What are bathroom rugs made of?
When choosing a rug for the bathroom, like any other thing, it is worth asking about the material from which it is made. Modern manufacturers, in their desire to please the tastes of even the most demanding customers, present to our attention a very wide range of both natural and synthetic. Both synthetic and natural bath rugs have their own advantages and disadvantages.
Note
Synthetic bathroom rugs are much more resistant to all kinds of influences and last much longer than natural ones.
Acrylic bathroom rugs are very popular. They are soft and pleasant to the touch, beautiful and comfortable. Now you can purchase it with an additional bonus in the form of an antibacterial coating that will prevent various harmful microorganisms from multiplying on their surface. It is pleasant and practical to acquire and use such things.
Polypropylene bathroom rugs are not so popular among consumers, but they are also not without advantages. They come in a huge variety of colors, patterns and shapes, so you can surely find the one that suits you best.
Microfiber bathroom rugs have appeared relatively recently, but have already gained popularity. They are soft and cuddly. They absorb moisture at a record speed and dry just as quickly. The antibacterial coating makes them ideal.
A kind of economy option can be called PVC bathroom rugs. They are inexpensive, cute, but they have their own characteristics: they do not absorb moisture. For cleaning, it is quite enough to wipe them with a damp sponge from time to time, but you will have to dry them after each bath, otherwise they will quickly become unusable. Conveniently, they are in rolls, from which they will unwind and cut to the desired length. It's more convenient than looking for the right size. Of course, they are short-lived, but their price is quite affordable.
Now you can even buy a rubber bath mat. The indisputable advantage of this type is reliability and practicality, but not everyone wants to see it in their home. Since this is a bath mat, some models are equipped with suction cups to fix the position of the product.
Heated bath mats have become a kind of know-how, which not only protects the feet from the cold, but also warms them. Such heated rugs are made of carpet and rubberized materials. These heated mats are powered from the outlet through a special cable connected to a thin heating element. Also, these bath mats are equipped with a special heat-reflecting layer that allows heat to spread in one direction. Manufacturers claim that this is not just a decoration, but a new word in technology. If you nevertheless decide to purchase such a miracle of technology as a heated bath mat, carefully check the integrity of the cable and the moisture-proof layer before buying in order to avoid electric shock.
The choice of natural ones, in comparison with synthetic ones, is rather small, but there is still something to pay attention to. These are not so durable, but absolutely safe from the point of view of the environment.
Fans of eco-style should definitely take a closer look at them.
Cotton bath mats in different pile lengths look amazing and feel incredibly pleasant to the touch. What can compare to the feeling that the leg is as if buried in a soft cotton pile? It seems as if you are walking on fur. It is quite rare to find a cotton bathroom rug with a bright and clearly chemical color. They are usually painted in pleasant natural colors, which makes them even more attractive.
Modern manufacturers can bring to your attention a bath mat made of wood. Actually, it is impossible to literally call this product that way, although it performs precisely such functions. In fact, it looks more like a mosaic or a mat made of thin wooden slats connected to each other. Of course, you will not get any feeling of softness from it, but stepping on such pieces of wood with bare feet is also very, very pleasant, since it can be considered a kind of foot massage. They are usually made from rattan or bamboo.
A few tips for choosing and caring for
When choosing a door mat, you should pay attention to the density and height of the pile. It is he who ensures the stability of the shape of the product.
The denser it is, the longer it will not lose its original appearance.
Polymer fiber is not afraid of ultraviolet radiation
After making sure the mat is firm enough, pay attention to how it is fixed to the floor. If its base is not anti-slip, then the product must be provided with Velcro
Do not allow the rug to slide on the surface, as this is fraught with injury.
In order to maximally protect the room from dirt, it is advisable to purchase a rug for both the hallway and the porch. Outside, let it be a plastic or rubber version, and inside - a nap. The pile on the rugs can be made of various types of polymer and natural fibers, microfiber.
You should also pay attention to the operating conditions: if the manufacturer indicated that this is an option for internal use, then there is no point in putting it on the street
It is also important to familiarize yourself with the rules for caring for the product. Some, for example, cannot be washed with too hot water.
Microfiber rubber base
Rugs made from natural fibers, such as cotton, can be problematic to clean. As a rule, there are no problems with synthetics. Latex-based products with microfiber front surfaces are especially easy to use and durable.
Such mats for door antisplash do an excellent job with any dirt, and during the entire service life they absolutely do not lose their original color.
Varieties of bathroom rugs: rich assortment
Let's decide what kind of rugs are and what they are for.
Purpose of the product
First of all, the product must ensure the safety of a person in the room, especially when we are talking about tiled flooring. When the floor is smooth, it exposes us to the risk of slipping, especially since the bathroom is always humid.
At the same time, such products will protect the tiles from accidental falling of heavy objects on it.
Some models help in isolating our feet from electrical current. Remember damp floors and the danger of electric shock from household appliances.
The purpose of any rug is to become a decoration of the room, making the adoption of water procedures more pleasant and convenient
Natural
Adherents of natural materials can really enjoy stepping on a rug that does not contain traces of synthetics. You can give preference to cotton models. These products are pleasant to the touch, soft and beautiful.
The colors of cotton rugs are also naturalistic: models are sold in white, beige, gray, brown.
The length of the pile matters. The tactile and visual perception of such carpets is different. A short pile is lighter, and in a long one - the leg sinks pleasantly.
Another material for creating a natural rug is wood. This product can be described as a mat consisting of wooden slats. Often the base is rattan, a tropical liana.
Eco-friendly bathroom mat
Bamboo mats absorb moisture and evaporate it, while properly performing all of their functions as a floor covering. In addition, the material is durable and very wear-resistant.It's nice that the bamboo mat also has a massage function.
Synthetic
Synthetic products are more popular than natural ones. The first attention is paid to acrylic, pleasant to the touch and very soft. This material has a lot of colors.
There is often even an antibacterial layer on acrylic coatings, which is especially important in a bathroom
Another material is polypropylene, which does not have such an extensive range of various colors as the acrylic counterpart. Nevertheless, the advantage of such a carpet product will be the richness of the texture.
Not so long ago, microfiber, or split polyester, appeared on the market. The product absorbs moisture very quickly, dries instantly after that. It's great to know that your feet will always be dry.
The surface of this rug is antibacterial
PVC rugs are inexpensive, often have photo printing on them. The sale is carried out in rolls. What buyers love is the ability to cut to the desired shape and size for the home. The products do not absorb moisture, they do not slip on the floor, and it is also easy to wash them.
The most inexpensive are rubber products.
The material has a variety of colors and textures, and the suction cups securely fix it on the floor
Soft PVC rugs
Polyvinyl chloride rugs are the most popular today. Moreover, this is the most budgetary type of rugs, which has the maximum necessary qualities for use in the wet area of the bathroom. Usually, everyone is accustomed to seeing such rugs in the form of textured fiber, consisting of parallel, interconnected stripes.
It is often also called a soft rubber mat, but in fact, the material differs from rubber in composition and features. Polyvinylchloride contains a chemical compound of hydrogen, carbon and chlorine. Approximately 43% of this material is ethylene, the rest is coherent chlorine, which is obtained from table or rock salt. In addition to the materials, various binders and dyes are added, which ultimately give the rug the desired shape and appearance.
As a result of such processing, an absolutely harmless rug is obtained, which is conveniently and practically used both in dry areas of the bathroom and in the humid environment of the shower stall. It does not absorb moisture, and does not deteriorate under its influence, does not spread fungus, while remaining hygienic and safe. It is easy to clean, and you can even machine wash it, but the disadvantage is that with active use, such rugs wear out the fastest among the rest.
It is not recommended to unscrew such a rug, as cracks will appear on it, where dust, dirt can collect, and which will also spoil the appearance of the rug. But even if the term of use of the PVC rug has come to an end, it will not be very expensive to buy the same new one, thus maintaining the cleanliness and tidy appearance of the bathroom in a timely manner.
Best Natural Yoga Mats
Yoga is a spiritual practice aimed at “reuniting” the soul and body. Therefore, many people for whom such activities are an integral part of their lifestyle, prefer high-quality mats made from natural materials. These mats are more comfortable to use and last much longer. This category contains the best yoga caravans, selected according to customer reviews.
Rishikesh
As with any Bodhi product, the Rishikesh yoga and fitness mat is of true German quality. It keeps its shape well, does not rub, is able to withstand impacts, therefore it is suitable not only for exercising in the gym, but also for training at home or in nature. The manufacturer has provided for the possibility of washing it in a machine, while the karemat does not lose color and does not stain the surface. The Rishikesh Yoga Mat is suitable for those looking for comfort, durability, light weight and good value for money.
Advantages:
- Made from natural materials;
- Dense;
- Adheres well to the floor;
- Non-slip;
- Rich colors;
- Wear-resistant, suitable for various types of workouts;
- Has two working surfaces.
Disadvantages:
The weight of 1.6 kg seems considerable to some users.
Manduka PRO
For the past 15 years, Manduka yoga mats have been considered one of the best. The dividing line in the center helps to correctly align the asanas. The accessory is made of high quality stable PLUS foam, which guarantees health safety. The pores of the surface are reliably closed, which prevents the growth of harmful bacteria. Many buyers appreciate these yoga mats for their environmental friendliness and high quality.
Advantages:
- Low weight;
- Hypoallergenic;
- Dense;
- Nice texture.
Disadvantages:
Travel models not available.
Both instructors and their students speak very positively about Manduka rugs. Such yoga mats last about 3-4 years, do not wrinkle or wipe
True, buyers pay attention to the fact that they are not very convenient to carry, so it is better to leave such karemata for stationary practice.
Ojas Salamander Optimum rubber
The Ojas Salamander Optimum rubber yoga mat is suitable for all types of practice. This yoga mat is made from natural materials according to the requests and recommendations of professional instructors. It is strong, durable, resilient, completely non-slip and odorless.
Another distinctive feature of this pad is its ability to absorb moisture. Due to the large number of microscopic pores on its surface, which create a sponge effect, sweat quickly seeps inside and then evaporates without leaving unpleasant odors. The manufacturer has provided for the possibility of washing the rug in a machine with gentle agents at a temperature of + 30 ° C.
Advantages:
- Soft cover;
- Wear-resistant;
- Good grip on the floor and palms;
- Doesn't smell;
- Machine washable;
- High quality thermal insulation.
Disadvantages:
- The set does not include a carrying case;
- High price.
Judging by the reviews, this rug is appreciated not only by yoga practitioners, but also by Pilates fans. It does not slip at all and, if you wish, by purchasing a cover, you can carry it with you to group classes in fitness clubs.
Which carpet to choose
1. For the hallway, inexpensive synthetic carpets with short pile or none at all are suitable. Look for models with a variegated pattern, on which less dirt is visible, and try to choose the aspect ratio so that it matches the size of the hallway itself.
2. In the nursery and bedroom, take a woolen carpet with a high dense pile. If there are allergy sufferers in the house, you can replace it with an acrylic or polypropylene product. Look for calm colors, preferring pastel colors. And when choosing a size, try to find a model that will not be directly under the bed.
3. In the living room, you can lay a beautiful and expensive carpet made of wool or even silk. If there is not enough money for such a purchase, choose a more affordable option from velor, synthetics or mixed materials. The size, shape and color will have to be selected very carefully so that the coating fits well into the interior.
4. For zoning a large area (for example, a studio apartment), you will need several rugs up to 1.5-3 m in size. It is desirable that they have a color contrasting with the floor and a voluminous pile.
5. In the kitchen or dining room, the carpet is laid only under the dining group. Here you need a cover with a very short sheared pile or without it at all. In this case, the shape of the product must exactly repeat the silhouette of the table and have dimensions proportional to it. Suitable materials: synthetics, cotton, viscose.
How to choose the best doormat
We look at the height and density of the pile.The density of the pile ensures high protection against dirt as well as dimensional stability. The entrance mat, nap, moisture, dirt-resistant with a dense texture will look neat for many years.
There is an opinion that the rugs for offices and industrial premises are made of higher quality and more reliable than household ones. This is an erroneous opinion: an ordinary household dirt-protective mat for the corridor will serve a sufficient time, conscientiously absorbing particles of dust and dirt into itself. You will simply overpay when buying identical coatings with a different name.
Watching the video, selection criteria:
Is it worth saving on a purchase? If you have the time and energy to constantly clean the hallway, then you can buy an inexpensive rug. If you save your energy and time, it is better to buy an expensive high-quality product: antisplash rugs for the hallway will save linoleum from additional wet cleaning, and parquet from scratches and dirt.
Pay attention to the Velcro fasteners: they securely fix the rug to the floor, preventing it from moving. To protect the room from the penetration of dirt and moisture, use two rugs - external and internal
The outside of the floor can be covered with a rubber product, from the inside with a pile. Also, the inner rugs can be made of polyamide, microfiber, coconut fiber, rubber or polypropylene.
To protect the room from the penetration of dirt and moisture, two rugs are used - an external and an internal one. Outside, the floor can be covered with a rubber product, from the inside - with a pile. Also, the inner rugs can be made of polyamide, microfiber, coconut fiber, rubber or polypropylene.
Care of products
Floor mats outside the door
How do you care for your door flooring? Outside, there is usually a rubber mat that can be cleaned with detergents. A product with rubber fibers retains dirt well and cleans the soles of shoes, however, it needs constant washing. Rugs with a honeycomb structure will not clean the soles of boots and shoes, but caring for them will not be difficult.
Rugs inside the corridor
Natural fibers. The inner mat, the entrance nap moisture, stain-proof needs more thorough cleaning. Products made from natural pile fibers look decorative and cozy, but caring for them causes a lot of trouble. Such products dry for a long time, are difficult to clean from dirt. The exceptions are rugs made of coconut fiber: these products look very attractive, retain their structure for a long time, are easy to clean and dry quickly.
Moisture-resistant synthetic fiber pile entrance mats keep dirt well and are not afraid of moisture. Polypropylene and polyamide meet all hygienic standards, environmentally friendly, not attractive to bacteria. These carpets resemble natural fibers, are pleasing to the eye, easy to clean and dry quickly. Unlike natural fibers, they do not fade or deform with regular cleaning.
Watching a video about a heated rug:
Microfiber models are quite durable, handle any kind of dirt and do not require special equipment to clean dirt mats. If the microfiber has a rubber base, then the durability of such a product is ensured.
New from manufacturers - heated mats. You can always use electricity to dry your rug. The disadvantage of such products: they cannot be washed. Such material can only be processed with dry products.
Outcome
The most durable, environmentally friendly and reliable in operation are moisture-resistant dirt-resistant pile entrance mats made of synthetic fibers. Polyamide, polypropylene, foamed materials, and rubber products will reliably protect the room from dirt and bacteria. These materials are easy to process, dry quickly and do not cause additional hassle when cleaning.
Outside the door, it is not recommended to place models without a rubber base, especially foam material: it does not tolerate low temperatures. Before purchasing a rug, check the method for clearing dirt. The product should help in the fight against dirt and not cause problems when cleaning.
Criteria for a competent choice
The size and number of floor mats depends on the size of the bathroom. When arranging spacious bathrooms, one rug is placed directly next to the washbasin, the second is closer to the bathroom, the third is in front of the toilet.
For small rooms, their number is minimized.
The shape of the rugs can be different, starting from traditional rectangular and oval and ending with products in the form of polygons, flowers and animal figurines.
Rectangular rugs are perfect for decorating rooms in both classic and modern styles. Round "islands" will help smooth out the sharp corners of furniture, adding softness and laconicism to the atmosphere.
The dimensions of square products can reach 50x50 cm and above, rectangular from 50x80 cm, round with a diameter of 45/60/80 cm.
Toilet rugs, which in their purpose are close to "bathroom counterparts", but are complemented by a cutout for the pedestal of the toilet bowl, even less. Their sizes rarely exceed 50 cm.
If, when choosing a soft rug, you focus on the height of the pile, then there are:
- lint-free - a win-win for a home with pets;
- fine-grain - are chosen by lovers of soft surfaces that give a feeling of comfort and warmth;
- with a long pile, the height of which depends only on the capabilities of the manufacturer.
Depending on the length and silkiness of the pile, soft rugs feel completely different to the touch.
Small-pile rugs create a feeling of lightness and weightlessness, on long-pile "islands" it is as if you are drowning in the silky "green" of textiles
On sale there are also products with unusual pile, referred to as "shaggy". The pile in them consists of twisted threads of large diameter.
But in any case, when choosing a rug, three parameters should be taken into account:
- Moisture resistance and the ability to dry quickly if wet.
- Resistance to deformation when wet during operation.
- Ease of maintenance and the ability to clean the surface with the use of detergents. Dark colored rugs can save you cleaning time.
When choosing a product, carefully examine its edges. They can be stitched with fine threads of poor quality, which break quickly after the first cleaning. Poor-quality stitching can cause the product to delaminate into several parts, as a result of which it will simply fall apart over time.
A quality rug should have a strong structure, tight and neat stitches, and well-finished edges. This guarantees the resistance of the fibers to moisture and mechanical damage during operation.
Types of carpets
Synthetic
Artificial carpets are the cheapest because they are made from inexpensive synthetic fibers (polyamide, acrylic, polyester, polypropylene, terklon). But if you come across a high-quality model from a good manufacturer, even such a coating will delight you with a long service life.
The individual characteristics of an artificial carpet will depend on the specific type of material, and yet the main advantages and disadvantages of all synthetic products can be identified.
Pros:
Minuses:
- Build up static electricity, collecting all the dust;
- They retain heat poorly, that is, they perform exclusively decorative functions.
Natural
Carpets made from cotton, sisal, linen, silk or wool fall into this category. With some stretch, viscose can also be attributed here - although it is an artificial material, it was created exclusively from natural cellulose fibers.
Unlike synthetics, such carpets can already influence the microclimate in the room, regulating the humidity of the air and retaining heat. Coverings made from natural materials always look impeccably stylish and create a feeling of coziness in the house, but they are much more expensive than artificial ones.
Pros:
- Absolutely environmentally friendly;
- Long service life with proper care;
- They always look beautiful and expensive;
- They keep warm well;
- They have good sound insulating properties (with sufficient thickness);
- Soft to the touch.
Minuses:
- Some natural materials (eg wool) can cause allergies;
- They are very expensive.
Natural carpets also have one more property - high hygroscopicity. On the one hand, this is bad, since the coating will instantly absorb spilled water and will not dry out soon. And this is fraught with the appearance of a musty smell and even mold.
The same problem will be found during washing or cleaning with a washing vacuum cleaner - it will take more than one day to wait for the carpet to dry completely. But it is precisely due to their hygroscopicity that natural coatings provide a more comfortable climate in the house, independently regulating the humidity of the air.
Mixed
The combination of natural and artificial raw materials makes it possible to obtain new materials of the middle price segment, which combine all the advantages of synthetics and natural. Usually, in the production of carpets, 20-30% synthetics are added to warm wool, or vice versa.
Pros:
- They have a low, but sufficient hygroscopicity;
- Resistant to fire, although they can still smolder;
- Warm and pleasant to the touch;
- They are characterized by high strength and long service life;
- They cost almost half as much as natural wool carpets.
Minuses:
- Cost more than 100% synthetics;
- May still cause allergic reactions.
Also today on sale you can find mixed carpets woven from woolen and silk fibers. Unlike semi-synthetics, these models turn out to be the most expensive, but they look royal.
Rules of use and maintenance: we extend the life of a carpet product
To prevent the rug from becoming a breeding ground for pathogens (especially in the absence of an antibacterial coating), it must not only be washed, but also twisted to dry, and preferably dried in the sun. This will help decontaminate the product.
Cleanliness is still a guarantee of health
Any model needs washing, and it is correct to do it at least once a month. Rugs are washed in foamy water with laundry soap. It is necessary to grate such a soap on a grater and, pouring water, beat a thick foam. In such a solution, the carpet should spend several hours. The alkaline environment will not like harmful bacteria and microorganisms, they will die.
It is better to choose comfortable synthetic washable models if you do not want to often wash natural textiles
Synthetic products are not particularly waiting for care, and they do not get very dirty, and dirt is easy to remove. However, once every 3 months, it is better to carry out a large-scale washing.
Small rugs are machine washable and fit easily into it. To do this, start the delicate wash mode, but, if possible, include a more powerful spin. It is very difficult to squeeze a carpet product with your hands, and you should not leave it damp for a long time.
The time that the rug will dry depends on its material, on the thickness of the anti-slip base, on the presence, density and length of the fur model.
Rugs are machine washable or hand cleaned
Rubber rugs should not be sent to the washing machine. The base of these accessories is thick, which can damage the drum of the unit. A silicone or full rubber mat can be easily cleaned by hand with any detergent or vinegar solution at the rate of 100 g per 1 liter of water.