort Skid-Resistant Rug, a high-quality bath mat that looks as luxurious as it feels. Made of long-staple cotton with both high-pile and looped weaves, it's nearly 2 inches thick and comfy underfoot. If you're looking for something a little more wallet-friendly, go with the Yimobra Original Chenille Bath Mat, which boasts a super-plush, shag-like weave and a slightly grippy backing.

We spent 20 hours researching the most highly rated bath mats available in various styles and interviewed experts in the field. Based on this research, we sent our tester 13 different bath mats so we could find out how they looked, felt, and held up after multiple showers and baths. She then rated them on a scale of 1-5 according to their design, comfort, ease of washing, and overall value.

Size

When shopping for a bath mat, one of the most important things to consider is size. Make sure you get something small enough to fit comfortably in your bathroom but also large enough to be functional and not just decorative. It's a good idea to measure your bathroom, as well as your bathtub and/or shower before ordering a rug. The mat doesn't have to span the entire length of your shower or bath, but it should cover the area where you step out. "Think about your space and how you'll use it," says Saana Baker, a San Francisco-based textile expert and creator of The Textile Eye. "Would a long runner be nice in the space, or perhaps two smaller mats?"

Material

Cotton tends to be more absorbent than polyester, but polyester dries super quickly and resists shrinking, plus chenille polyester weaves can be very absorbent. There's also microfiber, which can hold several times its weight in water, and has a more velvety soft feel than cotton. Another option that's growing in popularity is wood, which is generally more expensive but requires no upkeep and gives any bathroom a spa-like feel.

Non-Slip Backing

Another important feature is an anti-skid backing. "When purchasing a bath mat, it's important to look for one that has some anti-slip or grip bottom so that it doesn't move or cause you to slip," says Tina Martindelcampo, a Decorist designer. The grippy backs of bath mats are typically made of rubber, thermoplastic, or latex, all of which offer excellent slip resistance. These materials also help protect your floors from water damage—an important factor to consider if you've been repurposing a towel as a bath mat.

Care Instructions

Most textile bath mats are machine washable, though some have to be hand-washed or spot-cleaned. If you want a low-maintenance rug, make sure to confirm it can be washed and dried—many machine washable rugs can't be put in the dryer since the heat can destroy the non-slip backing.

Machine washable bath mats — The Spruce / Theresa Holland

FAQ

How do you wash a bath mat?

Some bath mats are machine washable but double-check the label beforehand for detailed care instructions. If you're able to wash your mats in the machine, make sure to wash them separately from other items as not to overfill the washing machine. Wash them on cold with mild detergent. Tumble dry them on the lowest heat setting or hang them out to air dry.
How often should you wash a bath mat?

If you have a larger household where your bath mats receive frequent foot traffic, you'll want to wash them weekly. This prevents mold or other bacteria from forming on your mat and keeps away any unwanted odors. If you're the only one using your mat, washing it every two weeks or so should be adequate. To keep your bath mat as fresh as possible, try hanging it off the side of the tub after use so bacteria and moisture don't accumulate on the mat.
Are bath mats sanitary?

As long as you wash your bath mat properly and frequently, it is sanitary. Keeping your bathroom properly ventilated can also help prevent excess moisture and humidity from getting on your bath mat. This ensures it stays fresh and clean for longer periods of time. Alternatively, a wooden bath mat is a great option because it doesn't absorb water and keeps your bathroom more sanitary.

Theresa Holland has been contributing to The Spruce since 2019 and has several years of experience covering interior design and home goods. She's well-versed in the unique qualities of various textiles and can speak confidently on each material's softness, absorbency, sustainability, and maintenance requirements. For this roundup, she consulted with Saana Baker, a textile expert, and Tina Martindelcampo, an interior designer at Decorist, for recommendations and insight. She reviewed dozens of options from a variety of brands, personally tested 13 bath mats, and considered the appearance, size, material, non-slip backing (or lack thereof), and care instructions before making her final selections.

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