Throw Your Bath Mat Away Immediately If You Notice This

Bath mats are great at absorbing water, but if they don't dry out properly, they are the perfect place for mold and mildew to grow. Bath mats also harbor bacteria and dead skin cells or even fungus. When everyone in a house uses the bath mat, it becomes the place where fungus, like athlete's foot, can be transmitted, according to Enchante Home. In order to prevent bacteria and fungus from growing in a bath mat, it should be cleaned regularly and allowed to dry between uses.

How often a bath mat needs to be cleaned depends on the frequency of use and how many people use it. If there is a whole house using the bath mat daily, it should be washed at least every week. However, if only one person is using the bath mat, it can be washed around every two weeks. Although, if your bathroom doesn't have proper ventilation and your bath mat starts to grow mold or smell, it should be washed more often, per Kohler. Replace your bath mats every two years or when you notice visible signs of mold or mildew. 

It's easy to know if it's time to replace your bath mat. If mold and mildew can't be washed away or the mat is beginning to fall apart, it's time to throw it away. Since bath mats need to be cleaned and dried often, they will start to fall apart after a year and should be replaced at least every two years.

Cleaning a bath mat can be done easily in the washing machine. Using the gentle cycle with water as hot as your bath mat can handle, put your bath mat into the machine with towels so the machine is balanced. Add laundry detergent and a capful of white vinegar. The vinegar will work to clean and prevent mold and mildew, according to Towel Supercenter. After washing your bath mat, it can be put in the dryer on a low-heat setting or hung to air dry. If there is still mold on your bath mat, you can hand wash it with laundry detergent and vinegar, using a brush to scrub the mold off. If it still can't be cleaned, it's time to replace your bath mat.