All shower songs may die away in the hospital’s orthopedic unit and the difference is a bathroom slip! About 80 percent of household falls take place in bathrooms! Buying the best bathtub mat reduces that to about nil.
But the saddest thing is that not all the mat will go with your tub in its best possible way. This article is here to help you learn more about the perfect mat for your bathtub and help you find it. With this guide you will learn about 7 bathtub mats we have chosen, accompanied by their pros and cons (if any).
Table of Contents
What is a Bathtub Mat?
Bathtub mats are used inside the tub to prevent unwanted accidents. It helps to prevent slip of leg inside the tub which can be caused by slippery liquids like soap or conditioner etc. The best non slip shower mat for seniors is ideal to be used for both the elderly and the kids.
The mat is placed inside the tub to make the surface uneven and prevent slipping during a shower. Another way to prevent a bathtub accident is to place a bathtub mat outside the tub.
It is usually made of rubber or some kinds of flexible plastics. Plastics and rubbers are used to make it water resistant. It has suction cups underneath it which will help it to nicely grip the floor; and not float during the bath.
In fact, the suction cups will help not to slip. The mats will also be featured with the frequent small hole within it to make water circulation in a proper manner.
Best bathtub mats – top picks for 2022
Digitalexpress Bathtub Mat, Non Slip Bath Shower Mats for Bathroom Tub, 32×16 Inches Soft PVC Loofah Bathroom Mat with Drain for Tub Shower Stall, No Suction Cups Quick Drying (Grey)
This is one of the best bathtub mats from Digitalexpress. It measures 32 x 16 inches and is quite soft and comfortable to the feet – thanks to its loofah-like PVC material! The mat has a nonslip rubber backing and is very stable even without suction cups. It fits most bathtubs and shower stalls and has a drainage lattice bottom design to let water escape easily. You can clean it simply with water and hang it for quick drying. This bathtub mat is also ideal for bathtubs or shower spaces in gyms, hospitals, and healthcare buildings. The material is not an easy place for mold to develop – assuming you take care of drying and cleaning regularly. The only downside is that the mat might have a strong smell that lingers.
Rubbermaid Commercial Products Safti-Grip Bath and Shower Mat, Large, White, Non-Slip for Tub
Rubbermaid’s suction-backed bathtub mat is another great choice, measuring 28″ L x 16″ W. Its no-latex construction combined with the textured surface prevents slipping and holds the mat in place. Perforations on the mat allow water to drain through. You can place it in bathtubs and shower stalls for better safety and foot grip. The suction is actually so strong that you might struggle to pull the mat away! It provides generous coverage for the foot area, so it fits most bathtubs. The mat is quite popular among people who have feet pressure problems and require nonslip mats to step in and step out safely after a bath.
The main issue was the surface getting dirty very fast, and the bottom of the mat can be prone to mold buildups over time. The actual color of the received product turned out to be beige rather than white, so if color is your priority, make sure to confirm the right color before buying.
Ginsey Aqua Touch White Tub Non-Slip, Cushioned Comfort, 17″ x 36″ Bath mat
Ginsey’s slip-resistant bathtub mat measures 17″ x 36″ and is one of the best options out there. It has suction cups that adhere best to smooth bathtub surfaces, so this holds the mat in place and keeps it from moving around in the bathtub. The foot surface is actually cushioned for a soft tactile feel that is easy and comfortable to stand on. The mat is machine washable, although it is recommended to surface-wash for longevity. Some users might find the suction cups to be a little bumpy to stand on. The surface is also prone to catching soap stains that are tough to clean if allowed to build up.
HealthSmart Bath Mat Extra Large No Slip Shower & Bathtub Mat with Suction Cups and Drain Holes for Anti-slip Grip, Machine Washable, Extra Large, 40 x 15.5, Green
If you are looking for a pop of color, then HealthSmart has some bright colors for its bathtub mats. This translucent green mat from the brand is extra-large and measures 40″ x 15.5″. It includes 200 suction cups for maximum stability and also has drainage holes to let water drain through, which also cuts down mildew growth. Since this mat covers the whole bathtub and shower space, it is a great choice for homes, gyms, spas, etc. as it prevents slipping and gives a better foot grip. You can wash it in the machine and hang it out for quick drying. Make sure to secure the suction cups before each use for maximum safety. This mat adheres best to smooth bathtub surfaces, so avoid placing it in textured bathtubs.
Best Bathtub Mats Review of 2021
Out of so many best bathtub mats in the market here listed below are descriptions of selected 7 mats, with their pros and cons. I hope it will shorten your list and help you to buy the best one for you.
1. GORILLA GRIP bath Tub Mat
This tub mat is hexagon in shape and is available in different colors to complement your bathroom fittings. It has 324 strong suction cups that provide a tight grip and prevents slipping. Using the suction cups it easily sticks to a smooth floor.
This antibacterial mat is suitable for use in home, gym, and spa and anywhere with a smooth surface. The extra large size of the mat provides great coverage. This particular mat has holes designed in such a way that it allows water to circulate easily.
The mat is latex free, phthalate free, non-toxic and doesn’t smell like chemicals. It has 10 years of warranty. More importantly, the mat is machine washable. It requires completely hassle-free maintenance and appears like new after every wash.
It is advised to wash the mat before the first use. With cold water and some decent amount of detergent, the mat can be easily cleaned using the machine. After washing it should be air-dried. The mat should be washed with infrequent intervals to retain proper hygiene. Bleach is not recommended as it can discolor the mat.
The mat should be first securely placed using the suction cups. The mat will fix the floor only if it is smooth and nonoily. It will not work with uneven floors, tiles, or featured surfaces. It is also durable and long-lasting.
This particular mat is very safe to use usually for the kids. It doesn’t get dirty or muddy really soon due to the presence of the holes for circulation and evaporation of the water. Also, the dirt is very easy to clean. Works really nice by sticking strongly with the floor.
The mat doesn’t slip even if there is soap water, shampoo, conditioner, or anything slippery. Some negatives of this product are that it is made of a kind of plastic that is harmful to health. And it lets molds grow really quickly within it. Also, it can lose its color slowly due to regular washing. After all, they are one of the best shower mats.
2. Yimobra Original Bath Tub Mat
This bath tub mat is targeted to be used by kids. Has different cartoon characters drawn on the surface? It is antibacterial, phthalate free, non-toxic and machine washable. Featured with 144 special suction cups with a combination of big and small cups to ensure greater safety for children.
The bigger suction cups will absorb more and will hold on the floor strongly; small suctions will help it stay smooth along the surface. There are a number of “Yimobra” fake mats available in the market. For original mats, one should buy with a “Belsk” stamp on it.
The mat comes in cute oval shape suitable for babies and kids. It has 10 years of warranty. It is very easy to clean and is machine washable. Hence, it requires very little time for maintenance. It should be air dried after every wash. This mat is durable and expected to last really long.
It is nontoxic; so safe to be used for children. Again, it is suitable for smooth, non-textured and even floors. It will not attach properly in an oily, greasy or slippery floor.
The size of the mat is long and fits perfectly in a standard size tub. It works really well and prevents accidents. The mat is really lightweight. The color of the mat in real may vary from the advertisement. Fulfills the work it promises for.
3. Epica Anti-Slip Machine Washable Bath Mats
No products found.
It is a heavy-duty tub mat that is perfect for everyday use. The texture of the mat is soft to touch and very comfortable. And is also very long-lasting. It has hundreds of strong suction cups that ensure that the mat stays in one place and doesn’t slip from there. Once it has been attached to the floor it won’t move from there no matter how much soap water or conditioner falls on it.
The strong suction power of the mat will prevent accidents. It is an antibacterial mat. It would prevent the habitation of molds, mildew, and bacteria within the mats. It is washable. To clean the mat it should be placed inside the washer with cold water and detergent. After the wash is complete it should be air dried.
The mat should be washed on a frequent basis to maintain proper hygiene. It comes in a neutral white color which will look good with any bathroom fitting. The mat is large and covers the area very satisfyingly. This latex-free rubber mat will give the greatest safety during the walking shower.
The grips in real life are actually very strong. After every wash, the mat looks just like new. But frequent washes will leave it discolored. The mat discharges some bad odor right after it is unpacked but gets rid of it soon. Along with smooth surfaces it also may work with textured surfaces (although it is mentioned that it won’t).
4. Tike Smart Non-Slip Bath Mats
No products found.
A mat like this is safe, antibacterial, and most suitable for smooth and non-textured tubs. It feels bubbly on the feet and is very comfortable. Suction cups underneath the mat give it its bubble texture. Additionally, the mat contains holes for proper drainage of water.
It is extra long in shape and provides proper coverage to the tub. The maintenance of the mat is very less time consuming. It is machine washable with cold water and detergent. After every wash, it should air or sun dried. For proper hygiene maintenance, it should be washed frequently.
It is available in different colors to match with any bathroom fitting and individual preferences. Have high-quality suction cups that ensure a strong grip of the mat with the floor. The suction cups are 200 in total. Gives 33% more coverage than any other ordinary mat. The antibacterial property of the mat doesn’t let mold and mildew grow quickly. Have 147 holes in it which provides proper drainage of the water.
This mat is made of high quality phthalate-free, BPA-free and non allergen materials. It is heavy duty and lasts really long. And it can be returned anytime; it has 100% return guarantee. The problem with this mat is that it is extra long and doesn’t stick with the tub much. And the clear colored mat discolors really soon and looks dirty no matter how much it is washed.
The soap scum traps underneath the mat really often. So, it requires a really frequent wash. The rubber mat doesn’t dispose of any bad smell like others. The product doesn’t stick to every smooth surface. The suction cups are not very powerful and can sometimes float in deep water. It is not actually hypoallergenic as it claims to be.
5. Nttr Antibacterial Tub Mats
The appearance of this mat is very innovative and attractive. It is available in three different colors; brown, translucent and black. Three of them will suit any bathroom color or fittings. The holes in the mat look quite appealing due to the geometrical design of the mat.
The large holes allow the convenient circulation of water within it. It is long in shape and gives good coverage to the tub. Ideal for use in homes, hotels, spas, and more. It is made of plastic and is also antibacterial, doesn’t let molds or mildew grow quickly. This plastic used to make this mat is of high quality and non-toxic materials.
Has 200 suction cups in total for a better grip. It should be installed on a smooth surface. The standard size of the mat will fit any bathroom tub. It is also easy to clean and machine washable. After the wash, it should be air-dried or sun-dried. It is recommended to wash with hot water before the first use to get rid of the plastic smell.
The mat should be applied on a clean surface with little moisture (water) on the floor. No oil, dirt, or anything slippery should be on the floor during applying. It works really well and fulfills its job.
Due to rolled packaging, it takes time to straighten completely. It can start to slip if the soap is allowed to build there. It should be washed as frequently as possible. It has 10 years of warranty. So, you can say that they are the best bath mats for inside the tub.
6. Sultan’s Linens Rubber Bath Mats
No products found.
This mat is available in different colors. Most interestingly it can be applied to textured surfaces also. No suction cups are designed in. So that you don’t need to be worried about having an extra suction cup to use the tool.
It has holes in it for proper drainage of the water. As a result, no water will be there after usages and proper drainage will be ensured for this amazing feature. It is made of 100% rubber only. No chance to be torn out and they are durable and of good quality.
The mat can tear up really quick due to the folding process. Have minimum sturdiness and less durable. Molds and mildews are expected to grow easily underneath it.
Some pros are that it fulfills its non-slip purpose. And this is due to its heaviness. And it doesn’t smell bad like other rubber mats.The mat is foldable which makes it easier to store. It saves spaces and is very user friendly and convenient to use for day to day life.
The main problem of the mat is it tears near the area where it folds, and then it spreads out to the whole mat that ultimately makes it unusable. The stickiness decreases after using it for several years.
7. GORILLA GRIP rubber tub mats
For a better grip, it has a total of 324 suction cups. The cups are very effective in their work. Keeps the mat in one place. The size of the mat is square and gives extra coverage to the tub. It has a good number of holes in it for good circulation of water. And it doesn’t hold moisture underneath it.
It is ideal to be used at homes, gym, spas, etc. It is available in different shades of color. It is antibacterial, mildew-free, non-toxic, BPA-free, phthalate-free, latex-free. So, it is completely safe to use. It has 10 years of no question asked warranty. It doesn’t dispose of any rubbery smell.
It is machine washable and recommended to use cold water and mild detergent. Nothing containing bleach should be used as it can result in discoloration of the mat. After the wash, it should be air dried. It will look new after every wash.
The mat is recommended to use on a smooth and clean surface only. It won’t work on a textured or tiled surface. The holes would only allow the water to drain but leave the soap scum trapped within it. It is very sturdy and stays in place during the shower. It works really well.
Guide to Buy the Best Bath Tub Mats
Shower mats are in no way similar to outdoor mats or indoor ones. They basically trap sand and mud while preventing slippage. Before going out to buy the best bathtub mat, it is equally necessary to keep an eye on the overall bathroom decor.
The Mat Has Proper Suction Cups
Suction cups are a crucial part of a mat. Cups are the thing that keeps the mat in its proper position. It is always ideal for the mat to have large cups in greater quantity. The larger the cups the more powerful the grip is; again the greater the quantity the more effective the grip will be.
The Holes Within the Mat
Holes aid suction cups in functionality. Properly sized holes will ensure good drainage of the water and stop the mat from floating. If no holes or spaces are featured, the stagnancy and dampness keeps on rising. This is an ideal habitat for mildew. Note that molds not only make the mats slippery, but also are threats invigorating bacterial growth.
On the other extremity, large holes drain away excess of water through them. This exerts extraneous force to the suction cups too. So the balanced option is smaller holes. Some pebble designed mats come with irregular gaps. Try keeping the gaps as small as possible.
Material It’s Made Of
Vinyl, PVC and Rubber are the probable choices in terms of materials. Modern mats take a great care of health taking rubber out of the scenario. But unlike the traditional practice, rubber has been the most popular alternative for better traction and lower cost.
But where synthetic materials dominate is being anti-bacterial. PVC doesn’t let molds to grab a hand and so does vinyl. But this largely depends on holes and proper drainage systems. Yet, the toxicity of rubber mats is usually found to be higher and they’re less durable too.
Avoid These
The components you ought to stay aloof from are mainly Phthalates and BPA. Both are used while plastic procurement and are sources of toxicity. Latex is another item to avoid as it attracts allergens.
What Size to Prefer
Bathroom tubs don’t differ in size much. A rectangular mat of 14 to 16 inch width is quite ideal to go for. Though 35 to 40 inch length leaves some spaces, that doesn’t matter at all considering our bathing behaviour. But if you have a number of li’l kids, you may go for more than one small mats to cover it all.
Let’s leave you with some idea for covering shower stalls. The same dimensions would help choosing one for stalls too. A quick tip: go for cut-to-fit type mats in that case.
Transparency It Has
Opaque and holeless shower mats are the worst of its kinds. No matter what, you can’t compromise with holes. But translucency isn’t that hard and fast a requirement. A more clear bathtub mat is beneficial in terms of visuality as you can keep a track of molds and grime accumulation. Besides it adds a chunk of decor too.
Color That Blends In
Try to grasp the theme of your bathroom and match its color. If you are in a fix, focus on the wall tint. Still unsure? Go for a blue or grey one. A transparent shower or floor mat is the simplistic and minimalistic idea for kinda every case. Again, a kid’s bathtub should feature a brightly colored mat.
Design That Adds to Decor
Traditional rectangular mats dominate the market. Shedding light on the most US bathroom tubs and showers, that’s the choice the lion’s share of the users should prefer and so do you. But if you have children and / or it’s the shower of him/her/them animal shapes prove to appreciate their bathing time.
Mat Surface
Some texture is a must for these mats since otherwise, they would be more or less useless. Pebble mats are, however, devoid of bumps as the whole structure does the job effectively. Modern-day honeycomb textures with holes offer great traction on both floors and feet.
The Comfort it Offers
Rippled upper layers of mats impose greater comfort than zagged ones. But in terms of anti-slip experience, the latter proves to be more fruitful. Children may not like any of them but after a while, they get used to it. Choosing a thicker shower mat helps a lot in that regard.
How to Wash Tub Mats
It is wise to keep the tub mats always clean for the sake of good hygiene. Usually, there are two kinds of mats available in the market, one can be washed with the machine and the other requires hand wash.
Best tub shower mats will contain instructions about how to clean them. But if not, here are two ways listed and described down below to clean a mat:
Machine Wash
For this
Hand wash
Mats that are asked for hand wash only can be placed inside the bathtub with hot/cold water with a good amount of detergents and let it soak for a while. After some time it should be rubbed with a big brush to clean it, especially under the cups.
After the scrubbing is complete it should be washed once again with clear water and then let dry. Also, Wikihow discussed step by step here.
Conclusion
Looking for the best bath mat? Bathtub mats are quite important stuff to have in your bathroom, for the sake of your own shower safety and especially for the elderly and the kids. If the mat is a good one it surely will prevent unexpected accidents in your home.
If you want a short suggestion, I would recommend the gorilla grip bathtub for its ultimate performance and premium quality. You can also consider Epica Anti-Slip Machine Washable Bath Mats especially if you have elderly people in your family, undoubtedly they are the best non slip bathtub mat for elderly.
It is also ideal to be used in hotels, gyms, spas, and anywhere you want it to be. Hope this article has helped you to sort out the best bathtub mat for your bathroom.
Additional Resource: Creative and elegant shower storage ideas