Can You Put Your Bath Mat In The Dryer After Washing?

Bathmats fall into two main categories: Rubber ones that prevent accidents while bathing or showering, and those of various materials placed just outside the tub or shower. Some are designed to emphasize functionality while others provide plush comfort. The wide range of materials includes chenille, memory foam, cotton, microfiber, polyester, and natural woods such as bamboo. Some mats feature a fabric upper layer and a rubberized bottom. Rubber bathmats first gained traction with the invention of synthetic rubber in the early 1900s, as reported in Specialty Mat Services.

If you have a large household or your bathmat gets daily use, Rinse recommends washing it on a weekly basis. Before deciding on the drying process, you should always defer to the manufacturer's maintenance instructions as certain types of bathmats can be placed in the dryer while others may crease, warp, or even burn. In addition, some bath mats are prone to shrinking or risk fading.

Bath mats consisting of, or backed by rubber, are the poorest candidates for a stint in the dryer. In fact, some advise never putting such a mat in one. Merry Maids suggests inspecting your mat for cracks or peeled areas and disqualifying a mat with imperfections. If you do decide to put a rubberized mat in the dryer, Tumble Fresh recommends a gentle, low heat setting is appropriate, initially for no more than 20 minutes.

A rubber mat dried too often will not last. Too hot or too long a dryer can lead to damage to the mat or even harm to the dryer, as rubber is susceptible to melting, warping, or cracking, and pieces might flake off. Similarly, a stint in the dryer might also cause the mat's gripping ability to weaken, according to House Cleaning Central. Worst of all, the combination of the dryer and a rubber or plastic mat is a dangerous one — it is a potential fire hazard. Alternatively, air drying (especially in the sun) is an effective method. UV rays are known to help remove mold and bacteria but avoid direct sunlight as it may cause discoloration.

Non-rubber bath mats do much better in the dryer. According to Kylon Powell, natural materials such as cotton and linen can safely withstand a gentle machine-drying cycle. So too, with caution, can bath mats derived from synthetic fibers such as nylon or some acrylics. Using the lowest possible drying setting, perhaps mixing the mat with a few items of clothing, should not be harmful. A cotton-blended bath mat or microfiber one can be dried without issues, and a memory foam mat can survive being dried as long as it is on the lowest setting, per Labour Matters. 

Regardless of type, Upgraded Home warns against utilizing a dryer if the mat has tassels, braids, or other adornments. The ornamentation can be torn off while drying, damaging the mat and threatening the machine. Ultimately, if care is taken, and the appropriate types are put into the dryer, your bath mat and appliance will emerge unscathed.