How To Wash Bathroom Rugs With Rubber Backing?

My grandma has a bath mat with rubber backing. It protects her from slipping between the sink and toilet. But she is confused about how to wash bathroom rugs with rubber backing because rubber backing can not endure the excess heat of a washing machine.

There are various methods available for washing bath mats. Hand washing is the most common type of them. If your rugs have tough stains, cleaning them will require extra effort.

Choose a sunny day to wash your bathroom rugs. Drying is an essential part of cleaning it. Otherwise, moisture can create germs and bad smells. Keep your bath mat clean and stay safe.

Can You Wash Rugs With Rubber Backing?

Do not be afraid! Still, your bath mat can be washed manually and by machine also. It is reasonable to follow some precautions to protect the rubber of your carpets.

It may crack or melt if you wash it with the hot setting of a washer. But you can clean it by hand with detergent, baking soda, hydrogen peroxide, and so on. Be careful about drying your mats.

If it is not dried correctly, the carpet is affected by mold and can not last long.

05 Ways Of Washing Bathroom Rugs With Rubber Backing

Though the rubber backing mat requires extra care, it is better to investigate some possible ways of cleaning it. Please go through the following directions and choose one of them to solve your problem.

01. Hand Washing Process: 

Washing by hand is the safest way of cleaning. First, Use a soft-bristle brush to wipe the dirt first. You can shake the outside of your home also.

In this way, you can remove excess dirt before washing. Then, use a vacuum cleaner to clean loose dirt. Prepare a mixture with detergent and warm water in a large bowl, then dip a microfiber cloth. Start cleaning the mat with this cloth.

Use a toothbrush to eradicate the stain from this mat. When finished, hang the rug outside to dry properly.

Why Hand-Wash Your Rubber-Backed Rugs?

Machine washing can be harsh, causing the rubber backing to crack, peel, or disintegrate. Hand-washing is a more delicate method that protects the backing and prolongs the life of your bathroom rugs.

What You’ll Need

• Mild laundry detergent
• Large sink or bathtub
• Soft-bristled brush or cleaning cloth
• (Optional) Rubber gloves
• (Optional) Stain remover

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep and Shake: Check the care label for instructions. Take the rug outside and give it a good shake to remove loose dirt and debris.
2. Soak: Fill your sink or tub with cool water and add a small amount of mild detergent. Submerge the rug and let it soak for 15-30 minutes.
3. Treat Stains (Optional): If you have stains, apply a suitable stain remover and let it work for the recommended time.
4. Scrub Gently: Put on rubber gloves (if desired). Agitate the rug to loosen dirt, then use the soft brush or cloth to lightly scrub any dirt or stain spots. Be extra careful around the rubber backing.
5. Rinse Thoroughly: Drain the soapy water and refill with clean, cool water. Rinse repeatedly until all soap residue is gone.
6. Dry Properly: Squeeze out excess water carefully (don’t wring!). Hang the rug to air dry completely outdoors – a railing or clothesline is perfect. Avoid direct sunlight and never put it in the dryer.

Important Tips

• Wash Regularly: Aim to wash your bathroom rugs every 1-2 weeks to prevent buildup.
• Spot Clean: Address stains quickly to prevent them from setting.
• Check the Backing: If the rubber is damaged, it may be time to replace the rug.
• Color Test: Test a small hidden spot with your detergent solution if you’re unsure about colorfastness.

02. Solution With Baking Soda And Vinegar: 

Baking soda is a natural cleaner. It can help you to clean any household accessories. You also cleaned bathroom rugs with baking soda.

It might be stronger if you make a solution with baking soda, vinegar, and water. Put the solution in a spray bottle and apply it to the mat. Grab a cloth to scrub the carpet in motion.

You can add citric acid or lemon juice for extra flavor and cleansing. Then, soak the rug in a tub or shower.

Why Baking Soda and Vinegar?

• Baking soda: A natural deodorizer and gentle abrasive, baking soda helps to lift stains and neutralize odors trapped in the fibers.
• Vinegar: This mild acid has disinfectant properties and helps break down grime, making it easier to clean your rug.

What You’ll Need:

• Baking soda
• White distilled vinegar
• Laundry detergent
• Washing machine
• Large tub or sink (optional)
• Drying rack or clothesline

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Shake it Out: Before washing, take your rug outside and shake it vigorously to get rid of any loose dirt or debris.
2. Pre-Treat Stains (Optional): If your rug has visible stains, target them with a paste of baking soda and water. Gently rub it into the stain and let it sit for 15-20 minutes before washing.
3. Baking Soda in the Wash: Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda directly into your washing machine’s drum.
4. Vinegar Boost: Add about ½ cup of white distilled vinegar to the washing machine’s fabric softener compartment.
5. Add Your Rug and Detergent: Place your bathroom rug in the washing machine and add your usual laundry detergent.
6. Gentle Cycle: Wash your rug on a gentle or delicate cycle using cool or warm water. Hot water can damage the rubber backing.
7. Air Dry is Best: Avoid the dryer! After the wash cycle, hang your rug on a drying rack or clothesline to dry completely.

03. Using Hydrogen Peroxide: 

If you can not afford a washing machine and do not have enough time to hand scrub bathroom rugs, you can try hydrogen peroxide to clean your dirty bath mat with rubber backing.

It can help you as a stain remover also. First, shake the rug outside, then apply a little hydrogen peroxide to the dry mat.

Let it work for a few moments. After that, saturate the carpet with a water hose. When finished, keep it outside to air dry.

Here’s how to use the power of hydrogen peroxide to clean, brighten, and deodorize your bathroom rugs safely.

The Power of Hydrogen Peroxide:

• Mild Bleaching Agent: Hydrogen peroxide is a gentle oxidizer, safely brightening fabrics and removing stains without the harshness of chlorine bleach.
• Odor Fighter: It breaks down bacteria and other organic matter that can cause unpleasant smells.
• All-Around Versatility: Hydrogen peroxide works on a variety of rug materials and is generally safe for home use.

Materials:

• Hydrogen peroxide (3% concentration)
• Spray bottle
• Clean cloth or sponge
• Washing machine
• Laundry detergent
• Drying rack or clothesline

Step-by-Step Guide:

1. Shake Off the Dust: Take your rug outside and give it a thorough shake to get rid of loose debris and dirt particles.
2. Test First: Always test the hydrogen peroxide on a small, inconspicuous area of your rug to check for colorfastness.
3. Target Stains: Dilute hydrogen peroxide in a spray bottle (a 50/50 ratio with water works well). Spray directly on any visible stains, let it sit for 10-15 minutes, then blot with a clean cloth.
4. Overall Freshening: Lightly mist the entire rug (front and back) with the diluted hydrogen peroxide solution.
5. Machine Wash: Place your rug in the washing machine and add your regular laundry detergent. Wash on a gentle cycle with cool or warm water. Never use hot water for washing rubber-backed rugs.
6. Air Dry Only: Hang the rug on a drying rack or clothesline. Avoid putting it in the dryer to prevent damage to the rubber backing.

04. Try Dish Washing Soap: 

When you get spills, try dishwashing soap with vinegar and water. It is an excellent spot cleaning solution for your carpets.

Mix the solution properly, then apply it to the affected rugs. Take a rag to remove the stain and solution. No need to over-dip the carpet; it may destroy your mat.

05. Use Washing Machine: 

You can wash your bathroom rugs quickly by using a washing machine. Using laundry detergent, you can use oxygenated bleach and borax in the washing machine. B

ut do not use normal bleach or vinegar. It can damage the rubber backing. Be sure not to use hot water in the washer, as it can loosen the rubber backing.

Always use a cold water cycle, and a normal setting as the heat can affect the mat. 

How To Dry Up The Rubber-backed Bathroom Rugs?

If you want to use a dryer, fix it in the lowest setting. This way, you can keep your rubber-backed bath rugs safe in the dryer. Set it for 20 minutes, then check the mat.

Do not let the mat crumple in the dryer. Set it up for a few minutes if your carpet is still wet. If you do not have a dryer, keep it in the open air & let the bath mat air-dry.

Maintenance Tips:

• Protect your hands by using gloves when trying bleach for cleaning rugs.
• Check the level tag of care of your rubber-backed bathroom rug.
• If your bathroom rugs become excessively filthy and can not be cleaned, it is time to replace it.
• When not in use, fold and stock the mat in a dry place.
• Dry properly after washing; otherwise, your bath mats will be affected by germs.
• Regular wash can lengthen the longevity of your bathroom rugs.
• Remember that rubber can not tolerate excessive heat.

FAQs:

How Often Should I Wash My Bathroom Rugs?

It is better to wash your bathroom rugs for two to four weeks. Generally, it may depend on the usage of bathroom rugs. If children splash the mats multiple times, it gets limited time to dry. So, the carpet has a chance to be affected by mold and bacteria.

What Is the Best Homemade Carpet Cleaning Solution?

Baking soda and vinegar mixture is the best homemade solution for carpet cleaning.

Can I Put Rubber-Backed Rugs in The Dryer?

No. If you want to protect your rubber-backed rugs, do not put them on the dryer. The heat of the dryer can melt or crack the rubber.

Can You Steam Clean a Rug Pad?

Steam cleaning is a better solution for washing stains on a rug pad. But it can not clean deeply. So, it would be best if you washed individually to remove an odor and bad smell.

How Do You Clean a Rubber Bath Mat without Bleaching?

If you do not want to use bleach, make a solution with an equal amount of white vinegar and water. Then soak the rug into it. Scrub with a brush and wash with plenty of water.

Final Thought:

Your bathroom rug with rubber backing is safe if you can keep it clean. Here you have learned how to wash bathroom rugs with rubber backing.

Follow the restrictions given, Rubber-backed mat requires extra care when you use a washing machine. All other alternatives are safe for cleaning your bath mat.

The periodic routine of cleaning can protect your bathroom mats. Though rubber can not absorb water, you must glance at the bottom of your carpet. Maintain the cleanliness of your bath rugs, which can help you evolve a healthy lifestyle.