Looks can be deceiving: Though your bath mat seems innocuous, sitting there on your bathroom floor away from dirty shoes or the chaos of a kitchen, it’s actually quietly collecting plenty of dirt, debris, and microscopic squatters. That is icky enough on its own, but that ick can also cause athlete’s foot and other fungal infections.

What is living in my bath mat?

Though they don’t often look dirty, fabric bath mats are constantly collecting moisture from your bathroom, as well as dead skin, urine and fecal spray from the toilet, hair, dust, dirt, and bacteria. It’s not only disgusting—it can also create potential health consequences. As Dr. Gohara put it: “Damp, moist, and dirty is like Disneyland for fungus and yeast.”

The author of The Laundry Evangelist blog and the book Laundry Love.

That fungus and yeast can transfer to your feet, causing athlete’s foot and toenail fungus.

How Frequently to Clean My Bath Mats

The short answer is: probably more than you are.

You should be cleaning it weekly, and if you didn’t know you had to do it that often, you’re not alone. Even among our clean-minded staff, very few of the colleagues I polled reported cleaning or changing their bath mats that often. But once a week is the minimum our experts recommend, especially for people in households. “If you live with a partner, if you live with a family, there’s many feet coming across the same damp surface,” Dr. Gohara explained. “So you’re increasing your chances even more [of getting infected with a fungus or yeast] because you’re increasing the odds of encountering it from person to person.”

Damp, moist, and dirty is like Disneyland for fungus and yeast.

Even if you live alone, it’s essential to stay on top of washing or changing your bath mats. They can harbor dermatological issues due to the organic growth that can occur on them. To minimize yeast and fungal growth, consider hanging your mat over the bathtub between uses to air it out. Opening a window or running a fan can also help reduce moisture and humidity, which encourages growth. Dr. Gohara emphasizes that any action to minimize moisture in the bathroom is beneficial.

How do I clean my bath mat?

Fortunately, cleaning your bath mats is straightforward. Most mats come with specific care instructions on their labels, but in general, you can wash and tumble dry them in any standard washing machine. If your mat has a nonskid backing, like our top pick from Lands’ End, it’s best to air dry or tumble dry on low heat to prevent the backing from disintegrating. Regular cleaning not only maintains their appearance but also helps minimize any potential growth of bacteria or fungi.

If your bath mat is particularly grimy and dirty, be sure to wash it in hot or warm water—unless the care label specifies cold water only. Mats made from 100% cotton typically withstand higher temperatures without breaking down or discoloring. However, it’s essential to always check the care label, especially for mats that contain rubber or polyester. Proper washing not only helps remove dirt but also reduces the risk of yeast and fungal growth, keeping your bath mat fresh and hygienic.

But what if I hate doing laundry?

If you really dislike doing laundry (trust me, I get it), there’s a clever workaround: consider investing in a few extra bath mats. This way, you can easily swap them out weekly, allowing you to space out your laundry days. Alternatively, think about getting a wooden mat, which we also recommend. According to Dr. Gohara, wooden mats are often a safer option because they dry out quickly, reducing the opportunity for mold, yeast, and other unwanted growth. If you choose a wooden mat, be sure to wipe it down regularly with a vinegar and water solution to keep it clean and prevent any potential issues. This approach can help maintain a hygienic bathroom environment with minimal effort!