Best Eco-Friendly Bath Mats
Finding the perfect bath mat can be tricky. Most people want one that’s easy to clean, looks great, and won’t mold. It’s even trickier when you factor sustainability into that search. The good news is that sustainable materials generally make for better bath mats. Here are some of the best eco-friendly bath mats in a variety of sustainable materials that will fulfill all your needs.
- Our Pick: Nawrap 100% Natural Linen Bath Mat
- Best Budget: Under the Canopy Cotton and Hemp Bath Mat
- Best Splurge: Coyuchi Pebbled Organic Bath Mat
- Best Wooden: West Elm Bamboo Slatted Bath Mat
- Best Non-Slip: Natural Rubber Hevea Mat
What Makes a Bath Mat Eco-Friendly?
Materials
One of the most important factors that determine the eco-friendliness of a bath mat is what materials it’s made out of. Some identifiers to look out for are renewable, compostable, plastic-free, or locally sourced materials.
Maintenance
For an effective bath mat, it’s important to look for one that’s easy to clean and long-lasting. Replacing bath mats less frequently minimizes the number of bath mats that find their way into landfills. It can also save you money in the long run!
Certifications
There are several different certifications you can look for when shopping for a bath mat. Depending on what materials are used in the production of your bath mat, you can look for labels or certifications such as Fairtrade, Certified B Corp, OEKO-TEX, or Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS).
Best Eco-Friendly Bath Mats
Best Budget: Under the Canopy Cotton and Hemp Bath Mat
Made of organic cotton and hemp, this bath mat is a great option for the price. It’s soft, breathable, and can be machine washed. Its simple design will complement any bathroom design.
Pros:
- OEKO-TEX certified
- Breathable
- Absorbent
- Machine washable
Cons:
- On the thinner side
Specs:
- Material: 95% Cotton 5% Hemp
- Size: 31” x 20”
Best Splurge: Coyuchi Pebbled Organic Bath Mat
This 100% organic cotton bath mat is super absorbent, and reviewers rave about its soft and cushy texture. The simple, high-quality cotton makes for a beautiful option that not only looks great but is easy to care for. The only downside is it’s definitely on the higher end of the bath mat budget.
Pros:
- Soft
- Absorbent
- Machine Washable
Cons:
- A splurge
Specs:
- Materials: 100% organic cotton
- Size: 2’ x 3’
Best Linen: Nawrap 100% Natural Linen Bath Mat
This linen bath mat is a little different than the cotton options. Linen is durable and dries super quickly, so it’s great for humid places like bathrooms. It will soften as you continue to use it. Be careful when you wash and dry this bath mat as linen can shrink when exposed to high heat!
Pros:
- Durable
- Quick drying
Cons:
- Machine washable – but will shrink about 10% after the first wash
- Not suitable for tumble drying
- Will get softer with continued use
Specs:
- Material: 50% linen 50% cotton
- Size: 18” x 24”
Best Wooden: West Elm Bamboo Slatted Bath Mat
Bamboo is a great sustainable, renewable material. but it definitely has some downsides when it comes to bathrooms. Bamboo molds easily if exposed to moisture for long periods of time, so weekly cleaning is essential for maintaining a bamboo bath mat. This option is beautiful but best for those who are diligent, weekly bathroom cleaners!
Pros:
- Aesthetically pleasing
- Durable
- Bamboo is a great sustainable, renewable resource
Cons:
- Requires weekly cleaning to prevent mold
- Water passes through the slats and sits on the floor below
Specs:
- Material: 100% bamboo
- Size: 14” x 22”
Best Non-Slip: Natural Rubber Hevea Mat
This natural rubber bath mat is perfect for toddlers and small children because of its small size and non-slip texture. It’s made entirely of non-toxic materials so it’s safe for little ones. It’s also great for eco-minded adults who have difficulty balancing on otherwise slippery surfaces.
Pros:
- Non-slip
- Non-toxic
- Perfect for babies or toddlers
Cons:
- Very small
- Not as aesthetically pleasing
Specs:
- Material: Natural Rubber
- Size: 21.6” x 12.6”
FAQs
Different materials will have different pros and cons. Sustainable materials, like cotton, hemp, or linen will dry quickly and are easy to clean. You also want to find something that looks good in your bathroom!
Make sure to fully dry the mat after every use, and wash regularly (either in the machine or by hand, depending on the material). It might also be a good idea to add distilled white vinegar to the fabric softener compartment on your machine before washing a grimy bath mat.
Bath mats should be washed every time you clean your bathroom. Add it to your bathroom cleaning checklist and wash them once a week when you wash your bath towels. That way your bath mats will remain consistently clean!
The rule of thumb here is to replace your bath mat annually. For guest bathrooms or bathrooms that don’t get as much use, you might be able to stretch that much longer. If you notice a bath mat is worse for wear and regular washing isn’t reviving it, then it’s time to replace and compost or repurpose the old one.
Olivia Smith is a freelance writer from the Bay Area who loves to clean as a stress reliever. There is nothing more calming than being in a clean and well-organized space! She’s passionate about eco-friendly cleaning to find healthier cleaning alternatives for both her family and the environment.
