When your bathmat begins to show stains or smells, your bathroom becomes an area people avoid. Urine, moisture, makeup and other substances can all leave your bathroom rug looking ready for the trash can. Do not reach for the garbage bin just yet, because bathroom rugs are simple to clean with the right detergent and your washing machine. Restore your bathroom to a place of peace and fresh smells, where you can get away for a moment by yourself.
Regular Stains
Step 1
Pour a cup of enzyme detergent into a large plastic container and fill with warm water. Place the rug in the container and let it soak for several hours or overnight.
Step 2
Place the rug in your washing machine with a wet towel to help balance the washer. Add oxygen bleach detergent to the washer. Run a full wash on hot water, set the washer to complete a second rinse, if available on your machine.
Step 3
Remove the rug from the washer and hang on a clothes line to dry. If the stain or smell remains, repeat the washing steps until the stain and smell are gone.
Mold and Mildew
Step 1
Take the bathmat outside and scrub mold and mildew from the backing of the rug to remove any loose debris. Do this step outside while wearing a mask, goggles and gloves to prevent the inhalation of mold and mildew spores.
Step 2
Place the mat in the washing machine with several bath towels to balance the machine.
Step 3
Pour in color-safe bleach detergent and 1/2 cup of vinegar in the fabric softener container. The bleach helps kill the bacteria causing the mold and mildew, while the vinegar as a rinsing agent neutralizes the smell of mold on your bathmat.
Step 4
Run a full wash on high heat and select a second rinse, if possible. Line dry the rug to prevent the breakdown of the rubber backing on bathmats or rugs.
Wash by Hand
Step 1
Hand-wash your bathmat if it is not suitable for a washing machine.
Step 2
Fill a tub with warm water, 1/2 cup of detergent and 1/2 cup of vinegar.
Step 3
Set the mat into the tub of water and use a stiff scrub brush to remove the stains on the rubber backing.
Step 4
Rinse the rug in a tub of clean water and line dry.