Despite being an ideal place to relax and unwind after a long or difficult day, bathrooms can be one of the most hazardous parts of any home. In the United States alone, about a quarter of a million people suffer an accident in the bathroom each year, usually due to slipping in the shower (1).
The combination of wet feet and increasingly smooth bathroom surfaces is a dangerous one, especially when stepping out of the shower. This is why bath shower mats are designed to provide extra grip and prevent accidents.
To help you find the best shower mat, we have reviewed five of the most popular products available today. We chose these mats based on their material, size, and how many holes they have.
- Solid teak construction
- Mold & mildew resistant
- Suitable for indoor & outdoor use
- 39 inches long for bathtubs
- Curl-free packaging
- Heavy-duty vinyl material
- Four large center holes
- Translucent
- Heavily textured for extra grip
- BPA-free material
- 324 suction cups
- Machine washable
- Understated design
- Large center drainage hole
- 22 square inches
The Best Shower Mats of 2023
With so many shower mats to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start looking. We have reviewed five of the current top-rated models to help you find the best shower mat for your bathroom, chosen for their material, size, and how effectively they allow water to drain.
House of Teak Shower Mat
Most Unique Shower Mat
This shower mat from House of Teak is, unsurprisingly, made from solid teak. As a result, the tray offers a completely different look and feel from traditional rubber or PVC mats.
The wood is sourced from sustainable forests, making it far more environmentally friendly than its artificial competitors. This natural material means it is also very unlikely to cause any allergy issues, which is a concern with mats that contain latex. There is also no risk of leaking contaminants into your wastewater.
Another benefit of the solid teak material is that it is suitable for use both indoors and outdoors, ideal if you want to install an external shower to wash off mud and sand. This is a clear advantage over rubber, which can be damaged by direct sunlight.
What We Like
Constructed From Solid Teak
The solid teak slatting provides a timeless shower base that wouldn’t look out of place in a high-end spa, setting it apart from its rubber competitors. Instead of drainage holes, the gap between the teak boards provides very fast drainage.
Resistant to Mold, Mildew, and Insects
Teak is considered the most durable wood for use in wet environments. The natural oils and resin it contains repel insects and prevent mold growth.
This means it doesn’t need to be coated in artificial anti-bacterial material, making this an entirely option for your shower floor.
Suitable for Indoor and Outdoor Use
Wood not only looks great under an outdoor shower but it will also last much longer than rubber or PVC. Research shows that plastic and rubber rapidly degrade in direct sunlight due to exposure to ultraviolet rays (2).
What We Don't Like
Not the Strongest Grip
The natural texture of teak provides more grip than a smooth shower tray. However, it will not provide as much grip as the textured surface of most rubber mats.
If your main reason to buy a shower mat is extra grip, this option might not provide enough to make your shower safe for children or seniors. There is also a chance of very small fingers or toes becoming trapped between the slats.
Lacks Suction
The manufacturer recommends adding rubber feet to the shower mat to prevent it from slipping. These are easily obtained from most hardware stores but we would expect a premium product to include this safety feature.
Product Specs
| Size | 19.75 x 19.75 inches |
| Weight | 5.2 pounds |
| Material | Solid teak |
| Allergen prevention | Natural wood |
| Color | Light and dark teak |
| Suction Cups | None — nine longitudinal gaps |
Our Ratings
Tike Smart Extra-Long Anti-Bacterial Mat
Best for Long Baths
At 39 inches long, this Tike Smart shower mat will cover even the biggest baths. It is a great option for anyone who has their shower installed above a bathtub, but it will help anyone climb in and out of their bath more safely.
It is available in a wide range of colors, helping you match it to the rest of your bathroom or create a striking contrast. Most of the color options have translucent versions, even the black mat.
The mat is delivered in curl-free packaging so you can use it immediately after receiving it. Its heavy-duty vinyl means it should outlast most of its competitors.
What We Like
Extra-Long for Bathtub Showers
This shower mat is designed to fit into bathtubs and is longer than most tub mats, meaning it should cover the entire bath floor. This means you won’t be restricted to a specific area when climbing in and out of the tub.
This also protects children who wander around the bath while showering, as they are less likely to step on an area that is not covered by the mat.
Curl-Free Packaging
Thanks to its curl-free packaging, this shower mat will be ready for use as soon as you receive it. You won’t need to wait for the mat to settle flat for it to be safe.
Hard-Wearing
Weighing 1.75 pounds, this mat’s heavy-duty vinyl material means it is very durable. If you are part of a large household, this mat will endure the rigors of daily use.
What We Don't Like
Large Pimples May Lack Grip
This shower mat has large, domed pimples for extra comfort and supposedly improved grip. However, some reviewers feel that the increased size reduces the grip on the soles of the feet.
Product Specs
| Size | 39 x 16 inches |
| Weight | 1.75 pounds |
| Material | Vinyl |
| Allergen prevention | Latex, BPA, phthalate, and allergen-free |
| Color | Choice of 20 colors — translucent and opaque |
| Suction Cups | 200 |
Our Ratings
Vive Non-Skid PVC Washable Mat
Best Shower Mat for Drainage
Pools of water reduce a shower mat’s grip, which is why this mat’s designers have paid special attention to ensuring it drains water quickly and efficiently.
The other dangers of standing water include mold, fungi, and bacterial growth. This mat’s four large center holes provide much faster drainage than the usual smaller holes, which it also has, making it a great option if you have a powerful shower.
The heavily textured surface provides stable, comfortable footing. If the mat becomes dirty, which will reduce its effectiveness and look unsightly, it can easily be machine washed in cold water.
What We Like
Large Center Drainage Holes for Efficient Drainage
In addition to the evenly spaced perforations throughout the shower mat, this product stands out thanks to its four large center holes. These drain water quickly, which is important to keep up with a powerful shower.
Translucent
This mat is available in three colors, all translucent. This will help you detect any growth before it becomes a problem. The clear version is the most versatile option and will combine perfectly with even uniquely colored shower trays.
Heavily Textured for Stronger Grip
Manufacturers and users both mention the strong grip provided by this heavily textured shower mat. The Vive mat is a great choice for anyone who is concerned about slipping while using the shower.
What We Don't Like
Strong Plastic Smell
Many customers mention that this shower mat retains a strong plastic smell, even after weeks of use. If you are sensitive to smells or have a particularly small bathroom, this might bother you.
The manufacturer states that this mat is completely non-toxic, so this is an annoyance rather than a hazard.
Product Specs
| Size | 20 x 20 inches |
| Weight | 1.3 pounds |
| Material | PVC |
| Allergen prevention | Latex-free |
| Color | Choice of blue, clear, and gray — all translucent |
| Suction Cups | 164 |
Our Ratings
Gorilla Grip Antibacterial Square Bathroom Mat
Best for Health and Allergies
This see-through, square Gorilla Grip shower mat is an excellent choice if you are concerned about your health, hygiene, or allergies.
It is free from BPA (bisphenol A), latex, and phthalate, so it is very unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. It is also safer for the environment, as there is no danger of it contaminating the water that passes through your shower.
This mat is machine washable and has been treated to protect it against bacteria and mildew growth.
What We Like
Protects Your Health and the Environment
Anything that goes down your shower drain will enter your local water system. Research has found that some plastic softeners such as BPA and phthalate can damage the kidneys, testes, lungs, and liver, which is why this mat avoids them completely.
Numerous Suction Cups
With an impressive 324 suction cups, this mat will be very secure when placed under your shower, even in wet and soapy environments. Reviews mention that these cups don’t affect how the mat feels under the feet but the surface is textured enough to provide stable footing.
Each suction cup has a corresponding drainage hole. This prevents puddles from forming during use.
Square Shape
This is a true shower mat, not one that is designed for both showers and baths. You won’t need to trim down a rectangular mat to fit it into your shower enclosure, as this mat is already square.
What We Don't Like
Requires Very Smooth Surfaces
The manufacturer states that you shouldn’t use this shower mat on tiles or other textured surfaces. When used on textured trays, users found that many of the suction cups failed to stick to the surface, creating bumps.
Product Specs
| Size | 21 x 21 inches |
| Weight | 1.3 pounds |
| Material | Rubber |
| Allergen prevention | Free from BPA, latex, and phthalate |
| Color | Choice of 11 (translucent and opaque varieties) |
| Suction Cups | 324 |
Our Ratings
Vive Shower Stall Mat
Best Understated Shower Mat
Compared to some of the more attention-grabbing shower mats on the market, especially teak products, this Vive mat is far more subtle. If you want your mat to blend into your shower area rather than being a feature in its own right, this is a great option.
At 22 square inches, it is quite large for a dedicated shower mat. This means it is suitable for bigger cubicles or anyone who wants to cover a wider area.
It drains very quickly thanks to the large drainage hole at its center. This hole is designed to be placed over your shower tray’s drain, so it won’t be obstructed during use.
What We Like
Understated Design
This shower mat is designed to blend into your bathroom as much as possible. The usual pimpled mat surface is replaced by more elegant curves. It is reminiscent of the embossed surface of many modern shower trays and baths.
Its slightly off-white color is chosen to blend in with white bathroom ceramics, which is still the most popular type.
Large Center Drainage Hole
This product has just one 6-inch drainage hole that goes over the shower waste. This ensures rapid drainage, even if your shower is operating at maximum flow.
Wide Coverage
At 22 square inches, this is a large shower mat. It is ideal if you have a large shower stall or just want maximum coverage.
What We Don't Like
No Color Options
The subtle off-white tone is a great fit for many bathrooms but it won’t be suitable for darker shower trays and there are no other color options.
Only Available in Opaque
With no translucent option, it is difficult to tell when this shower mat is dirty without removing it from the stall.
Product Specs
| Size | 22 x 22 inches |
| Weight | 2 pounds |
| Material | Rubber |
| Allergen prevention | None stated |
| Color | White |
| Suction Cups | 200 |
Our Ratings
| Product | Best | Size | Weight | Material | Allergen prevention | Color | Suction Cups |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| House of Teak Shower Mat | Unique | 19.75 x 19.75″ | 5.2 lbs | Solid teak | Natural wood | Light and dark teak | None |
| Tike Smart Anti-Bacterial Mat | Long Baths | 39 x 16″ | 1.75 lbs | Vinyl | Latex, BPA, phthalate, and allergen-free | 20 colors | 200 |
| Vive Non-Skid PVC Washable Mat | Drainage | 20 x 20″ | 1.3 lbs | PVC | Latex-free | Blue, clear, and gray | 164 |
| Gorilla Grip Antibacterial Bathroom Mat | Health & Allergies | 21 x 21″ | 1.3 lbs | Rubber | Free from BPA, latex, and phthalate | 11 colors | 324 |
| Vive Shower Stall Mat | Understated | 22 x 22″ | 2 lbs | Rubber | None stated | White | 200 |
The Risks of Showers
Showering is now the most popular way of staying clean, making it a part of countless people’s daily routines. Most showers will be free from any issues, but slipping is a very real concern for the following reasons:
- Soap and water: When combined, soap and water greatly reduce friction. Modern bathtubs and shower trays often have very smooth finishes to encourage water to run off them, which can result in a dangerously slick surface.
- Lack of support: Unless you have installed grab rails, you are unlikely to have anything to hold onto to stop yourself from falling. Wet wall tiles, glass doors, or a shower curtain will do little to keep you upright.
- Hard surfaces: If you do fall while showering, there won’t be anything to cushion your fall. Bathroom surfaces are hard, so your body will absorb the full impact.
A shower mat increases friction, providing greater stability and lowering the risk of accidents (3). This is particularly important for children and the elderly. Despite accounting for 8.5% of the US population, 30% of accidents in showers are experienced by children under five years old.
Finding the Best Shower Mat
Shower mats have existed in various forms for decades, so you will have numerous options to choose from. Making a few key decisions can significantly narrow your search.
Material
Shower mats are usually made of rubber, often containing silicone, latex, or both. These materials are easily cleaned, flexible, and resistant to bacteria (4).
Some mats are latex-free, which is important as about 10% of the world’s population is allergic to latex (5).
There are some high-end shower mats made from teak. These are more visually appealing than rubber mats but usually provide less grip. They are also very resistant to rot, a necessity as they will frequently be soaked with water (6).
Translucent or Opaque
While many mats are bacteria-resistant, the humid environment of shower enclosures means there is always a chance of mold appearing.
Translucent shower mats display these growths more clearly, serving as a visual reminder to clean them. At the same time, as they show dirt more easily, it is more important to keep them perfectly clean to prevent them from becoming unsightly.
Size
There are shower mats for both shower trays and bathtubs, which work in the same way. However, as these spaces are shaped so differently, it is very important to measure your standing area before you buy a mat.
Your shower mat needs to cover the majority of your standing space without spilling over the sides. Overhanging mats are unsightly and could become a tripping hazard, which is exactly what you’re trying to avoid.
Both rectangular and square shower mats are available, so you should be able to find one that fits your shower enclosure.
Holes
The more holes a shower mat has, the quicker water will drain and the less likely mold is to appear. This reduces the risk of slipping and also keeps your shower environment more hygienic.
FAQs
Are Shower Mats Necessary?
The idea of using shower mats to prevent falls in the shower may seem like a bit of an old-fashioned notion.
After all, these days, we are living in an increasingly technological world, and many people rely on things like motion sensors and voice-recognition systems to keep them safe and stable.
However, there is still value in using shower mats as they provide extra traction on wet surfaces and help you find your footing after stepping out of the stream of water. Moreover, these mats are highly customizable, making it easy to find one that perfectly fits your needs.
Are Shower Mats Machine Washable?
Most shower mats are machine washable, but not all of them. Many manufacturers claim that their shower mats can withstand machine washing without falling apart or damaging.
However, many people have had negative experiences with shower mats that have been washed in the washing machine, claiming that the mats become distorted and lose their grip on the floor’s surface.
There seems to be some disagreement among manufacturers and customers alike as to whether or not this feature should be considered a standard option when purchasing shower mats.
How Often Should Shower Mats Be Washed?
Shower mats should be washed once every two weeks, at least. While shower mats may not seem like a particularly high-maintenance item, they require regular cleaning to prevent the build-up of bacteria and mold. This can be done either by hand or machine, depending on the type of mat in question.
What Material Is Best for a Shower Mat?
When selecting a shower mat, the first consideration should always be its material. Several options include rubber, plastic, cork, and fabric.
Rubber is probably the most popular choice of these materials for a few key reasons. First, it is highly durable and slip-resistant, making it ideal for wet environments like showers.
Additionally, since it is easy to clean and doesn’t harbor bacteria like some other materials, it is a great choice for those looking for a hygienic option. Finally, rubber is versatile and can be either textured or smooth to suit different preferences and needs.
How Do You Dry a Bath Mat After a Shower?
There are several different methods for drying a bath mat after a shower. One strategy is to hang the mat over a shower bar or curtain rod, which allows it to air dry quickly and efficiently.
Alternatively, you can simply lay the mat on a nearby towel rack or laundry rack, providing another convenient space for drying and airing damp towels.
Another option is to pull the mat outside so it can be exposed to sunlight and fresh air. Depending on the climate where you live, this might also be an effective way to naturally disinfect your bath mat, as UV rays can help to kill bacteria and mold spores on contact.
What Is the Best Bath Mat for a Shower?
The Vive Bath Mat might be the best bath mat for a shower that money can buy now. For a very affordable price, this product is made from PVC that’s resistant to wear and tear, has a non-slip backing, and uses suction to attach to the floor for better stability.
