Should You Purchase a Non-Slip Bath Mat or Rug?

With approximately 70% of household accidents happening in the bathroom it has become a big topic of conversation of how to best keep people safe. 

The majority of bathroom accidents are falls caused by slipping on wet surfaces. Whether that is entering the tub, leaving the shower, or wet tiles in front of the sink everywhere in the bathroom can be a potential danger zone. Full of hard surfaces and lots of water it can be hard to control slip and fall accidents from occuring.

This is where bath rugs and non-slip bath mats come into play. People are searching for an answer to make their bathrooms safer and both of these are two popular options. However, one is a clear winner when it comes to sanitation and slip prevention. Keep reading to learn why you should throw away your bath rug, purchase non-slip bath mats and what to look for when purchasing one.

Bath Rug Dilemma 
Bath rugs have long been touted as a way to beautify and improve the esthetic of your bathroom. But does anyone truly like carpet in their bathroom? Those days should be long behind us.

While people attribute them to providing slip and fall prevention, unfortunately they often do more harm than good. What most people don’t realize until it is too late is that bath rugs are a tripping magnet. While they do provide traction, they also are known to lift. Even the slightest peel of the rug and lift can create a trip and fall hazard. If you do decide to put a bath rug in your bathroom make sure you not only apply a non-slip tread under them to prevent them from slipping, but also remember to regularly wash them. 

This is because bath rugs are magnets for dirt and even mold. Typical bath rugs absorb all the moisture, which in turn has nowhere to go. This creates a build up of mold and mildew. Bath rugs should be washed a minimum of once a week, potentially more if you have many people using the same bathroom. They can harbor tons of germs with bare feet and sometimes shoes walking over them. 

And while the bath rug can be used outside of the tub or shower, what about non slip options in the tub? Consider using non slip bath mats throughout the bathroom for not only a uniform look, but improved sanitation and safety.

Non Slip Bath Mats Provide an Ideal Solution
Unlike bath rugs, non-slip bath mats are able to better stand up to the water, hot steam, and slippery surfaces in the bathroom. Besides being safer for you, non-slip bath mats come in a variety of options to provide a sleek, clean look to any bathroom. 

When you are narrowing down your choices for a non-slip bath mat take the following factors into consideration.

Dimensions
Non-slip bath mats, like bath rugs, come in a variety of sizes.Be sure to measure the location for your non slip bath mat. Especially if you are placing it in the tub or shower, you will need to account for the drain. Many non-slip bath mats have drain holes custom cut into them for ease of use. 

Traction
Are you placing your non-slip bath mat in your grandparents home or toddlers bathroom? You will definitely want to make sure it has ideal traction and also comfort on bare feet. 

Usually a fine grade vinyl is the best option because it not only prevents slip and fall accidents in areas of pooling water, but allows people to be comfortable barefoot. 

Compliance
Be sure to check the box or contact the manufacturer to make sure you purchase a non-slip bath mat that meets your compliance requirements. If this bath mat is being used for workers, in hotels, or other locations you might need to meet certain organization's requirements. 

This could include: Prop 65, ADA, NFSI High Traction, and OSHA certified.

Mold Resistance
Mentioned earlier, bath rugs harbor mold and mildew. While non-slip bath mats in general will be better at preventing bacteria from festering, you can further protect yourself from germs by purchasing an antimicrobial bath mat. Antimicrobial non-slip bath mats protect against mold and mildew. Make sure the bath mat you choose states on the box it is mold resistant. 

While many bath mats have a drainage hole, the highest quality ones will go a step further in being completely antimicrobial. 

Purchase High Quality Non-Slip Bath Mats
Jessup Manufacturing is a leader in non-slip solutions, from bath mats, shower mats, to sink treads. Shop the wide variety of colors and sizes available at JessupMFG.com.