TMB StudioThis soft, absorbent Cotton Paradise Bath Mat is an affordable pick for those looking for a low-pile mat that’s also 100% cotton. It’s essentially a towel in the shape of a bath mat with 900 GSM of premium, luxury weight. The medium-weight mat does not have grippers to help it lie fully flat, but it still manages to stay in place. What it lacks in a non-slip backing, it makes up for by coming in a set of two, so your purchase goes twice as far.
We loved the low-pile nature of this mat that allowed it to absorb water quickly and dry relatively fast—just 60 minutes, which is faster than both the best stone and non-slip bath mats on this list. Its basic look goes well in just about any bathroom, so we approve this soft, bath accessory. Snag it in a set of two and choose among various colors like sage green and sand taupe.
Pros
- Affordable as a set of two
- 100% ringspun cotton
- Available in 13 color options
- Machine washable
- Two sizes (20 x 34 and 17 x 34)
Cons
- Not water-repellant
TMB StudioYou’ve heard of memory foam mattresses, but did you know that some of the best bath mats use the same material? This memory foam bath mat makes for a cushy landing spot when you hop out of the shower.
The very thick memory foam has a velvety material on top with non-slip grippers in the shape of daisies on the bottom. That velvet top was quite comfortable and felt like a high-quality, luxury mat. Available in four sizes and 19 colors, this plush mat easily matches any decor style.
As a bonus, that comfortable cushioning is also machine washable and safe for the dryer. Its biggest downside, however, is the drying time. The floor under the mat was damp and took about five hours to completely dry, so we recommend throwing it in the dryer and then laying it flat to dry some more.
Pros
- Cozy polyurethane memory foam core
- Absorbent, low-pile velvet microfiber cover
- Slip-resistant PVC dot backing
- Machine washable
- Comes in four sizes
- Choice of 19 colors
Cons
- Holds more water than the other picks on this list
TMB StudioWooden bath mats add a natural look to your bathroom. This one, made from water-resistant bamboo, has floor-gripping rubber pads on the underside. Plus, it features a water-repellant top coat with a decorative, rippled texture.
Since it’s made of sustainable bamboo wood with a lattice structure, it’s not particularly absorbent, and the rubber pads don’t provide the best non-slip grip. But the bamboo mat is quite comfortable and the natural wood tone is nice to look at. Additionally, you can roll or fold it when you need to store it or take it on the go.
Like bamboo flooring, it’s durable enough to last through the years, meaning fewer replacements over time. You’ll also appreciate how easy it is to clean—just wipe it down with warm, soapy water, or a gentle spray cleaner, or use a scrub brush to remove debris and rinse.
Pros
- Stain and dirt-resistant bamboo
- Floor-gripping rubber pads
- Cleans up easily with a damp cloth
- Rustic mid-century look
Cons
- Doesn’t absorb water
What to Look for When Buying a Bath Mat
When searching for a bath mat, style comes second to size and type. It’s easy to find a bath mat in almost any shade or pattern—what’s more difficult is locating one that’s hygienic and fits in your space. According to Tetro, these are the things to keep in mind when shopping for a new bath mat:
- Ease of Cleaning: First and foremost, look for something that can be disinfected or laundered regularly. All of the mats on this list are machine-washable except for the Sutera mat and ZPirates mat. Clean the Sutera mat with the included sanding tool, and wipe down the bamboo mat with a scrub brush.
- Consider Antimicrobial Mats: These types of mats contain a chemical, like silver chloride, that can kill bacteria on contact. This will help reduce germs in between disinfection/laundering.
- Be Wary of Hiding Germs: Finally, if you do choose a stone mat, make sure it’s completely flat or that the grooves are large enough to wipe in between. Germs just love to hide in cracks and, without proper disinfection, will develop those biofilms quickly.
Why You Should Trust Us
We created this roundup based on information provided by Executive Editor Ryan Van Bibber, as well as the results found by our dedicated product testing team. Shopping Editor Emily Way consulted Jason “The Germ Guy” Tetro as well. Tetro has been involved in health-related microbiology and immunology for the last 35 years. He has co-edited “The Human Microbiome Handbook,” which provides an academic perspective on the impact of microbes on human health. Also, he is the host of the Super Awesome Science Show, which explores how science fits into our everyday lives.
How We Found the Best Bath Mats
Taking care of your foot health should never come second. That’s why each and every one of the best bath mats on this list takes hygiene into account first and foremost. Apart from combing through real reviews and researching how each mat stands up to the test of time, we ensured that all of the picks above clean up easily and are safe for families. For this comprehensive guide of the best bath mats, our product testing team conducted extensive tests of each product’s size, non-slip features, absorbency levels and cleaning ability. Of the 14 bath mats tested, only eight made the cut.
For absorbency, we wet each bath rug and timed how long it took to dry completely, considering the temperature in the room. For size, we measured the length, width and pile height to see if the mats were sized as advertised online. Then, we performed a non-slip test by pushing each mat down and forward to see which mats stayed in place and which ones slid, depending on the type of floor as well. Lastly, we stained each mat with different bathroom-related messes (dirt, lotion, etc.) and cleaned them as instructed by the manufacturer to see if they held onto stains.
FAQ
What type of bath mat is most hygienic?
Tetro says that it’s imperative to look at what happens to a bath mat over time. “Studies in the UK and Japan reveal hundreds of thousands of bacteria and fungi in a standard plush bathmat,” he says. “That number can increase over time due to the formation of colonies known as biofilms. The species depend on the various activities in the bathroom, including flushing a toilet with the lid up, allowing those fecal coliforms to get on the mat and thrive.”
“As for the effects,” he goes on, “if anyone happens to be putting their nose and mouth around the bath mats, such as young children, there’s the potential for gastrointestinal infection with some of the more troublesome bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. But the highest risk comes in the form of fungal infections of the toes and feet.”
So what bath mat is ideal for a hygienic bathroom? “This is a bit of a trick question because plush mats may have higher numbers of germs, but they tend to get trapped in the fabric, making it less likely for them to attach to the feet,” says Tetro. “A solid, nonporous mat would have fewer bacteria, but they would be in direct contact with the feet. In terms of ease of disinfecting, the solid would be much easier than the plush.”
How to wash a bath mat
When searching for the best bath mat, don’t overlook washability and durability. A bath mat can be one of the dirtiest surfaces in your home, so you need to keep it clean. It should stand up to repeated washings. “You should clean your fabric/plush bath mats about once a week and hard, nonporous bath mats every few days,” says Tetro.
He says that cleaning a bath mat requires disinfectants such as those containing hydrogen peroxide and/or non-bleaching agents like alcohol. “If you wish to launder fabric mats, make sure you’re not compromising the integrity of the fabric,” he says, reminding readers to follow the instructions on the label. “Also remember that vacuuming a mat may make it look clean, but it won’t hurt the microbes living in the fabric.”
What is the best bath mat to keep floor dry?
Quick-drying bath mats like a stone bath mat work best to keep the floor dry.
Are stone bath mats worth it?
According to Tetro, stone bath mats are one of the easiest types of bath mats to clean. “Stone bath mats are easy to keep safe,” he notes. “Just spray with a disinfectant, wait for the contact time listed on the label and then wipe it clean. You can even do it daily without any worries. It would be worth considering especially if there is a high turnover in the bathing area.”
Additional information was contributed by Ryan Van Bibber, Family Handyman executive editor.
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