The humble bath math serves many purposes. From enhancing post-shower comfort to absorbing moisture and improving safety, mats are practical bathroom accessories. The characteristics of these useful bathroom accessories depend largely on the material they’re made of. On this note, you can choose among the following options.
Fabric Bath Mats
Bath mats and runners come in many different fabrics. Polyester is a popular fabric for making bath accessories including mats and runners. It is a synthetic substance that results from a chemical reaction between petroleum, air, and water. There are three main types of polyester with microfiber being the most popular one. Microfiber is usually composed of just polyester, but can also contain various other types of polyamides such as nylon.
Polyester bath mats don’t absorb water stains or spills easily making them a practical and affordable solution for busy bathrooms. Also, these bath mats are highly durable which is important if your bathroom is a high-traffic area. Furthermore, polyester bath mats are usually machine washable, though it is always a good idea to check the manufacturer’s instructions first.
Next, nylon is also common among fabric bath mats. It’s a low-maintenance synthetic material that can be machine-washed with little fuss. Although it’s not as soft as synthetic fibres, it’s highly durable and great for busy bathrooms. Usually, these types of mats are backed with non-slip material to prevent accidents.
Cotton is another popular choice for fabric bath mats. It’s soft and comfortable to the touch. Stepping onto a cotton bath mat after showering can keep your feet toasty and help avoid contact with damp and cold tiles. Also, cotton is highly absorbent (it can absorb 24 to 27 times its weight in water). This makes cotton bath mats a great addition to busy bathrooms where post-shower puddles are a common scenario.
Style-wise, cotton bath runners and mats are available in a variety of colours and patterns. You can coordinate your cotton bath mat with your existing decor theme and create a cohesive bathroom style.
The main drawback of cotton bath mats is that they’re not the most hygienic choice. When not washed properly, they can become a breeding ground for bacteria. Although washing your cotton bat mat on the hot cycle can kill bacteria, hot temperatures could cause colours to run or fade and shrinking could occur.
To take things up a notch, you can opt for Egyptian cotton bath mats. These are known to be more durable and absorbent than regular cotton bath mats. Egyptian cotton bath accessories will last you much longer than regular cotton options mainly because the fibre is stronger, so it can easily withstand frequent washing.
Hard Bath Mats
There’s an increasing trend towards hard bath mats and with good reason. Hard bath mats are typically more durable, quick-drying, and hygienic than fabric bath mats. Some of the most popular materials include teak, bamboo and diatomaceous earth.
If you like the warmth that wooden accents bring into a space, you can choose a teak bath mat. Teak is a valuable tropical hardwood renowned for its natural beauty and incredible durability. Due to its rich content of natural oils and resins, teak is also water and moisture-resistant.
However, leaving it soaked in water for a long time might still cause some damage to your teak bath math. However, with proper care, you can maintain its natural lustre for years to come. All you have to do is gently scrub the teak bath mat with a soft brush, rinse well with water and let dry.
Next, if manufactured and harvested correctly, teak wood can be a sustainable material. Therefore, teak bath mats make a great eco-friendly addition to bathrooms, lending a warm, relaxing and timeless vibe.
Speaking of sustainability, another popular option is bamboo. Unlike wood, bamboo grows quickly and needs little water. So, if you’re a sustainable homeowner, investing in a bamboo bathroom mat is a sensible choice. Also, bamboo is naturally anti-microbial and anti-mildew. This means you won’t have to be concerned about mould, germs, or musty smells. This is important since moist areas like your bathroom can serve as a haven for bacteria.
A less popular bath mat material is Diatomaceous earth. It’s an all-natural material, made from the fossilized remains of tiny aquatic organisms. Therefore it’s considered eco-friendly compared to some synthetic bath mat materials. It also dries almost instantly. Diatomaceous earth has millions of pores that allow moisture to evaporate quickly, and it can hold up to 150% of its weight in water.
Furthermore, Diatomaceous Earth is naturally antimicrobial. It draws in and binds germs and parasites, causing them to dry out and die. With all this being said, it’s no wonder that Diatomaceous earth bath mats are a practical and hygienic option for your personal space.