How To Clean Kitchen Mats Like A Pro

How To Clean Kitchen Mats
  • Author: Amanda Arnold
  • Posted On: February 21, 2022
  • Updated On: September 17, 2023

Who wouldn’t love cleaning their kitchens from cabinets, countertops, faucets, and even base cabinets? But let’s not forget to clean kitchen mats too! Picture this, you cleaned the entire kitchen, it’s shining now but nothing beats the satisfaction of clean kitchen mats. 

Whether you are a professional chef who has placed rubber mats to make commercial kitchen layout effective or an enthusiastic homeowner, you will place it at the busiest station of the kitchen. Most of the kitchen mats are prone to stains of grease and oil or dust. That’s why it is imperative to learn how to clean kitchen mats.  So, you have to choose a cleaning pattern according to the type of mat.

What are The Type of Kitchen Mats

Kitchen mats come in a variety of materials, so figure out which one you’ll be using first. The main kinds of kitchen mats are:

Anti-Fatigue Mats

These mats have a smooth surface that can be easily wiped clean but do not use a machine washer. Most of the anti-fatigue mats are comprised of foam or gel and covered with rubber or vinyl. 

Rubber Mats

These mats are not easy to slide on a tile floor. Mostly they can be cleaned in a machine washer or by using cleaning materials. They are most commonly made from durable polypropylene or nylon fibers. 

Bamboo Mats

Small galley kitchen ideas remodeling often consists of placing bamboo mats because they are easy to fold and replace elsewhere. These mats are flat and flexible but with a nonstick backing material. They are naturally water-resistant but cannot be cleaned in a machine washer. 

Cotton Mats

These types of kitchen mats are most commonly part of ideas to elevate galley kitchen remodeling. Cotton mats are easily available in a variety of colors and patterns. They are handmade and require gentle cleaning. Washing them in the machine may damage the threads therefore you can clean them regularly. 

Is It Safe To Wash The Kitchen Mats

Yes, if your rug can be machine-washed. Check the care tag before throwing it in the washing to see if it’s machine washable. Machine-washable fiber rugs with anti-slip backing are common; handcrafted cotton mats, anti-fatigue mats, and bamboo mats are not.

Kitchen mats, of course, take a battering, so machine-washable mats are the way to go. Some mats can be dried, but use the lowest heat setting possible. Rubber-backed carpets can break or melt in extreme temperatures. Hang them to dry on the line to be safe and avoid deterioration over time.

Kitchen mats should be cleaned at least once a week, according to the manufacturer. Clean the mats regularly between deep house cleanings. Depending on how much you cook and whether you have children or dogs, your mats may require additional cleaning. There isn’t a set of rules that must be followed.

Cleaning Pattern For Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Mats

Cleaning Pattern For Anti-Fatigue Kitchen Mats

Anti-fatigue or foam mats are designed to support and comfort your feet while you cook a great meal for your family. Especially if you are planning to do something with small galley kitchen ideas on a budget, this is a cost-effective method. 

However, to clean an anti-fatigue mat you will need to do the following things. 

Things to Do

To clean the foam mat for the kitchen, start by reading the manufacturer’s instructions. 

Both sides of the foam mat should be vacuumed thoroughly. Dirt, dust, and other debris will be vacuumed out of the foam mats. The waterproof material is commonly used in kitchen foam mats. Scrubbers or abrasive rags can ruin this print.

Only a gentle wipe with light soap water will suffice. If there are any stubborn stains, gently rub them away. Wipe it down with a moist towel after wiping it down with soapy water. Before using it again, dry it with a microfiber towel or let it air dry entirely.

Things to Avoid

There’s no need to take an anti-fatigue kitchen mat outdoors to clean it. It is possible to clean it within the kitchen. To clean it, don’t use any harsh chemicals.

Cleaning Pattern For Rubber Kitchen Mats

Cleaning Pattern For Rubber Kitchen Mats

While deep cleaning the house, homeowners will also clean up the rubber kitchen mats. Cleaning rubber kitchen floor mats is a simple task that takes approximately 20 minutes of your time and only a few cleaning tools.

Things to Do

  • Vacuum clean the mat after cleaning it with a mop or sweeping cloth.
  • Let the sprayed cleaner or detergent sit on the mat for a few minutes.
  • If there are stains on the mat, use a soft scrubbing material.
  • Once all the stains have been removed and you scrubbed the mat appropriately, it’s time to wash the mat with warm water entirely.

Use vinegar instead of acidic cleaners and strong detergents. Acidic materials will dissolve the rubber and cause the mat to deteriorate. Furthermore, vinegar will not remove dirt or grease from rubber surfaces, and the vinegar aroma is difficult to remove from rubber products.

Things to Avoid

Rubber kitchen mats should not be washed since the harsh washing, and spin cycles will degrade the rubber and cause it to split. The rubber mat will last longer if the rugs are washed by hand regularly. 

For this task, it is recommended that you use a degreaser or dish soap that is tough on grease, such as Dawn dish soap.

How To Clean The Cotton Kitchen Mats

How To Clean The Cotton Kitchen Mats

Cotton kitchen mats are placed in various sizes. When you build a kitchen island or plan a kitchen remodel design, homeowners prefer to place cotton runners on the floor to compliment the entire look. 

Things to Do

To remove the filth from the braided rug, simply smash it with a stick and throw it in the washing machine. Set the machine to a gentle cycle and your preferred detergent, and you’re done! Your rug has been professionally cleaned.

Wash such mats in a large load on a gentle cycle. However, if the rubber back of the mat has worn down due to frequent use, do not wash it in the machine. The rubber backing will disintegrate and come off if this does not happen.

Things to Avoid 

However, if the cotton kitchen mat is too large, you should not wash it in the washing machine since it will become heavy in the water and damage the machine. A cotton fiber kitchen mat can be washed in a washing machine, but it should not be done frequently because the rubber backing can be damaged.

Make Kitchen Mats Last Longer

Cleaning your kitchen mats thoroughly is essential for maintaining a healthy and sanitary kitchen floor. Kitchen mats are simple to clean if we do it correctly. The entire procedure is straightforward and takes only a few minutes to complete. Cleaning kitchen mats can extend their lifespan.

FAQs

  • Can you Use a Machine to Wash Kitchen Mats?
    Although it is important to clean kitchen mats at least once a week to prevent any stains, you are advised not to use machine washers or automatic scrubs. Using machine washers can otherwise damage the mat surface.
  • What is the Best Possible Way to Clean Kitchen Mats?
    It is recommended to use hot and soapy water along with disinfectants or anti-bacterial surface sprays to clean kitchen mats. Avoid using bleach or other harsh chemicals as they are not suitable for cleaning kitchen mats.
  • How Long Does a Kitchen Mat Last?
    It depends on the type of kitchen mat you have. For instance, low-quality mats will be durable for at least 6-12 months. However, high-quality kitchen mats last more than 3 years, but it also means you need to take proper care and cleaning.
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Author: Amanda Arnold

Amanda has been working with ConstructionHow since 2021. Her experience spans over 5 years in the creative niche such as home decor and trends, landscaping, renovations, and custom architectural values. As a home designer expert, she has a keen eye for the latest home improvement trends with accurate facts that readers find impossible to ignore. Being invested in home-building trends is how she has gained her lucrative expertise exploring more to bring a positive ambiance for all homeowners (and even tenants!). Currently, she lives in a beautiful beach home, a source of fascination for her.

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