The Best Bath Mats and Rugs for Every Bathroom, Tested and Reviewed (2024)

Home Rooms Bathroom

Updated: Mar. 04, 2024

A good bath mat protects your floor, keeps you from slipping and can really tie the room together. Find our review of the best bath mats for your home.

Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases.

Stepping onto the fluffy chenille microfiber of this bath mat is like a trip to the spa for your feet. It also soaks up water and dries quickly so you’re not stepping into a puddle between uses, making it the best of the best bath mats we tested.

The grippy underside is made with a breathable TP rubber backing, unlike other mats that use PVC or hot glue that breaks down over time. It also stays put and doesn’t shrivel up in the drier, unlike mats that aren’t machine-washable. Additionally, the rug is one of Amazon’s best-selling bath mats, earning 4.4 stars with more than 64,000 ratings.

During our testing, the only fault we could find with this chenille bath mat is that it arrived with a harsh crease down the center. Other than that, we found that this mat passed all our other tests with flying colors. Its non-slip backing was so secure that the mat hardly shifted when stepped on or pushed on a vinyl floor, which makes sense considering the Gorilla Grip name.

With only 42 minutes to dry completely, the Gorilla Grip bath mat had the fastest drying time of any mat we tested. It remained soft to the touch after being spot-treated, machine-washed and tumble-dried on a low setting. It didn’t wrinkle, pile, curl or fade, which made it a winner in our book.

Pros

• Durable TP rubber backing
• Soft, thick chenille material
• Machine washable
• 12 different sizes
• Nearly 40 different shades

Cons

• Needs time to flatten out after arriving

Ruggable has some of the best washable rugs available and the best bath mats in their catalog are no exception. Unlike the other rugs on this list, Ruggable bath mats arrive in a two-piece system: a bath mat cover and a mat. Each bath mat cover is 100% machine-washable, ultra-absorbent and dries quickly.

The Ruggable Malta bath mat has a lot of style, great grip, washability and absorbency. This bath mat comes in standout packaging, and the cushioned pad feels both durable and supportive—nothing on our list compares. We love all their prints, but the Malta multicolor is particularly stylish with its European architecture inspiration that brings a luxe look to any bathroom (we thought it was even better looking in person than online). As we mention in our bathroom trends guide, bathroom decor is all about accents, and this stylish pick certainly slays its competition in that regard.

Plus, the non-slip capabilities are rock solid—the mat didn’t slip on either vinyl or tile.To clean, toss it into the washing machine in cold water with mild detergent. Although you can tumble dry on low heat, the bottom pad offers corner hooks, so it can hang for faster drying. You can also choose to vacuum the rug on low suction without the use of bristled floor attachments or beater brushes. For the pad, spot-clean it with a damp cloth or deep clean it with soapy water and hang it dry.

Pros

• Non-slip, cushioned bottom pad included
• Comes in a variety of interchangeable patterns
• Mold- and mildew-resistant
• Dries quickly
• Cleans easily in the washer and dryer

Cons

• Pricey

Sutera’s stone bath mat is one of our favorite bath mats for a reason, and our review of this stone bath mat didn’t disappoint. Diatomaceous earth dries almost as soon as water touches it, making it ultra-hygienic and never soggy underfoot. A slip-resistant mat underneath provides ample grip, preventing falls.

It only took a little over an hour for water to dry on this bath mat made of smooth, stone material. Although we didn’t love that the non-slip pad comes separate from the stone mat, when paired together, neither slipped on the vinyl floor. Overall, we loved the high-end designer look and feel of this bath mat that would complement any home spa.

Upkeep is simple—just buff it with the included sanding tool every few months. This keeps the odor-free mat fresh for years. For lighter stains, you can use dish soap and warm water while tougher stains require a bleach-based dilution to spot treat.

Pros

• Stone material dries almost instantly
• Non-slip surface and skid-free backing
• Minimal upkeep
• Surprisingly gentle on skin and soft to the touch for stone
• Adds modern, trendy flair to bathrooms
• Hundreds of positive customer ratings

Cons

• More expensive than cloth bath mats
• Limited colors, though the existing neutral shades suit most bathrooms

The Frontgate reversible bath rug feels luxurious the minute you take it out of the box. Padded with craft paper, this bath rug even arrived with a zipper bag for storage. The super thick, lush and high-quality rug is made from combed, long-staple cotton. One side features a looped terry while the other side has a sheared terry for a reversible design. Choose which option you prefer to step on and get exceptional softness every time.

Since this bath rug is 100% cotton, it gets softer with every wash, and the 3,000 GSM (grams per square meter) only adds to its plush texture. We gave this bath rug a score of 10 out of 10 for comfort, which was only matched by its high-pile durability. It does not come with non-slip grippers on the back, but it doesn’t need any. It’s heavy and thick enough to stay in place and it won’t fold in on itself when stepped on.

Mud, toothpaste and oil-based lotion stains came out easily on this machine-washable rug. However, it did shed a bit in the dryer and took about three hours to dry completely. If you’re looking for a quick-dry bath mat, this might not be the pick for you. But as far as a comfy bath rug goes, you’ll fall in love with the plush luxury.

Pros

• Made of luxurious, 100% combed cotton
• 3,000 GSM construction
• Reversible design
• Machine washable
• 3 sizes available
• 9 color options

Cons

• Long drying time
• Not water-repellant

There is so much to love when it comes to this chenille bath rug by Yimobra. The shaggy, microfiber chenille is super soft with a dense, high pile for maximum absorbency. In our testing, water was absorbed quickly and dried almost as fast as the Gorilla Grip bath rug, clocking in at under an hour. We also found it to be particularly plush, especially considering its affordable price.

Constructed with a chenille top layer, the bath rug also features a non-woven middle fabric for added stability and a hot melt adhesive durable backing. The Velcro adhesives on the edges of the back of the rug keep the mat in place, shower after shower. When it’s time to clean this bath rug, simply throw it in the washing machine on the warm, permanent press cycle and then tumble dry low. There’s no need to iron it or worry about creases, as the Yimobra bath rug exits the dryer without any wrinkling, curling or fading.

Pros

• Super absorbent microfiber with fast drying time
• Thick, soft chenille material
• Machine washable
• 9 different sizes
• 22 different colorways

Cons

• Dryer lint clings to the back

This soft, absorbent Cotton Paradise Bath Mat is an affordable pick for those looking for a low-pile mat that’s also 100% cotton. It’s essentially a towel in the shape of a bath mat with 900 GSM of premium, luxury weight. The medium-weight mat does not have grippers to help it lie fully flat, but it still manages to stay in place. What it lacks in a non-slip backing, it makes up for by coming in a set of two, so your purchase goes twice as far.

We loved the low-pile nature of this mat that allowed it to absorb water quickly and dry relatively fast—just 60 minutes, which is faster than both the best stone and non-slip bath mats on this list. Its basic look goes well in just about any bathroom, so we approve this soft, bath accessory. Snag it in a set of two and choose among various colors like sage green and sand taupe.

Pros

• Affordable as a set of two
• 100% ringspun cotton
• Available in 13 color options
• Machine washable
• Two sizes (20 x 34 and 17 x 34)

Cons

• Not water-repellant

You’ve heard of memory foam mattresses, but did you know that some of the best bath mats use the same material? This memory foam bath mat makes for a cushy landing spot when you hop out of the shower.

The very thick memory foam has a velvety material on top with non-slip grippers in the shape of daisies on the bottom. That velvet top was quite comfortable and felt like a high-quality, luxury mat. Available in four sizes and 19 colors, this plush mat easily matches any decor style.

As a bonus, that comfortable cushioning is also machine washable and safe for the dryer. Its biggest downside, however, is the drying time. The floor under the mat was damp and took about five hours to completely dry, so we recommend throwing it in the dryer and then laying it flat to dry some more.

Pros

• Cozy polyurethane memory foam core
• Absorbent, low-pile velvet microfiber cover
• Slip-resistant PVC dot backing
• Machine washable
• Comes in four sizes
• Choice of 19 colors

Cons

• Holds more water than the other picks on this list

Wooden bath mats add a natural look to your bathroom. This one, made from water-resistant bamboo, has floor-gripping rubber pads on the underside. Plus, it features a water-repellant top coat with a decorative, rippled texture.

Since it’s made of sustainable bamboo wood with a lattice structure, it’s not particularly absorbent, and the rubber pads don’t provide the best non-slip grip. But the bamboo mat is quite comfortable and the natural wood tone is nice to look at. Additionally, you can roll or fold it when you need to store it or take it on the go.

Like bamboo flooring, it’s durable enough to last through the years, meaning fewer replacements over time. You’ll also appreciate how easy it is to clean—just wipe it down with warm, soapy water, or a gentle spray cleaner, or use a scrub brush to remove debris and rinse.

Pros

• Stain and dirt-resistant bamboo
• Floor-gripping rubber pads
• Cleans up easily with a damp cloth
• Rustic mid-century look

Cons

• Doesn’t absorb water

What to Look for When Buying a Bath Mat

When searching for a bath mat, style comes second to size and type. It’s easy to find a bath mat in almost any shade or pattern—what’s more difficult is locating one that’s hygienic and fits in your space. According to Tetro, these are the things to keep in mind when shopping for a new bath mat:

• Ease of Cleaning: First and foremost, look for something that can be disinfected or laundered regularly. All of the mats on this list are machine-washable except for the Sutera mat and ZPirates mat. Clean the Sutera mat with the included sanding tool, and wipe down the bamboo mat with a scrub brush.
• Consider Antimicrobial Mats: These types of mats contain a chemical, like silver chloride, that can kill bacteria on contact. This will help reduce germs in between disinfection/laundering.
• Be Wary of Hiding Germs: Finally, if you do choose a stone mat, make sure it’s completely flat or that the grooves are large enough to wipe in between. Germs just love to hide in cracks and, without proper disinfection, will develop those biofilms quickly.

Why You Should Trust Us

We created this roundup based on information provided by Executive Editor Ryan Van Bibber, as well as the results found by our dedicated product testing team. Shopping Editor Emily Way consulted Jason “The Germ Guy” Tetro as well. Tetro has been involved in health-related microbiology and immunology for the last 35 years. He has co-edited “The Human Microbiome Handbook,” which provides an academic perspective on the impact of microbes on human health. Also, he is the host of the Super Awesome Science Show, which explores how science fits into our everyday lives.

How We Found the Best Bath Mats

Taking care of your foot health should never come second. That’s why each and every one of the best bath mats on this list takes hygiene into account first and foremost. Apart from combing through real reviews and researching how each mat stands up to the test of time, we ensured that all of the picks above clean up easily and are safe for families. For this comprehensive guide of the best bath mats, our product testing team conducted extensive tests of each product’s size, non-slip features, absorbency levels and cleaning ability. Of the 14 bath mats tested, only eight made the cut.

For absorbency, we wet each bath rug and timed how long it took to dry completely, considering the temperature in the room. For size, we measured the length, width and pile height to see if the mats were sized as advertised online. Then, we performed a non-slip test by pushing each mat down and forward to see which mats stayed in place and which ones slid, depending on the type of floor as well. Lastly, we stained each mat with different bathroom-related messes (dirt, lotion, etc.) and cleaned them as instructed by the manufacturer to see if they held onto stains.

FAQ

What type of bath mat is most hygienic?

Tetro says that it’s imperative to look at what happens to a bath mat over time. “Studies in the UK and Japan reveal hundreds of thousands of bacteria and fungi in a standard plush bathmat,” he says. “That number can increase over time due to the formation of colonies known as biofilms. The species depend on the various activities in the bathroom, including flushing a toilet with the lid up, allowing those fecal coliforms to get on the mat and thrive.”

“As for the effects,” he goes on, “if anyone happens to be putting their nose and mouth around the bath mats, such as young children, there’s the potential for gastrointestinal infection with some of the more troublesome bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. But the highest risk comes in the form of fungal infections of the toes and feet.”

So what bath mat is ideal for a hygienic bathroom? “This is a bit of a trick question because plush mats may have higher numbers of germs, but they tend to get trapped in the fabric, making it less likely for them to attach to the feet,” says Tetro. “A solid, nonporous mat would have fewer bacteria, but they would be in direct contact with the feet. In terms of ease of disinfecting, the solid would be much easier than the plush.”

How to wash a bath mat

When searching for the best bath mat, don’t overlook washability and durability. A bath mat can be one of the dirtiest surfaces in your home, so you need to keep it clean. It should stand up to repeated washings. “You should clean your fabric/plush bath mats about once a week and hard, nonporous bath mats every few days,” says Tetro.

He says that cleaning a bath mat requires disinfectants such as those containing hydrogen peroxide and/or non-bleaching agents like alcohol. “If you wish to launder fabric mats, make sure you’re not compromising the integrity of the fabric,” he says, reminding readers to follow the instructions on the label. “Also remember that vacuuming a mat may make it look clean, but it won’t hurt the microbes living in the fabric.”

What is the best bath mat to keep floor dry?

Quick-drying bath mats like a stone bath mat work best to keep the floor dry.

Originally Published: October 06, 2021