How to Make Bath Mat Fluffy Again?
Since you probably walk across your bath mat every day from the bathroom to the shower and back again, have you ever thought about how much tread your mat has lost over time?
The constant walking slowly wears down your bath mat’s bristles and makes it look less than fluffy. The rubberized backing can become worn out, and mold, grime, or hair can build up under the outer layer.
Have you ever wondered how to make a bath mat fluffy again once it becomes annoyingly stiff and lifeless? There is no magic pill when you try to address this. Fortunately, it is relatively easy to make the bath mat fluffy again if you follow the proper steps.
With this guide on how to make bath mat fluffy again, you can restore the plushness of your bath mat and make it feel new again.
What Causes Bath Mats to Lose Their Fluff?
Most bath mats are made of soft, absorbent materials such as cotton, microfibers, or memory foam. The materials absorb water from your body and keep you from slipping.
As bath mats wear and tear, they lose their fluffiness and softness. Here are a few reasons why your bath mat may have lost its fluff.
- The bath mat is being washed with hot water.
- Any fabric will eventually get old as you keep using it for a long time.
- The bath mat cannot move during cleaning because the washer or dryer is too full.
- Washing your bath mat frequently increases its likelihood of losing its fluff. Soiling can also cause spots and stains to appear on your bath mat.
- A layer of detergent residue has built on the bath mat.
- There is too much fabric softener in the bath mats, so they aren’t as fluffy.
- Mildew and mold can grow on the bath mat if it is not dried properly, causing it to develop spots and an unpleasant odor.
- Bath mats usually contain fine fibers that can collect dust over time. Over time, this can cause them to develop spots and lose their fluffiness.
How to Make Bath Mat Fluffy Again?
So the bath mat is finally losing its fluff. Is it time to get rid of it, right? Maybe not so fast. A few simple tricks can make your bath mat fluffy again and save you money.
1. Wash your Bath Mat Regularly
The first step to keeping your bath mat clean and fluffy is to wash it regularly. It will prevent the build-up of dirt, grime, skin cells, and oils that attract bacteria.
Depending on how often you use it and the type of material it is made from, you may need to wash your mat once a week or as little as once a month.
2. Use Cold Water
Use only cold water to wash your bath mat. Hot water can damage the fibers in some materials and cause them to shrink or lose their shape over time.
If possible, run the cold water directly into the tub before turning on the machine with water already inside it. Alternatively, you can add some cold water into the tub before starting the cycle if this isn’t possible.
There needs to be enough room for air bubbles when you turn on your machine later, but not too much that it overflows.
3. Brush the Mat
Allow the bath mat to air dry entirely on a flat surface after cleaning. Do not place it back in the bathroom, where it will have access to moisture from showers or baths.
After the bath mat has dried, brush out the fibers with an old toothbrush or scrub brush. Depending on how matted down your bath mat is, this might take some time, but once you’re done, it will be soft and fluffy again.
4. Add Vinegar or Baking Soda to Your Wash Cycle
You can refresh your bath mat by adding vinegar or baking soda to the wash cycle. It can help remove excess detergent, dirt, and debris from the fibers, which will keep your bath mat fluffy and clean for longer.
Additionally, it helps to keep its color intact and prevents mold from growing on it.
5. Use Fabric Softener or Fluffing Spray
If you don’t want to spend extra time fluffing your bath mat, you can use some tricks in your washing machine to keep it fluffy.
One option is to add fabric softener to the wash cycle when cleaning your bath mat. It will help it come out feeling softer and fluffier after a spin in the machine.
Alternatively, you can use a fluffing spray designed specifically for towels and other fluffy items like bath mats. The sprays are made with ingredients that help maintain the fluffiness of your mats so they can be used again and again without losing their cozy look.
6. Use Rubber Gloves to Fluff-Up the Fibers
Fluff up the fibers using rubber gloves. Run rubber gloves over the bath mat to lift the fibers and make them fluffy again. You can also rub the fabric against itself to fluff up the threads. It will restore the material to its original state.
7. Fluffing the Mat With an Iron
Before you begin ironing, make sure the mat is completely dry. It is best to use the warm setting on the iron to heat the fibers and prepare them for fluffing. Press down gently with the iron, making sure to cover all mat parts.
8. Fluffing Bath Mat with Hair Dryer
With a hairdryer, you can fluff up your bath mat in no time. Like with an iron, you will need to make sure that your bath mat is completely dry before beginning this process.
Use a low setting on your hairdryer or a cool setting if you have one. Hold the dryer six inches away from the bath mat, moving it around to expose all parts to the airflow.
How to Wash Fluffy Bath Mats
If you own a fluffy bath mat, you might wonder how to wash it without damaging the fibers. Thanks to the fact that these mats are machine washable, they can be easily cleaned.
You can wash your bath mat in the washing machine with a regular load of laundry using warm water and regular laundry detergent. You may need to put the mat in the dryer on low heat or air dry it if it is still damp afterward.
To deep clean your bath mat, you can use a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda before throwing it in the washing machine with a gentle cycle.
Machine Wash
- First, pretreat any stains on the bath mat with a stain remover or laundry detergent.
- Add 1 cup baking soda to the washing machine basin or tub, followed by 1 cup white vinegar.
- Allow the mixture to sit before washing the bath mat and use cold water and a mild detergent.
- If you use a front-loading machine, put the mat in a large laundry bag, so the mat will not tangle and snag.
- Use the extra rinse cycle if your washer offers it, so the mat has a little more time for rinsing than the default settings.
- After washing the mat, throw it into the dryer with clean, dry towels. The towels will help fluff up the mat’s pile and absorb excess moisture.
How to Prevent Your Bath Mat from Looking Old and Limp?
Bath mats are subject to a lot of abuse, so they don’t always look as lovely as you would like. Here are some tips on keeping your bath mat looking fresh and new for many years.
- Place it well away from the shower area.
- Do not use harsh scrubbers or bleach.
- After washing, fluff the mats again.
- Wash at least once a week.
You can either wash it by hand or by machine. If you decide to do it by hand, be sure to use mild detergent and slightly warm water to avoid damaging the fabric.
A machine wash is easier, but you must be careful because too much heat can shrink or discolor the fabric.
Conclusion
Cleanliness and dryness are essential for having a fluffy bath mat. Nothing can ruin the fluffiness of a bath mat like mold and mildew. After each use, wipe down your bath mat with a damp cloth.
Mold and mildew will form on the fibers of the bath mat if water is allowed to sit on it. It will make it feel rough and slimy. It is also necessary to rinse and air dry a bath mat after every use.
Hopefully, by following the above methods, you will be able to restore the fluffiness of your bath mat.
