Buying guide for best nonslip bath mats
Slips in the bathtub are a leading cause of injury among both the elderly and young children. They’re a frequent cause of emergency room visits for individuals over the age of 15, too. And it’s no wonder. The combination of a smooth, slick surface and puddles of water is practically the blueprint for the Slip ’N Slide you used as a child.
As a result, many safety experts recommend that manufacturers of tubs revisit their slip-resistance criteria. While that won’t do anything about the slippery tub you already own, there is hope. A nonslip bath mat can greatly reduce your risk of injury from bath-related falls.
Mats come in a variety of shapes, materials, and prices. Which one is right for your tub? Let Best Reviews help you find the best product to keep your loved ones safe. Read on to learn more about what will fit your needs, and then check out our top product recommendations.
Key considerations
While your key concern must be safety, it’s also important to choose a nonslip bath mat that won’t damage your tub or its finish.
Adhesion
Some bathtubs have a textured finish, sometimes for aesthetics, sometimes for slip resistance. Most textured tubs don’t fully protect against slips, so you’ll probably need something extra. The trick is finding a mat that sticks well enough to the texturing to not move but doesn’t stick so well that it damages the tub when the mat is removed. Finding a happy medium can be challenging.
Along those lines, you’ll need to find something that sticks well all the way around the tub. While a fixed midline can help to prevent falls, you’re still at risk of falling if your foot slides unexpectedly at the mat’s corner or edge. This risk can be compounded by curious toddlers who are intrigued by a flapping mat corner.
Size
You’ll want to carefully check the size of your tub before purchasing a nonslip mat. One that’s too small may not cover the area you need covered, while a mat that’s too large may present a tripping hazard. A good nonslip bath mat should cover most of the floor of your tub – but not the walls – and leave the drain uncovered.
Color
A mat’s color is more than just an issue of preference. Some users may want a bath mat in a color similar to the tub, both to blend in aesthetically and to avoid drawing a child’s attention to something they think might be a toy. Older users might consider a mat in a color that contrasts with that of the tub or shower in order to easily see the edges. Most people don’t wear glasses or contact lenses in the shower, so seeing clearly can be a challenge. And shower curtains or poor lighting can make visibility worse.
Nonslip bath mat features
Adhesion
When it comes to nonslip bath mats, one of the most important factors is the mechanism the mat uses to stick to your tub.
Suction cups: Most nonslip bath mats use suction cups to stick to the tub. This is a good method for tubs that don’t have a textured finish or haven’t been refinished. Generally, the more suction cups on the mat, the better it sticks. Look for a mat with a firm, even surface and strong, evenly spaced suction cups that won’t detach and create a tripping hazard.
Weight: Suction cups don’t adhere well to textured surfaces, so if you have a textured tub, look for a heavier mat that’s kept in place by its weight and water pressure. These mats won’t stick quite as securely in a smooth tub as those with suction cups, but they are very stable and may shift only slightly when you get in or out of the tub. Since these mats don’t technically stick, they won’t mar the tub’s finish.
Self-adhesive: Some nonslip bath mats affix to the bottom of the tub with a glue-like material. These definitely aren’t recommended for textured or reglazed tubs because you will almost certainly damage the finish if you remove the mat. These mats may not damage a smooth-finish tub, but they will likely leave semi-permanent marks on the tub floor. If you choose this type of mat, know that the adhesive marks may be permanent or at least require some work to remove.
Drainage
Puddles are a slip risk and a quick ticket to a mildew-covered bath mat. Look for mats with holes that let water drain as you bathe or shower. Not only is good drainage safer but it will also prolong the life of the mat.
Maintenance
Thicker mats, such as those recommended for textured tubs, tend to hold water longer. If you need this type of mat, consider getting a model that folds for easy hanging in order to dry. Regardless of the type of mat you use, look for a material that resists mold and mildew.
Even with careful use, your mat may require periodic washing to stay fresh-smelling and free of slippery residue. Look for a mat that can be machine washed. Most mats are made with rubber or plastic, which can crack or melt in high heat, so you probably won’t find many that you can put in the dryer. However, some can withstand the lowest dryer setting.
For your safety
If you have allergies or react poorly to chemical odors, be cautious when buying a bath mat. Antibacterial mats can have an odor that may aggravate some allergies.
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Nonslip bath mat prices
Inexpensive
You can find budget-friendly nonslip bath mats for under $10. At this price, most have a peel-and-stick adhesive backing or a relatively small number of suction cups. These mats probably won’t be machine washable, but they may be thin enough to hang up to dry, so long as they aren’t permanently adhered to the tub.
Mid-range
For $10 to $20, you’ll find mats with a good number of suction cups or mats that are heavy enough not to move. Mats in this price range should have drainage holes, and some may be machine washable.
Expensive
The best nonslip bath mats cost between $20 and $30. Mats with suction cups have at least 200 to secure it in place on all sides. Mats for textured tubs have a good weight and efficient drainage holes. Many of these mats are made of machine-washable material that resists mold and mildew.
"Consider cleaning your bath mat when you clean your tub."
STAFF
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Tips
Check product descriptions carefully. If you have a latex allergy, check the materials in any mat you’re considering. Many nonslip bath mats are made with latex.
Make sure the floor of your tub is clean and dry before installation. Check the included information for any specific instructions.
Position the mat before turning on the water. When using a mat without suction cups, be sure it’s firmly placed in the bottom of the tub before you turn on the water, otherwise it may not stay in place.
Avoid using a mat with suction cups in a reglazed tub.
FAQ
Q. Can I use a nonslip mat in a shower stall? Most mats cover my drain.
A. Shower stalls are increasingly common in master bathrooms. A shower is a good option for older individuals because it eliminates the hazard of stepping over a tub wall. Manufacturers have taken notice and created square mats with a central hole for the drain.
Q. Why do I need to clean a bath mat?
A. It might seem odd to clean something that stays in the shower, but bath mats can become unsanitary very quickly, thanks to a buildup of bacteria and dirt. Left untended, this grime can cause odors and foot fungus. Over time, mold and mildew can even make mats slippery, defeating their purpose. Bath mats should be cleaned regularly to avoid these problems.
Q. How do I clean my bath mat?
A. Many manufacturers include cleaning instructions with the mat. You can wash mats by hand in the tub, and some mats can go in the washing machine. To wash a mat in the tub, loosen the mat and fill the tub with warm water. Add two cups of bleach or other strong cleanser and scrub the top and bottom of the mat with a bristle brush. Rinse the mat well and hang it up to dry. To wash a mat in a washing machine, put the mat on a hot, gentle cycle along with a few cloths or rags that will help to scrub the dirt off. Hang the mat to air-dry.
