Bath Mats

Rugs and mats are quite similar and are often mistaken for one another, however, there is a difference. While rugs can absorb water, they were created to specifically add an element of design to the bathroom. 

Rugs are usually picked to match the curtains, bath linen, and shower curtains and can be used anywhere. Although bathroom rugs are bought more for the style than for function. These rugs are made from materials like cotton, wool, chenille, etc. They are typically more fluffy and decorative than mats.  Colour can also guide the choice of a pink bath mat when coordinating the room.

Bath mats, on the other hand, primarily prevent slips due to wet bathroom floors. Shower mats are typically placed inside the shower or just outside of it. They offer non-skid features to help avoid accidents.  A rubber bath mat provides a wipe-clean surface for areas that regularly become wet.

These mats were created more for functionality than style. Bathroom mat sets can be made from cotton, memory foam, bamboo, and other materials. 

While the main purpose of these is to soak up moisture they do have other features and can be differentiated. When determining which mat to buy, features like sustainability, maintenance of the mats and rugs, dirt attraction, and texture play a role.  Sizing also matters: a large bath mat suits a wider floor area, while a long bath mat can run along the front of a bath or vanity.

A non-slip bath mat is normally thin, plastic, and has suction cups underneath. This is to stop the mat from slipping on a wet surface and thus helps to prevent accidents when getting in and out of the bath or shower. These mats are reasonably priced and can be placed anywhere in the bathroom, even inside the bath or shower. A large non slip bath mat can provide wider coverage beside a bath or shower.

Cotton mats are the most expensive. However, cotton mats or bath rugs have a higher price for a reason. They are relatively thin and are quick to dry, and do not deteriorate easily, even after repeated use. They also provide a luxurious feel to the touch.

Shower mats provide an excellent grip with suction cups underneath the mats, and holes within the mat to ensure that the water runs off the mat with ease. The shower mats help to prevent grime from building up as water and dirt are easily washed away through the holes.

Chenille mats absorb water and collect dust easily for a fair price. Although they serve more as a multi-purpose rug they can be used in the bathroom. They are also quite soft to the touch.

Bamboo shower mats are more solid. These mats are highly sustainable and are harder to damage. An additional bonus to bamboo bath and shower mats is that they are easy to maintain. A wooden bath mat provides a firm surface and can be wiped clean after use.

Bath linen and textiles are easily maintained and cared for. Most fabric mats and rugs can be cleaned and maintained by washing them in the washing machine. They are even able to be tumble dried. 

Those that are not able to be tumble dried are usually made of thin and quick-drying material. These are made of materials such as cotton, chenille, memory foam, and microfiber.

Bathroom rugs made of different materials are cleaned differently. They are typically cleaned by wiping down and rinsing them with a wet, sanitary cloth and mild cleaning detergents.