Things You'll Need
Cleaning brush
Powder bleach
Liquid bleach
Old towels
Washing machine
Those horrible mildew stains on your bath mat are more than just an eyesore. According to the University of Georgia, mildew stains result from the combination of the natural molds present in the air, moisture and warm temperatures. Unfortunately, bath mats are regularly exposed to these elements and it is difficult to keep these stains from forming. Take several steps to get rid of mildew stains as soon as you see them.
Step 1
Clean the mat with a brush. Place the bath mat in the tub or shower and sprinkle the top part of the mat with laundry powder or powder bleach. Wet the brush and scrub the entire mat, thoroughly scrubbing the stains several times. A brush with tough bristles and a long handle works best. Turn the bath mat over and scrub between the suction cups before rinsing both sides with cold water.
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Step 2
Soak the bath mat in the tub. Fill the tub with warm water. Add a cup of liquid bleach to the water. Put the bath mat in the tub and allow it to soak for up to an hour.
Step 3
Rinse the mat. Get rid of any tough stains and the odor of bleach by rinsing the bath mat thoroughly. Place the mat in the washing machine along with a few old towels or rags that will help absorb the bleach residue. Rinse these items together using warm water.
Tip
Prevent new mildew stains from forming by hanging up your bath mat in a cool dry area after each use.
Keep your bath mat clean by spraying it with a bathroom cleaner and wiping it down every week.
Turn on a fan, exhaust fan or open a window after you take a shower to reduce the level of mildew-causing moisture in your bathroom.
Warning
Regularly cleaning your bath mat with harsh chemicals will cause it to tear or fall apart, so you may end up having to replace it a few times a year.
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