In this article, we will discuss if you should put a rug in front of the toilet. Having a rug in your bathroom has many benefits. It can be a decorative item and can add color to a monotone room. However, there is that issue about hygiene. Since the toilet can harbor more germs and dirt, a lot of people are wondering if it is a good idea to place one in front of the toilet. Check out the rest of this article for more tips and information.
Should you put a rug in front of the toilet? The toilet is not the best place to put rugs as it is constantly exposed to germs and the damp environment can be a magnet for mold. Germs can get trapped under the rug and cause it to get moldy and smell. If you place a rug in front of the toilet, it needs to be constantly washed which can lower its quality. A good alternative would be to use a bath mat.
Are toilet rugs sanitary? Can you put a regular rug in the bathroom? What is the difference between a mat and a bath rug? We will answer those questions and more in this article. We will also provide tips on how to choose the best material for a bathroom rug.
Where Should Bathroom Rugs be Placed?
Bathroom rugs are usually placed in front of the sink, the tub, shower stall, and vanity mirror. Placing a bathroom rug in front of the vanity mirror or sink will absorb droplets of water and offer a warm and comfortable backing for your feet when you do your morning routine. Rugs placed next to the bath or shower will absorb extra water that drips and also prevents a slippery floor. You can also place rugs in the middle of the bathroom for a stunning design statement. Placing a rug in front of the toilet can be tricky because while it can keep your feet warm, it can absorb germs and mold and should be washed regularly.
Are Toilet Rugs Sanitary?
Toilet rugs are sanitary just as long as it is regularly cleaned according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the toilet is constantly used and is often humid, make sure to wash the rug constantly to keep it clean. Choose a toilet rug that dries quickly to prevent mold and mildew to grow. You can wash them in hot water every two weeks. A good alternative for rugs is bath mats that are made from wood because they do not absorb water.
What is the Purpose of a Toilet Rug?
The main purpose of a toilet rug is to soak up water from the floor. This is most especially true for slippery floors to avoid accidents and injury. Toilet rugs also serve as a temperature buffer that keeps the feet warm while using the toilet.
Advantages of Bathroom Rugs
There are many advantages of using bathroom rugs. Aside from being affordable, it also provides comfort and adds a statement to the design of the bathroom.
Design
You can improve the design of the bathroom by adding a stylish rug. Bathroom rugs that are well maintained can create a luxurious and relaxing ambiance to the room.
Comfort
Stepping into a warm and soft rug after taking the shower will make you feel comfortable and will also improve your mood. Tiled or laminated floors are cold and it can be very uncomfortable to step on them. Moreover, a bathroom rug will lessen the chances of post-bath slips.
Cost
You can find affordable bathroom rugs in a wide array of colors, styles, sizes, and designs. Decorating the bathroom is easier because it is smaller as compared to other areas of your home. While bathroom rugs can suffer frequent wear and tear, they can be easily replaced.
Disadvantages of Bathroom Rugs
One of the major disadvantages of bathroom rugs is that they are prone to damage because of the humid environment in the room. Moreover, they should also be cleaned and maintained regularly to make sure that they are hygienic.
Hygiene
Placing a rug in your bathroom will require you to constantly check on them for mildew, mold, or spills. Because the bathroom is a humid place, molds can easily grow and should be avoided. You need to regularly wash bathroom rugs, especially the ones you placed in front of the toilet. Check out this article titled, why do bath mats get moldy? We have shared different causes of molds in bath mats.
Damage
Most bathroom rugs are prone to damage because they are not designed for extended exposure to moisture and water. Eventually, the padding will get damaged and start to erode. To avoid this, make sure to constantly check and wash your rugs to keep them clean and maintain their appearance.
How Often Should You Wash Bathroom Rugs?
Bathroom rugs that are frequently used should be washed weekly. Take note that if the rugs are dampened several times a day, this will prevent them from getting enough dry time between uses. Wet or moist bathroom rugs are prone to mildew and mold. Hence, it is best to wash the rugs weekly and to clean them immediately if you notice any spills or stains.
✅ Video – How To Wash Large Bathroom Rugs In The Bathtub On Hand
Vanessa’s Vanlife Journey shared the video below on YouTube. She demonstrates how to wash large bathroom rugs in the bathtub. If you have rugs that are only meant for hand washing, you can watch the video below for ideas and instructions on how to properly wash them.
What is the Best Rug for a Bathroom?
There are different kinds of bathroom rugs that are available on the market but the best ones are those that are made from absorbent materials, designed with a plush top finish and non-slip backing. It should also compliment the style and theme that you have in your bathroom.
Can You Use a Regular Rug in the Bathroom?
It is best to use a rug that is specifically designed for bathroom use because they have features like a non-slip pad or backing which helps prevent the rug from shifting. Bathroom rugs are also more absorbent as compared to regular rugs. Hence, they can be able to absorb more water than spills on your bathroom floors. Moreover, bathroom rugs are also durable and do not easily get damaged by water exposure.
What are Bathroom Rugs Made Of?
Bathroom rugs are commonly made from materials from bamboo, cotton, microfiber, chenille, and nylon. You can choose a material that suits your preferences and budget. Find out more about each material below.
Bamboo
These bathroom rugs are also known as wooden mats. Bamboo bathroom rugs are affordable yet functional. They can complement any bathroom design. However, bamboo rugs are not particularly warm and since they are made from bamboo, they are not soft to the touch.
Cotton
This is the most common material that bathroom rugs are made of. Cotton is soft, easily cleaned, and can match any bathroom design. They come in a wide array of patterns, colors, sizes, and shapes. The disadvantage of a cotton bathroom rug is that it is not very durable especially in extremely wet bathrooms.
Chenille
This material comes in a wide array of colors and is also very absorbent. Chenille is usually made of acrylic, polypropylene, and rayon. These bathroom rugs are your best choice of bathrooms that get extremely wet. Moreover, chenille rugs are also soft and warm.
Nylon
This material is considered one of the most durable. Nylon rugs are as soft as cotton, comfortable to use, and is also machine washable. While it absorbs water less efficiently as compared to cotton, nylon rugs dry quickly.
Microfiber
This material absorbs moisture effectively, is less slippery, dries quickly, and is durable. Microfiber bathroom rugs can be one of the softest materials for a bathroom rug depending on the style that it is made into. It is also created to keep the floor dry and clean. These types of rugs are machine washable. On the other hand, microfiber rugs have properties that can trigger allergies or irritation for those with sensitive skin.
How do I Choose a Bathroom Rug?
There are many factors that you need to consider when choosing a bathroom rug which include the material that it is made of, the style, size, safety features, maintenance, and durability. Let us delve more into these factors below.
Material
The material of the bathroom rug is one of the first things that you need to consider to get the best comfort and function. Most of the bathroom rugs are made from materials such as nylon, microfiber, bamboo, cotton, and chenille.
Durability and Maintenance
Think about how much care is required for washing and drying the rub. Is the bathroom rug machine washable? Are there any specific cleaners that should be used when washing? Take note that proper cleaning and maintenance of the bathroom rugs will affect their durability.
Style and Size
You can choose a wide array of sizes for bathroom rugs. Make sure to choose the one that will perfectly occupy the floor space that you want to cover. Choosing the style of the rug is based on your taste. Common options that you can choose from include flat, memory foam enforce, or tufted.
Safety
How safe is the rug? It should have a rubber backing to reduce the risk of slipping. Moreover, bathroom rugs should have antibacterial properties to prevent mold and unwanted odors. A hypoallergenic bathroom rug is important especially if the ones who will use it are kids with sensitive skin. You can also check out this article that discusses if bath mats are dangerous. We have shared possible dangers that can come from bath mats.
What is the Difference Between a Bath Mat and a Bath Rug?
Bath mats are absorbent, non-slippery pads that are used in front of the toilet or shower. It is also referred to as pedestal mats and is known to be more affordable. On the other hand, bath rugs are luxurious items that are used because they are absorbent and also for the stylish look that they can provide. Both rugs and mats are used interchangeably and refer to the same thing. Their main function is to absorb water and to prevent comfort to your feet. You can also check out this article that we have written titled, how do you keep bath rugs from getting moldy? We have shared tips and information on how to effectively prevent mold in your mats and the bathroom.
How Many Rugs Should Be in a Bathroom?
Generally, a bathroom should have two to three rugs that are placed in front of the sink, in front of the bath, and in front of the toilet. If you have a large bathroom and want to cover more floor areas, you can always add more bathroom rugs.
Conclusion
We hope that we have answered your question regarding if you should put a rug in front of the toilet. The toilet is prone to germs and molds so it is not a good idea to place a rug in front of it. In case you need to put one, make sure that you clean regularly at least once a week to prevent stains, mold, mildew, and unwanted smell to develop in the rug. Thank you for reading!