How often should you replace a bath mat? Chances are you're overdue for a new one
Experts reveal how often you should be replacing them
Bath mats are a great way to update your bathroom decor, add a pop of colour or pattern to an often neutral-coloured, plain-looking space. Fabric bath mats are the most popular for their comfort and looks, but you do need to replace them regularly. So how often should you replace a bath mat?
As pretty and soft as they are, fabric bath mats are infamously a place where bacteria and even mould easily grow due to their constant contact with water and the ground. That’s why you need to wash your bath mat often, ideally every week. And yet, bath mats are one of the most commonly missed areas when cleaning a bathroom.
Even if you are extremely diligent and wash your bath mat at least once a week, you still need to replace it periodically. And we’d venture to say that your bathroom is most probably overdue for a new one.
How often should you replace a bath mat?
‘Fabric bath mats should be replaced every 1-2 years, depending on usage and wear,’ explains Baqir Khan, owner and cleaning expert at Extreme Cleaning.
‘Because bath mats are one of the most frequently used bathroom items and they often come in contact with water, this can easily turn them into favourable spots for mould development and bacteria,’ says Petya Holevich, Fantastic Services' domestic cleaning expert and supervisor.
‘Over time, the fabric can become worn, faded, or less absorbent, diminishing its effectiveness in keeping the bathroom dry and safe,' adds Baqir. 'Regular washing can extend the lifespan of a fabric bath mat, but eventually, it may become too worn to effectively serve its purpose.’
But it’s not all bad. Look on the bright side – this way you can embrace the latest bathroom trends through regularly updating your bath mat. Right now, scallop-edge bath mats are all the rage, for example.
So if your bath mat is due a replacement, we've rounded up some of our current favourites to swap out the old one for. One softer and more stylish than the next, whether you opt for John Lewis' summery stripes, Dunelm's trendy scallop edges or the geometric pattern of the M&S mat made with a quick dry fabric that might just prolong its lifespan.
But of course, there are always other materials than fabric bath mats that you could go for. All of which are innately longer lasting, whether that's wood or stone as they don't wear out so quickly and aren't as susceptible to bacteria, damp and mould.
Whatever you decide though, just please replace that old fabric bath mat.
Get the Ideal Home Newsletter
Sign up to our newsletter for style and decor inspiration, house makeovers, project advice and more.
Sara Hesikova has been a Content Editor at Ideal Home since June 2024, starting at the title as a News Writer in July 2023. Sara brings the Ideal Home’s readership features and news stories from the world of homes and interiors, as well as trend-led pieces, shopping round-ups and more, focusing on all things room decor, specialising in living rooms, bedrooms, hallways, home offices and dining rooms. Graduating from London College of Fashion with a bachelor’s degree in fashion journalism in 2016, she got her start in niche fashion and lifestyle magazines like Glass and Alvar as a writer and editor before making the leap into interiors, working with the likes of 91 Magazine and copywriting for luxury bed linen brand Yves Delorme among others. She feels that fashion and interiors are intrinsically connected – if someone puts an effort into what they wear, they most likely also care about what they surround themselves with.
-
Do your bedside lamps need to match? Design experts agree on this approach for a calming scheme
Looking to switch up your bedside lamps but not sure whether to go matchy-matchy or mix things up a bit?
By Holly Walsh
-
This 59p product drastically reduced the condensation on my windows - and you probably have it in your cupboards already
You probably already have this everyday essential in your cupboards, but I bet you didn’t know that it’s a natural dehumidifier
By Lauren Bradbury
-
Can heated airers cause damp? Experts explain this common problem and how to combat it
Find out how to quickly dry your clothes this winter while keeping your home mould-free
By Eilidh Williams