How to Make Bath Mat Fluffy Again

How to Make Bath Mat Fluffy Again? (Magic Techniques)

ByLiliana Lawrence Updated on

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 a 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?

Bath Mat Losing Fluffiness

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 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.
  • The bath mats have too much fabric softener, 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? Maybe not so fast. 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 shape over time.

Run the cold water directly into the tub before turning on the machine with water already inside it. Alternatively, add some cold water to the tub before starting the cycle if this isn’t possible.

There must be enough room for air bubbles when you turn on your machine later, but it overflows only a little.

3. Brush the Mat

After cleaning, allow the bath mat to air dry entirely on a flat surface. Do not place it back in the bathroom, where it will have access to moisture from showers or baths.

After drying the bath mat, 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, keeping your bath mat fluffy and clean for longer.

It also helps keep its color intact and prevents mold from growing.

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 feel 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 repeatedly 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, covering all mat parts.

8. Fluffing Bath Mat with Hair Dryer

With a hairdryer, you can fluff up your bath mat quickly. Like with an iron, you must ensure 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 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, use a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda before throwing it in the washing machine with a gentle cycle.

Machine Wash

  1. First, pretreat any stains on the bath mat with a stain remover or laundry detergent.
  2. Add 1 cup baking soda to the washing machine basin or tub and 1 cup white vinegar.
  3. Allow the mixture to sit before washing the bath mat, and use cold water and mild detergent.
  4. If you use a front-loading machine, put the mat in a large laundry bag, so the mat will not tangle and snag.
  5. Use the extra rinse cycle if your washer offers it so the mat has more time for rinsing than the default settings.
  6. After washing the mat, throw it into the dryer with clean towels. The towels will help fluff the mat’s pile and absorb excess moisture.

How to Prevent Your Bath Mat from Looking Old and Limp?

Fluffy Bath Mat

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 do it by hand, use mild detergent and slightly warm water to avoid damaging the fabric.

A machine wash is more accessible, 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.

By following the above methods, you will be able to restore the fluffiness of your bath mat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

To refresh a bath mat, follow these steps:

  • Shake it out
  • Spot clean
  • Machine wash
  • Dry properly
  • Fluff and restore

Yes, you can wash a fluffy bath mat. However, it’s essential to check the care instructions provided by the manufacturer before washing to ensure you follow the recommended guidelines for cleaning.

You can easily keep bath mats soft by washing them regularly. The bath mat will remain soft if you wash it once every two weeks. It will also help to remove any bacteria that may collect.

If your bath mat is black, be sure not to use bleach. Bleach can turn black items gray or white, so use only warm water and mild detergent.

You can also keep your bath mat soft by washing it with fabric softener sheets. Put one sheet in with your bath mat when you wash it, and it will come out nice and smooth.

Using fabric softeners on bathroom rugs or mats is generally not recommended. Fabric softeners can leave a residue on the rug’s surface, reducing its absorbency and potentially making it slippery.

Instead, focus on proper washing techniques, such as using a mild detergent and following the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to maintain the softness and functionality of your bathroom rugs.

Yes. A vacuum can remove dust, dirt, and debris from the bath mat. Vacuuming is the easiest way to clean a bath mat without removing it from the bathroom entirely.

The best time to vacuum your bath mat is after it has dried so dirt and debris do not get trapped in its fibers.

Yes, you can put it in the washing machine. Check the care label first to ensure it can be washed at a high temperature. Plastic bath mats can only be washed at low temperatures.

Put your bath mat on a gentle cycle with cold water in the washing machine. However, we prefer hand-washing bath mats since it preserves the quality of the rubber.

It depends. If you’re a single person living alone who rarely has visitors, you don’t need to wash your bath mat more than once a month. But if you have a big family and lots of visitors, it’s best to wash it weekly.

It may also be good to wash it more often in the summer or warmer climates where mold and mildew are more prevalent.

Hang it up on a towel rack or lay it flat on the side of your bathtub to let it air dry.

A hairdryer can accelerate drying by blowing warm air across the mat. Do not use hot air because it can damage them.

You can also leave the mat by an open window or outside to get the smell out. Sunlight will speed up drying and kill germs that may cause odor.

Here’s More!

Spread the love

Liliana Lawrence is a senior writer for our blog and an expert on all things related to home mats. With a keen eye for design and a passion for organization, Liliana brings a unique perspective to the world. With a background in interior design, she has a wealth of knowledge and experience in creating beautiful and functional spaces. Liliana can be found organizing her own home and experimenting with new decorating ideas in her free time.