The Best Bath Mat
1. AmazonBasics Non-Slip Microfiber Shag Bathroom Rug Mat
Key Features
Non-slip
Microfiber shag design
21 x 34inches
Polyester and polyamide materials
Plush tufts
Machine washable
Our best choice for a bathroom mat is the AmazonBasics Non-Slip Microfiber Shag Bathroom Rug Mat. This mat measures 21 x 34 inches, so works well in regular and larger bathrooms and is made with polyester microfibers which are highly absorbent. The plush tufts in this style not only help to soak up water but gives you a comfortable base to stand on when you exit the shower or bath.
The back on this AmazonBasics model is designed to prevent slips, but you are still able to machine wash it without damaging the back. A highly functional product, but not the best if you are trying to match it with bath towels and home accessories as the color range is limited.
Pros
Great value
Absorbs water quickly
Machine washable
Cons
Limited colour range
2. Genteele Non-Slip Memory Foam Bath Mat
Key Features
Memory foam
Velvet microfibres
17 x 24inches
19 colors available
Machine washable
Tumble dryer safe – at low heat
Our budget choice is the Genteele Non-Slip Memory Foam Bath Mat that measures 17 x 24 inches. It is one of the small sizes available. The mat is made with memory foam and covered with a super soft velvet feel microfiber so it is highly absorbent although the foam itself takes a little while to dry thoroughly. The backing has PVC dots that will prevent it from slipping and sliding. This bath mat works well at the side of your bathtub or just outside your shower door to keep your feet warm and cozy while you dry.
This mat from Genteele comes with a lifetime warranty and it is also safe to machine wash and tumble dry, provided you use a low heat setting.
Pros
Low price point
Wide color range
Machine washable
Lifetime guarantee
Cons
Small size
3. Gorilla Grip Original Luxury Chenille Bathroom Rug Mat
Key Features
Polyester microfibres
Plush shag material
17 x 24inches
36 different colors/designs
Machine washable
TP rubber backing
The Gorilla Grip Original Luxury Chenille Bathroom Rug Mat comes in a 17 x 24-inch size and is one of the most secure when it comes to no slips or skids. The grip is made from Thermoplastic Rubber, which is very durable and safe when put in a washing machine and tumble dryer. This works well on any surface, provided it is dry – if there is any trace of water under the mat it will slip.
With high-pile, thick chenille fabric, it is very absorbent and dries relatively quickly. Given that it is so soft and very plush bath mat you would be surprised to know it is made from polyester. Just be careful if you need to open shower or bathroom doors over this mat as it is very thick.
The Gorilla Grip has a ten-year warranty and comes in a huge variety of styles and colors so finding one to match your bath towels and accessories shouldn’t be too hard.
Pros
Machine and tumble dryer safe
Highly absorbent
Soft plush feel
Wide color/design range
Cons
Slips if water gets under the mat
4. HYST Non-Slip Lemon Bathroom Rug
The HYST Non-Slip Lemon Bathroom Rug is a fun accessory to brighten up your room. It comes in the shape and style of a lemon slice, so might not be everyone’s choice for home décor, but it will get noticed!
The mat is super soft, made with polyester fibers, and has a latex backing to prevent it from slipping. In total, the lemon measures 50 x 80cm, and it is quite expensive for one bath mat.
Pros
Easy to wash
Doesn’t slip
Cons
Expensive
Unusual design
5. Yimobra Original Luxury Chenille Bath Mat
Yimobra features quite regularly in our list of best picks for a bath mat, thanks to the quality of their products. They pride themselves in creating premium mats that make you feel like you are standing on a cloud.
The Yimobra Original Luxury Chenille Bath Mat measures 31.5 x 19.8 inches, making it larger than many other alternatives. We reviewed the bright white color although there are many other colors, mainly pastel shades available.
The mat is thick and soft, so will keep your feet nice and warm while standing on the bathroom floor and the microfibers will ensure that water is absorbed very quickly. It dries quicker than most cotton mats or synthetic options.
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Pros
Safe to machine wash/dry
Extra large size
Very soft
Cons
Higher price point
6. KMAT Luxury Plush Microfiber Bath Mat
The KMAT Luxury Plush Microfiber Bath Mat is a heavy, plush rug that feels soft and fluffy underfoot. This is one of the best thicker mats that we reviewed, so won’t be ideal for all bathrooms, but it works well to absorb moisture quickly. It has a stylish striped design with just two color options.
The KMAT is machine washable and has a high-end TPR back, which is non-toxic and won’t slip even on wood or tiles. To ensure it doesn’t slip, you must make sure there is no water underneath the mat at any time. This bath rug can be machine washed and dried and is unlikely to shed even after several washes thanks to its fiber locking technology.
Pros
Extra large
Anti-slip
Easy to wash
Cons
Only available in two designs
7. Clara Clark Memory Foam Bath & Toilet Mat Set
Key Features
Set of three
Memory foam bath mat
Anti-slip rubber backing
Anti-bacterial natural fabric
Fast drying
Our premium pick for the bath mat comes from Clara Clark, and while it has a higher price point than other options, you do get a set of three mats with this product. The large size measures 20 x32 inches, the small size is 17x 24 inches, and the contour mat, which can fit around your toilet, is 24 x 19 inches.
The interior of Clara Clark Memory Foam Bath & Toilet Mat is made with memory foam cushioning, so they feel like you are walking on a cloud. While they are incredibly soft and comfortable, they are possibly too thick if you want a door to open over them. The outer layer is made from naturally hypoallergenic microfibers, so not only is it one of the best for drying quickly, but it is also a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
The underside of the Clara Clark mats has rubber grips, designed to create a non-slide surface although this doesn’t seem to be effective on all home flooring. You can purchase these mats in 19 different colors although several reviews have stated that not all of the colors match their on-screen description.
Pros
3-piece set
High absorbency
Very comfortable
Cons
Not overly effective at preventing slips
8. Fancy Guy Non-Slip Peachy Clean Bath Mat
Key Features
Unique peach-shaped design
Anti-slip backing
Polyester microfibre mat
21.6 x 24.8 inches
Machine washable
If you are looking for a fun way to brighten up your bathroom, then the Fancy Guy Non-Slip Peachy Clean Bath Mat is one of the best choices. It comes in the shape and color of a giant peach with the slogan ‘Peachy clean’) written on it. Made from 100% polyester, it is comfortable and smooth, and the back of the mat has a PVC cover.
Unfortunately, while it looks great and feels nice, the Fancy Guy not a very absorbent mat so water tends to soak right through to the floor below. You will also face challenges when washing it as you can machine wash it on a cold cycle only, and it can’t be put in a tumble dryer.
Pros
Fun design
Non-slip material performs well
Cons
Can’t be put in a tumble dryer
Low absorbency
9. Yimobra Memory Foam Soft and Comfortable Bath Mat
The Yimobra Memory Foam Soft and Comfortable Bath Mat is one of the larger models, measuring 31.5 x 19.8 inches. It is made from memory foam, instead of the usual cotton or microfibre material, which gives a great cushioning effect for your feet when you step out of the shower. The cushioning measures 1.5cm thick.
The external cover of the mat is made from soft velvet microfibres, and it is this layer that acts to absorb the water. It is possible to wash the whole mat in the washing machine and then tumble dry it, using low settings for both processes.
The Yimobra also has a non-slip back; this one is made from PVC and does have a tendency to slip on ceramic tiles. As with many other options for the best bath mat, this comes in a variety of colors to match your bathroom look.
Pros
Extremely comfortable
Large size
Highly absorbent
Cons
May slip on ceramic tiling
A fraction more expensive than other materials
10. Walensee Water-Absorbent Soft Microfiber Shaggy Bathroom Mat
The Walensee Water-Absorbent Soft Microfiber Shaggy Bathroom Mat measures 16 x 24 inches and is available in twenty-four different shades to complement your home decor and bathroom accessories. This size is towards the smaller end of the scale, and we reviewed the grey color.
This is an ultra-soft bath rug made with polyester microfiber shags that create a thick pile, ideal for keeping your feet warm if you have a cold tiled floor. It is highly absorbent, machine washable, and has a non-slip back, made from TP rubber. This Thermoplastic Rubber material is more durable than many other backings, but it doesn’t create a non-slip effect on all floor types.
Pros
Ultra-softness
Wide color range
Cons
Slides a bit
11. H.VERSAILTEX Set of 2 Super Thick Chenille Bath Mats
Key Features
Set of two
Super thick
20 x 32 inch plus 17 x 24-inch bath mats
100% soft chenille
Non-slip
Twelve different shades
With the H.VERSAILTEX Set of 2 Super Thick Chenille Bath Mats, you get two different sizes of mats, one measuring 32 x 20 inches and the other 17 x 24 inches. They are thicker than most bath mats, with the chenille carpet measuring 2000gsm, which gives them an extra fluffy, ultra-soft feel. Thanks to this thickness, they are also good at absorbing water quickly.
On the reverse side of these mats, you get hot melt spray coating, which is an advanced anti-slip material that also increases the durability of the mat. If you plan to place the mat under a door, then this style probably isn’t the best option as it is approximately 1.5 inches thick.
Pros
Extra thick
Advanced slip-resistance
Assortment of colors
Cons
Takes some time to dry
Won’t fit under a door
12. White Classic Absorbent Cotton Luxury Bath Mat 2-Piece Set
Our best value pick for the bath mat is the set of two banded bath mats from the White Classic Store. Each mat measures 22 x 34 inches, and while we reviewed the white colour, many other colour options are available to match your bathroom towels.
The White Classic Absorbent Cotton Luxury Bath Mats are made with 1000GSM Egyptian cotton, which dries quickly and is easy to wash. The ringspun cotton gives you long-lasting fibres making this a relatively durable, efficient option to protect your bathroom floor. Both these mats are reversible; however, this does mean there is no non-slip backing. White Classic Store offers a two-year warranty with their hotel quality mats and the price point is very reasonable.
Pros
Vast selection of colors available
Great value
Quick-drying
Cons
No non-slip back
Features To Consider With Bath Mats
Absorbency
Bath mats are designed to absorb water from you when you step out of the bath or shower. Therefore the absorbency level is very important.
Firstly, look at whether you are buying a bath mat or a bath rug. While the terms are often used interchangeably, a bath mat will be more absorbent and functional, while a rug will usually be more stylish.
Next, consider the material. Microfibres will usually be the best for absorbing water, whereas any mats that have a wood or plastic base will be the least effective. Memory foam is also great for soaking up water, but this can take a bit longer to dry out thoroughly.
Drying Time
The drying time of a bath rug will depend on the material used. You will find that microfibres tend to dry quickly. If you need your mat to dry quickly, especially if you have a high volume of traffic at home, then opting for a mat with plush chenille, polyester or velvet microfibres is recommended.
If you wash the mat and want it to dry quickly, then you must follow the instructions. Several mats cannot be placed in tumble dryers, however tempting it might be, so you will need to air dry them on a clothesline. This is the case for any plastic or rubber-backed mats.
Material
Bath rugs or mats are generally made from cotton, nylon, or plastic.
Cotton bath mats will hold quite a lot of moisture, are comfortable underfoot, and usually have nicer designs; however, they may slip on tiled floors.
Nylon is used as it has a very quick drying time and is highly durable. It doesn't absorb as much water as the cotton versions.
Plastic is most commonly found with the mats that go inside the shower or bath, but some makes are designed for external use. They will not absorb water and are not as attractive as the cotton or nylon options, but they are easy to clean and will not slip.
You may also find a bamboo bath mat as this is becoming a more popular option. These are not very easy to clean, but they absorb water well and can create a home spa feeling in the bathroom.
Non-Slip
Most home injuries occur in the bathroom, usually from slips and trips. Several of these can be avoided by having a good no-slip mat which will prevent you from sliding on a wet floor. If you have tiled or wooden flooring at home then an anti-slip mat or rug is essential. These anti-slip rugs will have either plastic or rubber backing, some with non-skid dots or stickers.
It is important to note that if you choose one of these products, you should check the washing and drying instructions, and sometimes the adhesive used makes them only suitable for handwashing. You will also need to ensure that you place the mat on a dry, dust-free floor, otherwise, even the best grips will still slide.
Size
Bath mats usually come in a range of sizes from 16 x 24 inches to 21 x 34 inches, making them the right dimension to fit neatly in front of a shower or hang over a bathtub.
If you have a small bathroom then it is worth checking the measurements thoroughly as a mat that is too large could block a door from opening, or won't lie completely flat, which creates a hazard.
There are larger sizes available, but double-check that these are still bath mats and not bathroom rugs. Rugs are designed to add more style to your home, complementing your accessories and so tend to be larger.
Softness
The softness of a bathroom mat or bath rug will vary considerably. If you want to step onto an ultra-soft surface, then obviously any mats made from 100% bamboo, wood or plastic are not going to suit you. These are designed to prevent slipping, not to keep your feet warm and cozy.
The softer bathroom mats are usually those made with memory foam, luxury cotton or those with a plush chenille style. Remember that if you opt for a bathroom rug, which is often the softest style, they tend not to have the high absorbency and quick-drying features that a bath mat does.
Washing Machine Safe
Not all bath mats are safe to wash in a machine - always check the cleaning instructions on the label before washing for guidance. Many mats that have a rubber or plastic back cannot be put in a machine, or only on a very very low setting. If they are washed at a regular setting, the temperature will cause the backing to detach and deform.
You will often find that there needs to be a compromise - if you want the best non-skid bath mat then you should prepare yourself to handwash it. If you don't need the non-skid backing then you will probably be able to clean it in a washing machine.
Bath Mat FAQ
Q: Why doesn't my bath mat dry properly?
There is no standard way to dry your bath mat as it will depend on the material and style. There shouldn't be any problems with rugs drying when you have stepped on them after a shower, but if they have been soaked completely, or washed, then drying will take longer.
Most drying challenges arise when you have a mat with rubber or plastic backing. These can only be air-dried, so it will feel like they are taking forever to dry, in comparison to using a machine. We recommended following the manufacturers' instructions at all times when it comes to cleaning and drying as if you wash the rug incorrectly, you can damage its properties, including its ability to dry quickly.
Q: What's the best material for a bath mat?
The best material for a bath mat is generally considered to be microfiber. This is because it has high absorbency properties and dries quickly.
However, cotton and nylon materials are also very popular, and these often have rubber backs which give them better non-slip properties.
Bamboo or wood-based mats are available but they are not designed to absorb any water.
Q: Do you need to wash your bath mat?
You do need to wash your bath mat relatively frequently to ensure that you remove any bacteria. You will need to check the manufacturers' instructions, but it is recommended that you machine wash it on low heat, approximately every two weeks.
A wood or bamboo mat can be wiped with anti-bacterial spray to prevent the build-up of bacteria.