The best stone bath mat adds a level of cleanliness and luxury that rubber or cotton mats just can’t reach. While these mats usually last a few years, there are a few ways you can extend their longevity.
Additionally, we’ll teach you a few warning signs that indicate your bath mat is showing its age and when it's time for a replacement.
How Long Do Stone Bath Mats Last?
Stone bath mats (also known as diatomite mats) often last between two to three years. If you take very good care of your mat, including regular cleaning sessions and good habits, you could potentially extend its lifespan to five years.
3 Tips for Extending Your Bath Mat’s Longevity
Diatomaceous earth is a durable material people use for several fascinating purposes, such as removing contaminants from water or cleaning stubborn surfaces. While these properties give it the impression of being extremely durable, its compositional structure is actually quite delicate.
This ‘earth’ is made from fossilized algae that creates a thin and porous surface that evaporates moisture, resulting in the fast-drying material you know and love. It can still be sensitive to heat, weight, and rough handling, though.
Learning how your bath mat works on a physical level goes a long way toward taking good care of it.
1. Be Careful Not to Drop Your Mat or Treat It Roughly
Make sure to treat your stone bath mat with the same care it gives you. Avoid placing a lot of weight on it (such as piling it beneath furniture during moving) and be gentle when wiping it clean of contaminants.
You should also handle it very carefully. Dropping your mat can crack it, compromising its structure and making it difficult to dry.
2. Keep Your Mat Out of Direct Sunlight
While putting your bath mat in the sun may seem like a good idea to dry it off quickly, the heat can make things worse. Your bath mat will become dry and brittle, increasing its risk of cracking.
When you need to clean and dry your mat, place it in a cool, shaded area. It’ll dry quickly enough and retain its integrity, both big pluses for extending its lifespan.
3. Clean Regularly to Avoid Mold or Degradation
Diatomite mats are low-maintenance and only need a deep cleaning once every three to six months. That said, you should wipe down its surface every few days to remove dust, dirt, and any stray dead skin.
Your busy lifestyle can easily make you overlook this ongoing maintenance, resulting in a bath mat with clogged pores and surprise mold buildup.
3 Signs Your Bath Mat Needs a Replacement
Now that you know how to keep your bath mat lasting a long time, it’s time for the hard part: admitting when it needs to be replaced. Fortunately, it’s never been easier to get your hands on a high-quality stone bath mat.
1. Your Bath Mat Isn’t Drying Very Well
Very old, badly cracked, or dirty bath mats all struggle to dry off quickly. If you notice it can’t seem to dry no matter how hard you try, it’s time for a replacement.
2. The Mat Has Far Too Much Mold
A few small mold spots here and there are easy enough to clean with a white vinegar solution. If the mat has become very moldy all over, it’s faster and simpler to simply get a new one.
3. Your Mat Has a Low Percentage of Diatomaceous Earth
Does your mat have a very low percentage of diatomaceous earth? A truly high-quality stone bath mat should be primarily made from this key ingredient to give you a better performance.
Upgrade Your Bath Mat With Kalhoof
If your current mat is looking worn or no longer doing its job, it might be time for an upgrade. Kalhoof’s diatomaceous stone bath mats offer long-lasting performance with fast-drying, odor-resistant, and antimicrobial benefits you can count on.
If you're still deciding, explore how stone compares to fabric in our quick guide. Then visit our shop to find a long-lasting upgrade that’s built to perform and made to elevate your space.