Buying guide for best bamboo bath mats
![devangana]()
Written by devangana
Updated March 2022
Bamboo bathroom accessories like bath mats blend in with various types of décor from modern to eclectic. But bamboo’s versatility as a decorative material isn’t its only boon. Bamboo is a type of grass that’s exceptionally easy to grow. It’s one of the fastest-growing plants on the planet. In fact, it’s considered a weed in some regions! The rapid growth of this perennial plant makes it an eco-friendly alternative to other nonrenewable options like plastic.
Bamboo is an excellent material for bathroom extras because of its durability. It’s not entirely rot resistant (it is plant material, after all), but it holds up well to humid conditions like those in a well-used bathroom. Bamboo is also better suited than wood to handling exposure to water.
If you love the idea of using sustainable materials in your bathroom, consider a bamboo bath mat. Our guide below explores the pros and cons of choosing a mat made of this member of the grass family, along with tips for maintaining its original sleek appearance. We’ve included several of our favorites, too.
Key considerations
What do you need to know about bamboo bath mats before you start browsing? Here are a few considerations:
Why use a bath mat?
A quality bath mat is intended to prevent water from pooling all over your bathroom floor as you step out of the bathtub or shower. Once wet, the mat should dry promptly to prevent mold growth and associated pungent odors. A bath mat also serves as a safe, nonslip spot to step onto after you’ve bathed. Wet tiles can be dangerous, so having a slip-resistant mat at your feet can help prevent accidents.
Why bamboo?
A bamboo bath mat? Really? Isn’t wood prone to water damage? Won’t the water just soak right through to my bathroom floor? The right bamboo mat won’t rot prematurely or let water leak through to your floor. In fact, bamboo isn’t wood at all, so it has slightly different properties compared to wood. However, it is an organic material, so it will eventually break down. Here are a few reasons to consider bamboo for your next bath mat.
-
Quick drying
-
Attractive
-
Odor resistant
-
Water resistant
-
Eco-friendly
-
Sturdy
But bamboo isn’t a miracle renewable product. There’s some concern that bamboo manufacturing may have a negative environmental impact due to certain chemicals that are used in the process. Because bamboo grows so quickly, its popularity as a cheap material has exploded and may contribute to deforestation, as well. Bamboo also isn’t entirely waterproof, although many manufacturers may try to add that false claim to their advertising. Bamboo dries quickly and is better than wood at repelling water, but it won’t hold up if left outdoors, for instance.
Your needs
Consider your bathroom décor while weighing your decision to purchase a bamboo bath mat. Bamboo styles may not fit your bathroom’s current design. Think also about the area you need to cover. A tiny powder room may not be the best place for an extra-wide mat. Choose a bath mat that covers enough floor real estate so that it’s easy to step onto after you’ve bathed.
Bamboo bath mat features
Here are a few vital features to consider while browsing bamboo bath mats.
Water resistant: Some bamboo bath mats feature an added coating to repel water. Though bamboo alone isn’t likely to absorb water the way other materials do, it’s still vulnerable to water exposure and isn’t completely waterproof. However, it does dry quite quickly.
Vents: Slatted bamboo mats offer a stylish spa-like feel to understated bathrooms. Unfortunately, most vented mats allow water to leak through to the floor. This type of mat is a poor choice if you have porous flooring that’s easily warped when exposed to water. Some vented designs are also raised on gaskets, so you need to take care when stepping on and off this type of mat.
Leak-proof backing: A bamboo mat with a backing or liner prevents water from reaching your floor.
Non-slip: The underside of the bamboo bath mat should be textured or feature some type of non-slip gaskets or backing to prevent it from sliding around your floor. A bath mat that moves around when you step on it poses a safety issue. The surface of the mat should also be non-slip.
Weight limit: Bamboo is an exceptionally sturdy material, but if you select a raised mat, there may be a weight limit to keep in mind. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to verify the weight limit meets your needs.
Style: Bamboo mats differ slightly in design. You can choose between different stains, from light to dark, depending on your bathroom’s color scheme. Pick from horizontal, vertical, or grid patterns to fit your style preference.
Bamboo bath mat prices
Bamboo is a renewable, eco-friendly resource that grows at a fast clip. You shouldn’t have to go over your budget to add a bamboo mat to your bathroom — they cost from less than $20 to $40, on average. The cheapest bamboo mats are thin, roll-up designs, but there are a few reasons you might want to pay extra for one. Mats with a raised platform tend to be pricier, and they are more expensive to ship because they aren’t foldable. Larger mats are also sold at a premium.
Caution
A slatted bamboo mat may harbor hidden dirt and bacteria. It’s tougher to clean than a mat with a flat surface.
STAFF
BestReviews
Tips
-
Clean the bamboo mat occasionally. You clean your bathroom from top to bottom to prevent mold and bacterial growth, and it’s a good idea for your bath mat, too. Clean it with a mild solution of diluted vinegar, dish soap, or wood-safe cleaner. Wipe down with a damp cloth, not a soaking wet cloth.
-
Vacuum the mat between deep cleanings. Not enough time to do a thorough wipe down of your mat? Sweep or vacuum the mat in the meantime.
-
Put a towel on the floor first. If too much water is seeping through your slatted bamboo mat, consider sticking a towel beneath it before you step into the shower or bathtub.
- Do not machine wash or dry foldable or fabric bamboo mats. This type of mat should not be machine washed or dried unless it’s expressly recommended by the manufacturer.
Other products we considered
If none of the bath mats above appeal to you, we have two additional options for your consideration. The Luxury Roll-Up Bamboo Bath Mat features a vented design to encourage quick drying. It also has nonslip feet and a unique lattice construction that might work with a rustic or eclectic bathroom style. The Bamboogle Bath Mat is an entirely organic option with a slatted design. Beneath the dark bamboo platform are feet that prevent the mat from slipping.
FAQ
Q. Doesn’t bamboo get slippery when wet?
A. Even a good-quality bamboo mat might be a tad slippery if it’s completely covered in water, which is why many bamboo mats feature venting or slatting to promote drainage. When using your bamboo mat for the first time, step carefully onto the platform when exiting the shower. Test the nonslip properties before relying on it to prevent falls as you exit the shower each day. You might need to rinse the surface of your new mat to remove any coatings or oil buildup from the manufacturing process or transit.
Q. Isn’t bamboo a type of wood? Won’t it rot if exposed to water?
A. Bamboo is a type of grass. While it’s water resistant, bamboo is still susceptible to water damage and degradation over time. Unlike certain types of wood, however, bamboo dries exceptionally quickly.
Q. Is bamboo naturally antimicrobial?
A. It’s a misconception that bamboo products are always antimicrobial. Most processing actually strips the plant of its antibacterial properties. How well bamboo resists mold and bacterial growth depends on how it has been processed and manufactured. Don’t put too much faith in claims about the plant’s bacteria-fighting abilities.
Q. Can I use a bamboo mat elsewhere in my home?
A. Absolutely! If the look of bamboo is what you’re after, feel free to use a bamboo mat in your entryway or kitchen. A raised platform is best kept in the bathroom, but flat mats are suitable for elsewhere in the home. Keep your bamboo mat inside, though. It isn’t a weather-resistant material.
