A bath mat is a necessary attribute, since it provides not only comfort, but also safety. However, do not forget that this type of product also requires care. It is worth knowing how to wash a bathroom rug in a washing machine, and what rules should be followed.
Care instructions
Before cleaning the product, it is recommended to read the label on it. It contains the basic care rules that you need to know to protect the rug from deformation and color loss. The label also indicates the material from which this bathroom attribute is made.
Products made of natural materials should not be subjected to such cleaning, as they can be damaged. Linen, silk and viscose rugs are recommended to be washed by hand. For rubber products, it is also worth choosing this method, since otherwise it will quickly begin to delaminate, and therefore hand washing will extend its service life. However, when using special covers for washing, machine washing is also possible.
The use of the bathroom rug should be completed by washing it with a damp cloth or brush soaked in soapy water.Preventing the development of fungus and increasing the service life of the product is achieved by regular care, which consists of daily washing and drying of the rug. To do this, you need to have a replacement option.
Washing features
Bath mats require some care to prevent them from sticking to the floor and your feet. It is not recommended to use them for washing. regular washing powders, as they may be too aggressive for the material.
Handwash
Many people hand wash because the rugs may be too large to fit. automatic machine drum But some are also simply worried about the condition of the washing machine drain, which can become clogged with small particles contained in the product.
For manual cleaning you will need a brush and detergent. The best option for this type of cleaning is laundry soap. It rinses out faster than washing powder and also cleans better. First you need to shake the mat to rid it of debris, lather it and leave it for a while, and then rinse. If you were not able to get rid of all the dirt the first time, you should repeat the procedure.
Washing machine
When washing in a machine, it is imperative to use air conditioner or any other water softener. Before washing, you must carefully shake out all debris from the rug and rinse it in a basin of water.If you have time, you can leave the product to soak for a couple of hours.
Then there are 2 possible scenarios:
- You need to wet the rug and thoroughly rub it with laundry soap, and then put it in the washing machine set to delicate.
- Immediately after soaking, load the product into the machine, adding a liquid version of laundry soap to the drum. Start washing on delicate cycle.
For cleaning, you can use not only laundry soap, but also any other laundry detergent available in the form gel. In this case, there is no doubt that it will be completely washed out of the product during the rinsing stage. If you use powder, its particles may not completely dissolve and remain crystalline particles in the structure of the material, which is why the bath mat will quickly become unusable.
How to machine wash correctly
Mats made from:
- PVC;
- synthetics;
- microfiber;
- wool;
- rubber (under certain conditions).
For washing, it is strictly forbidden to use alkaline or chlorine based bleaches. Even to remove stains, it is recommended to use only laundry soap, since it will most safely help get rid of dirt. And more aggressive means thin the material and can completely ruin the rug. It is recommended to use essential oils as a disinfectant. It is enough to add just a couple of drops to the product used.
PVC and rubber
Rubber-based and PVC mats are the most preferred options for use. They are not afraid of dampness, which is why they have a long service life. At the same time, to remove contaminants, you do not need to put a lot of effort into cleaning, since this action can be carried out using a regular brush and soapy water. Mats made of PVC and rubber are only afraid of mechanical impact, and therefore you should not place heavy objects on them or walk in rough shoes.
Washing such products in a washing machine should be carried out at temperatures below 40 degrees Celsius and on a delicate cycle. The smell of rubber can be easily eliminated with cold water. Daily cleaning with a damp sponge will help keep it looking presentable longer. “General” cleaning is recommended to be done every two weeks.
Textile
Fabric mats made of synthetic materials, even if they are anti-slip, are recommended to be washed with appropriate washing mode. It is worth choosing a temperature of up to 60 degrees Celsius. In this case, you cannot use spinning and drying. For washing, you should not use soap with dyes; it is better to choose an antiseptic. It is worth choosing a double rinse to ensure that the detergent is completely removed from the fabric.
Natural fabrics can be washed at your own risk at temperatures below 40 degrees, setting the delicate cycle, without using a spin cycle. For washing, it is also recommended to choose a special cover and detergents for washing wool. Regular washing should be done once every 1-2 weeks.
Microfiber
Modern technologies improve the quality of life. Microfiber is a modern, durable material that can withstand moisture.Thanks to this, it is considered wear-resistant, and therefore products made from this material are considered the most practical for use in the bathroom. Most often they have a non-slip coating, but this does not prevent them from being washed using washing machine, if you set the required parameters.
To wash this material, it is better to choose a temperature from 40 to 60 degrees Celsius. At lower temperatures, contaminants may not be removed well enough, but hot water can damage the structure of the material, and therefore it should not be used either. Bath mats made from this material must be washed when they become dirty. Typically, washing is required no more than once or twice a month.
Washing a high-pile bath mat
People who prefer comfort like to buy high-pile rugs, but they rarely take into account the fact that caring for them is more complex and painstaking. These types of products absorb moisture, and therefore, to preserve the lint, it is recommended to wash them exclusively by hand.
This practice allows you to leave the pile soft and tender. Drying them will also take quite a lot of time. If the product is large enough, it is recommended to wash it in the bath, otherwise a bowl of water is enough. It is necessary to take warm water and dilute the product used in it. It is better not to use powders, since their particles are less soluble. Special products for carpets are perfect in this case.
How to dry a product correctly
Drying is an important step in maintaining the integrity of the bath mat. In order for them to retain their shape and color longer, a number of important recommendations must be followed. You should not squeeze the product with twisting movements, because in this case the rug will inevitably be deformed.
Do not expose the rug to direct sunlight, as this will cause it to fade. It is also worth remembering that the use of radiators, central heating radiators and hair dryers to speed up drying is unacceptable. This will cause the material to become rough, brittle and may become overdried. As a result, it will simply begin to creep apart due to the fact that its structure has been damaged.
You cannot do without drying at all, since in this case fungus will grow in the rug. After this, the product will have to be completely replaced. Therefore, it is necessary to have several options for bath mats in your home. Every day after water gets on the product, you need to at least dry the mat if it is not possible to wash it.
After washing, a large amount of water will drain from the mat. Some of the options can be easily squeezed out without twisting it into a roll - just gentle pressure with your palms is enough. You can also hang a rug on the crossbar above the bathtub so that the water drains away on its own. You can speed up this process by blotting the product with towels; they will easily absorb excess moisture.
Recommendations for use
One of the measures to prevent the development of fungus in a bath mat is to change it regularly. Ideally, they need to be changed daily, and therefore it is recommended to have several options available so that while washing one of them, you can put another. It is also recommended to pay more attention to the choice of bath mat. The main criterion is ease of care.
Almost all mats have an unlimited lifespan, according to the manufacturer, if the operating conditions are followed. However, this is not the case. It is recommended to replace the product as soon as its structure begins to deteriorate, lint falls out, or black spots appear.
Proper care and operating measures will allow you to forget about buying a new product for a long period. However, there should be spare options available that will protect against slipping and contact with cold tiles when the main contender is in the wash.
