1. Purpose
Soft rugs are an indispensable interior item for almost any bathroom, regardless of its style. They create a cozy atmosphere and provide safety. Therefore, the choice of a soft rug for the bathroom should be approached no less carefully than the purchase of other types of furniture.
2. Basic standards
The key characteristics of bathroom rugs include: resistance to moisture, hygroscopicity, durability, safety. No less important is resistance to the growth of fungus, mold and other microorganisms on their surface. The optimal combination is an anti-slip coating, which is located on the bottom of the rug, and a soft surface on top, which has excellent hygroscopic properties.
3. Varieties and their features
3.1 Differences in production material
Among the main materials from which bath mats are made, we can highlight:
Acrylic and polyacrylic;
Microfiber;
Chenille;
Cotton;
Other.
3.2 Difference in size
50 x 80 cm;
60 x 90 cm.
Manufacturing companies are setting up production of round and square rugs. For the former, the most common sizes are 40, 60 and 80 cm in diameter, for the latter – 50×50 cm and 70×70 cm.
Toilet rugs are no different from bathroom rugs in their purpose, shape and size, so it makes no sense to single them out as a separate group. Most often, they are produced in the form of a square or rectangle with dimensions of 40×50 cm, 50×50 cm and 50×60 cm.
3.3 Technical and operational properties of anti-slip coating
Latex Backing The back of the mat is a solid layer of latex, which is identical in appearance to foam rubber.
Latex spraying
Light coating, rough to the touch, through which the main color of the rug is visible. Ideal for warm floors.
Seal
This technique allows you to apply drawings of any complexity with a large number of color shades. The main thing is that the pile on the front side is not too long.
4. Advantages of materials
The production material, as one of the key factors to pay attention to when choosing a rug, should have the following properties: durability, wear resistance and hygroscopicity. Each material has its own technical and operational properties. Let’s consider the advantages of each material.
4.1 Acrylic
A synthetic material that feels like animal wool. It is characterized by average hygroscopicity, and it takes a long time to dry completely. At the same time, it has excellent wear resistance, does not fade under the influence of light, and does not deteriorate under the influence of moisture. A rug made entirely of acrylic is quite expensive, so polyamide or another synthetic material is often added to its composition to reduce the cost.
4.2 Polyacrylic
Mats with the addition of polyamide in the form of polyacrylic thread. At the same time, the cost of production is reduced, but the main characteristics, moisture resistance and wear resistance remain at the same high level as a mat made of 100% acrylic. The use of polyamide in the production process adds a “glass” shine to the carpet, reduces its hygroscopicity and makes the mat more slippery.
4.3 Microfiber
The chemical composition of the material is 100% polyester or its combination with polyamide. This synthetic material has increased wear resistance and hygroscopicity. It does not fade, is soft to the touch, and its care does not require special knowledge and means.
4.4 Cotton
A natural material that requires regular, careful care, otherwise it loses its properties and becomes unsightly in appearance. Cotton rugs cannot be left damp, they must be thoroughly dried, otherwise they lose their original shape, rot and become a breeding ground for fungus and mold. From wash to wash, such rugs lose color and become unsightly. Cotton is one of the most short-lived and wear-resistant materials used to make rugs.
4.5 Nylon
This material is least suitable for use in rooms with high humidity. It is not safe, as it does not absorb moisture well. The pile is coarse. Its main advantage is its low cost and durability.
5. Care methods
To ensure that your rugs last as long as possible, it is important to follow all the requirements specified on the packaging. This is especially true for latex-based products. General care requirements include:
The mat should be laid on a dry surface;
It shouldn’t rot;
The room where the mat is used must be ventilated;
Wash once every two weeks at a temperature no higher than 300 in hand wash mode;
Do not dry mats on any type of heating device.
6. Tricks
If you can’t find one large bath mat, use two smaller ones. The longer the pile on the front side, the longer it will take for the mat to dry, regardless of the material it is made of. There are mats with a non-woven backing; they allow you to increase the volume and softness of the product.
