The Annoying Bamboo Bath Mat Problem No One Ever Talks About

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The bathroom is supposed to be a place you can consider a retreat. It's where you start your day and, for many, where you also wind down at night with a hot shower. However, keeping a bathroom a solace means focusing on adding elements for practicality and sustainability. This can look like installing low-flow water fixtures or items like a bamboo bath mat that are eco-friendly and help cut down on waste. But what happens when your sustainable bathroom features start to cause more stress than intended? For example, one major downside of a bamboo bath mat is its lack of absorbency, leaving water to pool on your floor underneath. 

While the risk of water damage to flooring is a major downside, safety is also a concern when it comes to water pooling under a bamboo bath mat. Some bamboo bath mats have anti-slip properties due to backing materials to prevent them from moving. Yet when puddles of water build up under the mat, it can lead to the material becoming slippery and moving out from underneath feet when in use. Homeowners and renters with a bamboo bath mat should be aware of these downsides and test any new mat out to make sure there are no safety risks.

To understand the downsides of bamboo bath mats, it helps to know about the two main types of these products. One common type of bamboo bath mat is a solid structure with a slatted design. Another popular variation is a flexible mat that can be rolled up for compact storage rather than being left out to double as a decor piece like its structured counterpart. However, the slatted or sometimes lattice design of these mats means all of the water that would be absorbed with a standard mat is left to work through these openings. 

These small spaces, whether between boards or part of a woven design, are not a problem visually but can be a severe issue for the flooring below. Even common bathroom flooring materials with water-resistant qualities, like tile and vinyl, are susceptible to damage when water is left to sit for extended periods. Another downside of bamboo mats and standing water is the risk of mold growing in the bathroom due to the excess moisture. If you're dealing with pooling water and aren't sure where to start, you can test water-damaged floors for mold and rot to determine areas of concern.

If your heart is set on having a bamboo mat in the bathroom, there are some ways around the downsides. For example, if your mat has enough clearance, try laying down an absorbent base layer to help catch the water without having to give up the mat altogether. This can be anything from a standard bath mat to a towel that you can hang to dry in between uses while leaving the bamboo mat out on display. If one of your reasons for avoiding a traditional mat is the odors over time, try using baking soda to keep bath mats clean and reduce those smells. 

Those who currently have a bamboo bath mat but want to switch to something more absorbent may be hesitant to toss out one that is still in good condition. Instead of leaving your mat at the curb on trash day, why not try upgrading some of your furniture with a bathmat DIY?