A bath mat is a mat used in the bathroom. The two types of bath mats are the kind that is placed inside the bathtub and the kind that is placed just outside the bathtub. The first type is used to prevent slipping in the tub, while the second type absorbs water from the body after the bath or shower and helps prevent slipping as well as water damage to the floor.
The bath mat made to use outside the tub often has a rubber backing to help secure it to the floor. Its surface is usually cut or looped pile that may be quite thick and plush. The color range is wide and shapes vary, but most are rectangular or oblong. A terry towel bath mat may not have a rubber backing and is more like a very thick towel that absorbs the water from the feet and helps keep excess water off the floor. Whether rubber-backed or not, a bath mat should be hung up over the tub or somewhere else after use so that air can circulate underneath the mat to avoid mildew.
The rubber type of bath mat that remains in the tub should be cleaned regularly on the bottom and top to prevent mildew and dirt and soap build-up. These kinds of bath mats are usually excellent in helping to prevent falls in the bathtub. Falls in the tub or shower area can be especially dangerous because it's easy for a person's head to strike a hard surface such as the porcelain tub, the floor or the metal shower tap while falling. Children and older adults are especially susceptible to falls in the bathroom.
Since the cloth bath mat helps absorb water from the feet as well as keep water from spreading onto the bathroom floor, it too helps prevent falls in the bathroom. Both types of bath mats are quite inexpensive yet are invaluable for safety reasons. Bath mats also add a great look to a bathroom if you find a color, texture and style that fit in with your bathroom.