4 Easy Ways to Clean a Moldy Rubber Bath Mat (Without Throwing It Away!)

If you’ve ever taken a peek under your rubber bath mat and found a surprise horror film growing underneath don’t panic. Mold loves to set up camp in warm, damp places like your bathroom, and bath mats are prime real estate. But here’s the good news, you don’t have to throw your non-slip mat in the bin every time it gets funky.

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Instead, try one of these four simple ways to clean and rescue your rubber bath mat, even when it looks like a lost cause. I personally have found option #2 really easy but efficient plus there is no bucket sitting around with bleach in, which could be a consideration if you have young children around.

1. Soak It in a Bucket with Chlorine Bleach

Best for: Serious mold and mildew buildup
What you’ll need: A large bucket or container, chlorine bleach, water

This is the method for those “oh no, it’s black underneath” moments.

How to do it:

• Fill a bucket or tub with hot water.
• Add a generous splash (about 1/4 to 1/2 cup) of chlorine bleach.
• Submerge the bath mat completely and let it soak for 30 minutes to an hour.
• Rinse thoroughly and hang it up to dry—preferably in the sun if you can.

Pro tip: Do this outside if possible, and wear gloves. Chlorine fumes are no joke.

2. Throw It in the Washing Machine with Bleach

Best for: A low-effort deep clean
What you’ll need: Washing machine, bleach, maybe a couple of towels

Yes, your washing machine can do the heavy lifting. It won’t remove every stubborn speck of mold, but it’s surprisingly effective.

How to do it:

• Toss the rubber mat in with a couple of old towels (they help agitate the dirt).
• Add about 1/4 cup of bleach.
• Wash on a warm or hot cycle.
• Let it air dry—never tumble dry a rubber mat.

Pro tip: Don’t make this your go-to method every week, over time, the rubber can wear down.

3. Scrub with Dish Soap and a Brush

Best for: Light grime and regular maintenance
What you’ll need: Dish soap, hot water, scrubbing brush

This old school method still works wonders, especially for routine upkeep.

How to do it:

• Fill the tub or sink with hot soapy water.
• Scrub both sides of the mat with a firm bristled brush.
• Pay special attention to suction cups where mold hides.
• Rinse well and hang to dry.

Pro tip: If the mat has been sitting for a while, soak it for 10–15 minutes first to loosen buildup.

4. Soak in Vinegar and Baking Soda

Best for: Natural cleaning (and no bleach smells)
What you’ll need: White vinegar, baking soda, water

If you’re avoiding harsh chemicals, vinegar and baking soda make a great cleaning duo.

How to do it:

• Fill your tub or a large bucket with hot water.
• Add 1 cup of vinegar and 1/2 cup of baking soda.
• Soak the mat for an hour.
• Scrub if needed, then rinse and hang dry.

Pro tip: This method is great for deodorizing too, your mat will smell a lot fresher.

Final Tips:

• Always hang your mat after each use to help prevent mold in the first place.
• Avoid folding it, let air circulate around it.
• If the mat starts to feel brittle or is cracking, that’s when it’s actually time to replace it.

Don’t ditch your bath mat just yet. With a little elbow grease (or a good soak), it can be back to looking and smelling like new. Got your own go to method? Share it in the comments below!