I’m a cleaning pro – there’s a bacteria ‘breeding ground’ in your bathroom you don’t wash enough, it’s not the toilet
HOMEOWNERS are unknowingly putting their health at risk by forgetting to wash an item in their bathroom, says a cleaning expert.
He said a lack of cleanliness can cause bacterial growth, mold, and unpleasant lingering odors.
COO of FreshSpace Cleaning Will Cotter has partnered with interiors brand Ruggable to share his expert advice.
He said bathroom mats are decorative and help prevent slips but are often overlooked when cleaning.
He warned they should be washed at least once a week for optimal hygiene but it may be necessary to wash them even more frequently if they start to look visibly dirty.
Living with someone who suffers from allergies or sensitive skin may be a reason to wash them twice a week.
The cleaning expert suggested buying additional mats so that a fresh one is on hand while others are being cleaned.
“Not cleaning bath mats can make them a breeding ground for bacteria,” Will said.
“All that moisture can create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow, and that’s not good news for anyone, especially if you have a weakened immune system or any open wounds.
“Expect to have mold and mildew.
“It’s not just bad for the mat, but can also cause respiratory issues and aggravate allergies or asthma symptoms, especially in people who are prone to these conditions.
“When you step on a dirty mat, you’re basically exposing your skin to a ton of accumulated dirt, sweat, and dead skin cells.
“And if you’ve got sensitive skin or pre-existing skin conditions like eczema or dermatitis, prolonged exposure to these mats can make things even worse.
“Then, there’s also athlete’s foot and toenail fungus. Plus, it can make your bathroom smell really bad.”
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“If you have pets, their dander can get trapped in the mat too,” he added.
“And if you’re not careful, dirty bath mats can spread germs to other surfaces in your bathroom.
“It could also attract some unwanted guests like cockroaches, silverfish, or mold mites.”
Will said visible dirt, stains, and spills are good indicators that the bathroom mat is due for a wash.
Bacteria may grow as well as mold, or mildew if it also has an unpleasant odor and is “stiff or crunchy” to the touch.
He said the bathroom mat will need a good scrub to make it clean and comfortable while getting rid of dust mites and other irritants.
“If your bath mat always feels wet, it’s time to wash it,” he said.
“And if you see any weird discoloration, like dark spots or yellowing, it could be mold or mineral buildup.”
Will shared his top tip for hygiene and to avoid dirt accumulating.
“The best time to wash your bath mat is after cleaning the bathtub or shower area, but before wiping down other surfaces like countertops and sinks,” he said.
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“Pop it into the washing machine for a quick spin.
“This way, you can avoid spreading any germs around and make sure that your bathroom is sparkling clean from top to bottom.”
