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The best bath mats offer a good grip and a cushy spot to dry off. They’re made in varying materials, sizes, and styles to fit in with a host of bathroom decor styles. Whether you’re in the market for a soft and luxurious model or are more inclined toward a mold-resistant and machine-washable option, there are plenty of quality bath mats available.
To help consumers select a bath mat that truly suits their needs, I tested the products on the list below according to a specific rubric. I looked at how well the mats absorbed water, remained stable on wet floors, and held up after several washings. Keep reading to see which products passed the test, and score a few tips on picking the right bath mat.
- BEST OVERALL: Yimobra Original Luxury Chenille Bath Rug Mat
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Flamingo P Luxury Flannel Memory Foam Bath Mat
- BEST CHENILLE: Gorilla Grip Chenille Bath Rug
- BEST NONSLIP: Epica Anti-Slip Washable Antibacterial Bath Mat
- BEST MEMORY FOAM: Genteele Memory Foam Bath Mat
- BEST ANTIBACTERIAL: Gorilla Grip Bathtub Shower Mat
- BEST QUICK-DRY: LuxUrux Luxury Chenille 2-Piece Bath Mat Set
- BEST BAMBOO: ZPirates Natural Bamboo Wood Bath Mat
ALSO TESTED
How We Tested the Best Bat Mats
Each of the bath mats on the list was put through testing according to an established rubric that included instructions on specific areas to test. Mats were scored based on their absorbency, comfort, stability, and durability. They were used in a typical bathroom for between 2 days and 1 week.
Testing included using the mats on wet and dry linoleum to gauge stability during standard use. The mats were cleaned according to the manufacturers’ instructions, which typically included machine washing in a cold, gentle cycle and drying on low heat. Those that were machine washable were washed at least three times. I checked to make sure the mats dried after a single drying cycle. I also noted any changes to the backing or fabric throughout testing, such as shrinkage. The only mat that was not machine washable was the bamboo model; it was wiped clean, vacuumed, and hung to dry.
Our Top Picks
The bath mats on our list consist of models that stay in place and feel great underfoot. Some provide plush cushioning, while others require only simple wash-and-go maintenance.
Best Overall
Yimobra Original Luxury Chenille Bath Rug Mat
This Yimobra mat is made of a dense, extra-long microfiber chenille shag that absorbs water while cushioning and supporting the feet. This chenille feels high-end and thick to give the mat a truly plush, luxurious appeal. Indeed, the shag is so thick I couldn’t see the weave underneath it. It soaked up water like a sponge and dried within an hour or two. Plus, the anti-slip backing kept it stable whether the floor was wet or dry.
This mat is machine washable and dryable for quick, easy maintenance, too. It dried in one dryer cycle despite its thick shag, and there was no shrinking. Yimobra makes the mat in seven sizes and 24 colors, though not all colors are available in every size. While the size of the model I tested was accurate, some consumers have mentioned that the size of the mat may be smaller than advertised. Consider ordering a size larger if in doubt.
Product Specs
- Material: Microfiber chenille
- Machine washable: Yes
- Backing: Anti-slip adhesive
Pros
- Dense chenille feels luxurious and high-end
- Highly absorbent microfiber
- Multiple color and size options
- Washes easily and well
Cons
- Sizing can be off, though the tested model was accurate
Get the Yimobra bath mat on Amazon or Yimobra.
Best Bang For The Buck
Flamingo P Luxury Flannel Memory Foam Bath Mat
This budget bath mat has memory foam that cradles the feet and relieves pressure to prevent soreness and achiness. Its soft microfiber flannel cover absorbed water well during testing. Consequently, there was no pooling or slipping, even though it was tested for a week in front of a shower. The cushioning memory foam and comfortable flannel create a mat that feels more luxurious than its price suggests.
A PVC backing held the mat in place reasonably well. The floor under the mat got wet, but the mat didn’t slip. This affordable mat is machine washable. However, during the wash and dry cycles, it developed a crease in the memory foam that wasn’t removable.
Product Specs
- Material: Flannel and memory foam
- Machine washable: Yes
- Backing: PVC rubber
Pros
- Memory foam contours and cushions well
- Durable PVC backing
- Thick memory foam insulates the feet
Cons
- Developed a crease in the memory foam after washing
Get the Flamingo P bath mat on Amazon.
Best Chenille
Gorilla Grip Chenille Bath Rug
This Gorilla Grip mat is durable and soft with a plush chenille that felt good underfoot during testing. A thermoplastic (TP) rubber backing held the mat in place, even on a wet floor. The mat is soft, durable, and abrasion-resistant, and it seemed like it could stand up to the wear and tear of regular use. Washability was key in this respect: Both the chenille and rubber backing are machine washable and dryable. I laundered it three times in cold water (gentle cycle), and dried it on low heat, and it came out looking new every time.
Available in more than 10 sizes and dozens of colors, the Gorilla Grip is likely to suit a host of bathroom sizes and styles. While it wasn’t the plushest mat I tested, it felt pretty good underfoot and it kept water from pooling. Just make sure to wash and dry it on the correct settings. Other users have reported material breakdown with too much heat.
Product Specs
- Material: Microfiber chenille
- Machine washable: Yes
- Backing: Rubber
Pros
- Multiple size and color options
- Machine washable and dryable
- Highly absorbent microfiber chenille fabric
- Soft and well-cushioned
Cons
- Rubber backing can deteriorate at high temperatures
Get the Gorilla Grip chenille bath mat on Amazon or Gorilla Grip.
Best Nonslip
Epica Anti-Slip Washable Antibacterial Bath Mat
The Epica mat is designed to help prevent slips and falls when navigating on wet surfaces. It can be placed on the bathroom floor or on the floor of the shower or tub to provide grip when users are getting in and out. Made of natural rubber, it has innate grip and water resistance. Suction cups hold the mat in place, while the textured rubber offers bare feet some traction.
The Epica comes in a single 16-by-28-inch size that should fit standard bathtubs. It worked as expected during testing. The suction cups held it in place well, yet it did better in a nontextured tub than one with texture.
Rubber isn’t usually associated with washing machines, but this particular mat’s design allows regular machine washings to resist mold and mildew. I ran it through several gentle, cold-water cycles and it came out great. It must be hung to air dry, however, which takes about an hour, depending on the room temperature and humidity.
Product Specs
- Material: Natural rubber
- Machine washable: Yes (hang dry only)
- Backing: Suction cups
Pros
- Textured surface provides comfortable grip
- Strong suction-cup backing
- Easy machine washing
- Oversize footprint covers more shower area
Cons
- Only 1 size
Get the Epica bath mat on Amazon.
Best Memory Foam
Genteele Memory Foam Bath Mat
Feet will sink pleasurably into the pressure-relieving comfort of this Genteele mat, a thick piece of memory foam covered in velvety microfiber. I tested a large 20-by-32-inch version while standing on a hard floor, and it did an excellent job of cushioning my feet.
With more than 20 color choices and seven sizes, the Genteele mat can help make a bathroom look cohesive and attractive. The microfiber soaked up water, preventing any pooling. I tested it on a very wet floor, and it didn’t slip at all—but some consumers have complained of some slippage. The mat can be machine washed cold and dried. I laundered it three times, and it came out looking like new. However, it did shrink slightly and needed more than one dryer cycle to dry completely.
Product Specs
- Material: Memory foam and microfiber
- Machine washable: Yes
- Backing: Patterned PVC
Pros
- Highly absorbent microfiber
- Wide range of colors and sizes
- Excellent cushioning and contouring
Cons
- Slight shrinkage after machine washing and drying
Get the Genteele bath mat on Amazon.
Best Antibacterial
Gorilla Grip Shower and Bath Mat
This Gorilla Grip’s BPA-, phthalate-, latex-free plastic resists bacteria and mildew. However, it must be machine washed regularly to prevent mold or mildew growth. I washed it in cold water on the gentle cycle, and it came out completely clean. It has to air dry, but it dried within an hour during testing.
The 300 suction cups hold it in place and provide a bit of cushioning. The suction cups are complemented by an open mat design with holes, through which water flows easily. The design was effective and worked well during testing. It’s a good option for humid climates where pooling water is more likely to lead to mold and mildew issues. However, keep in mind that this mat doesn’t work well on textured surfaces, as it fails to get a good grip.
Product Specs
- Material: Plastic
- Machine washable: Yes
- Backing: Suction cups
Pros
- Strong suction cups keep the mat in place
- Provides a good grip for the feet
- Aeration holes improve drainage and drying
- Many colors available
Cons
- Requires regular washing and thorough drying
Get the Gorilla Grip shower and bath mat on Amazon or Gorilla Grip.
Best Quick-Dry
LuxUrux Luxury Chenille 2-Piece Bath Mat Set
It’s hard to resist a toe-tempting 1-inch shag, and that’s what this LuxUrux set brings to the bathroom. That generous amount of microfiber cushions the feet and relieves pressure while absorbing water to prevent slips and falls. This chenille mat felt good during testing, providing some cushioning, but its absorption and quick-drying qualities are what earned it a spot on our lineup.
Despite the thickness of the chenille, the microfiber fibers split and flare, making this a quick-dry bath mat. A quick-dry option is often the best bath mat for wood floors because it prevents water from staying in contact with the wood. This set, which comes in more than 25 colors and four sizes, includes a mat for in front of the tub or vanity and a toilet mat. The LuxUrux bath mat is machine washable and dryable and looked great after three washings.
Some users have reported that this mat slides on wet floors, but that wasn’t my experience. In my testing, it stayed put. However, there was slight shrinkage after washing.
Product Specs
- Material: Microfiber chenille
- Machine washable: Yes
- Backing: PVC
Pros
- Fast-drying microfiber construction
- Machine washable
- Matching set for coordinated decor
- Variety of color options
Cons
- Slight shrinking
Get the LuxUrux bath mat set on Amazon.
Best Bamboo
ZPirates Natural Bamboo Wood Bath Mat
The ZPirates bamboo mat is a bit more versatile than some of the other mats on this list. The bamboo design can work in the bathroom (where I tested it), kitchen, RV, and other places where water needs to shed. The bamboo’s natural warmth also makes it an option for areas other than the bathroom.
I was pleasantly surprised when testing this mat. It shed water and dried quickly, thanks to a water-resistant coating. Of course, the water pooled underneath it, but the mat provided a stable surface with some texture on which to stand. The rubber feet on the bottom held it in place even on a wet floor.
The mat is not machine washable, and the manufacturer recommends hanging it to dry fully at least once a week and regularly using a vacuum to clean the surface and the rubber feet. It collected some lint between the bamboo pieces and on the feet, but the lint came off when vacuumed. The manufacturer also recommends periodically reapplying a water-resistant coating to protect the bamboo.
Product Specs
- Material: Bamboo
- Machine washable: No
- Backing: Rubber feet
Pros
- Attractive appearance
- Sheds water
- Rubber feet hold it in place
Cons
- Maintenance includes vacuuming, hang drying, and reapplying water-resistant coating
Get the ZPirates bath mat at Amazon, Sears, or Kmart.
Also Tested
The Mayshine microfiber bath mat felt fine underfoot during testing, but the chenille broke down and shed after washing. One of its advertised features was a unique twist in the fiber to prevent this very problem. Sadly, it didn’t take much for pieces to snag and make the rug look worn within three washes, so it didn’t make the cut.
The Madison Park Rug also failed to hold up to wear and washing. This reversible cotton bath rug was super absorbent but slow to dry. Worst of all, though it was washed according to the manufacturer’s instructions, it snagged terribly in the washer and dryer and came out looking like it had been attacked by a very angry cat.
Jump to Our Top Picks
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Bath Mat
A bath mat’s size, colors, and materials play pivotal roles in its overall functionality and aesthetic appeal. The bathroom’s layout and decor also influence which type of bath mat will work best. In general, most folks are the happiest with a bath mat that complements their bathroom decor and feels great beneath their feet.
There is a slight distinction between bath mats and bath rugs. Generally, rugs are larger and plusher than mats. While rugs are meant only for the bathroom floor, some bath mats can be used in the tub or shower to prevent slips and falls. What’s more, as bathroom sizes have grown in the last couple of decades, so, too, have bath mat sizes, so the distinction between the two terms has become pretty fuzzy.
Size
Bath mats lie in front of the bathtub, shower, toilet, or vanity. Standard sizes range from 17 by 24 inches to 21 by 34 inches. But don’t be surprised to find mats as big as 24 by 70 inches that can give a luxurious, spa-like vibe thanks to their size.
Material
Bath mats are available in a variety of materials, including:
- Microfiber: Microfiber can be made of nylon, polyester, or a combination of both. Its quality varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and even model to model. Low-quality microfiber fades and breaks down relatively quickly, while high-quality microfiber withstands regular heavy use. Higher-quality microfibers typically cost more, so if the bath mat’s price is significantly lower than average, it’s probably not the best quality. Users can also determine microfiber’s quality by noting its density. If the mat’s base is visible through the fibers, it’s low quality. A plush, dense microfiber is best to absorb as much water as possible.
- Bamboo: Bamboo mats are typically composed of hard, flat slats that are fastened together. While they do not cushion the feet, they are not unpleasant to stand on. The main appeal of a bamboo bath mat is that it doesn’t absorb water, so it’s less susceptible to mold and mildew. Bamboo also needn’t be laundered, and it’s considered a sustainable material.
- Cotton: A cotton mat is easy to maintain—simply toss it into the washing machine and dryer, and it’s good to go. However, like microfiber, cotton has varying qualities, some of which hold up to heavy use better than others. The cotton’s staple (fiber) length often indicates the quality: the longer the staple length, the higher the quality. For those concerned about keeping synthetic chemicals out of the home, a certified organic cotton bath mat is a good option.
- Plastic and rubber: A bath or shower mat designed to be placed inside the tub or shower will often be made of polyvinyl chloride (PVC), synthetic rubber, or natural rubber. These models are often nonslip, antibacterial, and have suction cups to hold them in place. They aren’t absorbent, however, so they can leave a puddle in the tub or shower. Rubber and PVC are also often used as backing for standard nonslip bath mats because they have strong texture and grip.
- Teak: Teak, a type of wood often used for wood-mat construction, resists water much like bamboo. It’s more expensive, but it has a darker color and creates a luxurious look that makes for an excellent decorative bath mat.
- Chenille: Chenille actually refers to the method of creating the yarn used for this type of bath mat. The yarn can be cotton or synthetic, such as microfiber, which affects the feel and absorbency of the mat. Chenille yarn has a highly absorbent surface area and feels plush. When it’s done in a thick pile, it provides cushioning, so it’s frequently used for luxury bath mats.
- Memory foam: Memory foam naturally cushions and relieves pressure. It’s commonly used for bath mats on which someone will stand for long periods of time, such as in front of a vanity sink below a mirror. It’s usually covered in a material such as chenille or cotton to protect the foam from water and give the memory-foam bath mat an even softer feel.
Design
A wide variety of bath mat designs are available to complement an equally broad number of bathroom decor styles. Geometric shapes, faux pebbles, warm-colored bamboo, and fluffy chenille are only a few of the options. Mats can add opulence or keep the bathroom serenely simple. Mats also come in a wide range of colors to either blend with the existing color scheme or bring an exciting pop of color to the decor.
Features
Nonslip, antibacterial, stain-resistant, and reversible designs are all options worth considering. Families with children or folks who don’t have sure footing may need a nonslip mat, while those who live in moist climates may appreciate an antibacterial option. To cut down on how often a mat must be laundered, reversible options are a good choice—simply flip the mat over when one side feels less than fresh.
Maintenance
Bath mats need regular cleaning to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Machine- washable models are the easiest to maintain. Others may need to be hand-washed. Some, such as plastic, rubber, and bamboo mats, should be wiped down regularly to remove any developing mold or mildew from standing water. The mat should be allowed to dry completely after each cleaning. Mats that dry quickly will last longer and better resist mold and mildew.
FAQs
Every new purchase comes with a few unknowns. The answers to common questions can help users make a better choice about the best bath mat for their bathroom.
Q. What is the purpose of a bath mat?
Bath mats primarily prevent slips and falls on a wet bathroom floor. They absorb excess water and provide some traction for bare feet. Plus, they provide some insulation from cold floors. Some types of mats, like a wood or bamboo mat, are more likely to keep your feet out of the water rather than absorb water.
Q. Can I use a towel as a bath mat?
Technically, you can use a towel as a bath mat, but it’s not recommended. A towel doesn’t have the thickness, softness, nonslip features, and absorbency of a bath mat. You’re better off using a nonslip bath mat that’s designed to grip and absorb, which can prevent slips and falls.
Q. Are bath mats unsanitary?
Bath mats are hygienic as long as they are regularly cleaned and sanitized. Otherwise, they create a breeding ground for bacteria and other unpleasant but common bathroom debris.
Q. Where do you put a bath mat?
Depending on the design, bath mats are placed around the toilet, in front of the bathtub or shower, in front of the vanity, or in the shower or bathtub.
Q. How do you wash a bath mat?
Washing instructions depend on the bath mat material. Cotton, chenille, and some memory- foam mats are machine washable. Some mats are machine washable even if they have a rubber backing. Bamboo, teak, and plastic may be cleaned with soap and water. However, always check the manufacturer’s instructions to make sure the mat is washed and dried correctly and frequently enough.
Q. Are memory-foam bath mats good?
Memory-foam bath mats are good in that they provide excellent cushioning and pressure relief for feet. When combined with an absorbent cover and nonslip backing, they make excellent bath mats.
Q. How do you dry a bath mat after a shower?
The easiest way to dry a bath mat is to hang it on the side of the bathtub after showering or bathing. With machine-dryable rugs, you can toss them in the dryer on low heat or try air-drying for 10 to 15 minutes.
