There’s nothing quite as unpleasant as stepping out of a soothing, steamy shower only to plant your feet on a cold, soggy bath mat.
Not only does it dampen your post-shower bliss, but if left unchecked, that damp mat can quickly become a breeding ground for mould, mildew, and musty odours. It’s a common household woe, especially during the chilly Australian winter when nothing seems to dry properly.
But what if we told you there’s a simple, clever hack that could solve the age-old problem of damp, smelly bath mats—and it involves an item you probably already have in your wardrobe?
A social media personality named Lauren has taken the internet by storm with her ‘weird’ (but actually genius) solution. Her video has nearly three million views, and it’s easy to see why.
Here’s her trick: after you’ve finished your shower and stepped onto your bath mat, clip a clothes hanger to one end and hang it up to dry. Next time you need it, it’ll be fresh, dry, and ready to go.
Lauren’s husband may have questioned her method, but the online community has rallied behind her.
‘Not weird, actually very useful. But I still hate it,’ one commenter admitted.
Another chimed in, ‘Is it weird? Yes. But is it also the most brilliant idea I have ever seen, and will I be adopting this going forward? Also, yes.’
Why does this hack work so well? When left flat on the floor, bath mats dry slowly, especially in humid or cold conditions.
The trapped moisture leads to that unpleasant musty smell and can encourage mould to grow underneath the mat and even on your bathroom floor.
By hanging the mat up—whether on a hanger, over the side of the tub, or on a towel rail—you allow air to circulate freely, speeding up the drying process and keeping your bathroom fresher for longer.
Some viewers suggested alternatives, like switching to a stone bath mat, which dries rapidly and is less prone to harbouring bacteria.
While stone mats are an excellent option for some, Lauren’s hack has the distinct advantage of being free and using what you already have at home.
As one supporter said, ‘It’s not weird…People say try a stone bath mat, but at least this one is free!’
Others offered their tweaks, such as sewing a small loop or ribbon onto the end of the mat for easy hanging on a hook—a handy tip if you’re worried about tripping over a hanger or if you have curious pets who see bath mats as their territory.
Of course, even with the best drying techniques, bath mats need regular washing.
Experts recommend tossing them in the washing machine at least once a week, or more often if your bathroom sees a lot of traffic. This helps keep bacteria, mould, and odours at bay, ensuring your bathroom stays pleasant.
If you’re looking for a few more ways to keep your bathroom fresh and your bath mats in top condition, here are some extra tips:
- Rotate your mats: Have a couple of bath mats on hand and swap them out regularly. This gives each mat plenty of time to dry thoroughly between uses.
- Use the sun: Whenever possible, hang your bath mat outside in the sun. Ultraviolet rays are a natural disinfectant that helps kill bacteria or mould spores.
- Choose quick-dry materials: If you’re looking for a new mat, look for ones made from microfibre or other quick-drying fabrics. These are less likely to stay damp and develop odours.
- Keep your bathroom ventilated: Good airflow prevents mould and mildew. Open a window or run an exhaust fan during and after showers to help moisture escape.
- Don’t forget the floor: Regularly clean and dry the area under your bath mat. This will help prevent mould from taking hold in hidden spots.
Have you tried this trick or have bath mat care secrets? We’d love to hear your thoughts and tips! Share your experiences in the comments below and help fellow YourLifeChoices readers keep their bathrooms fresh, clean, and mould-free.
Also read: Are you storing your clothes wrong? Expert tip to keep them mould-free
