Best Non Slip Bath Mats: Picks and What to Look For

For the bathroom floor, a chenille or memory foam rug with a textured rubber or latex-free non-slip backing, such as the Gorilla Grip Chenille Bath Rug, suits most households; for inside the tub or shower, a suction-cup mat such as the Gorilla Grip Bath Tub Mat, SlipX Solutions Power Grip or Carex Slip-Resistant Rubber mat suits people who want extra grip underfoot. Floor rugs and tub mats solve different problems, and many bathrooms need one of each.

Bath mat slips are a common cause of bathroom falls, but no mat eliminates risk. Anyone with balance concerns, limited mobility or a history of falls should talk to a doctor or occupational therapist about grab bars and other aids, and use a mat as one layer of safety only. This guide draws from HGTV, Rosenberry Rooms, BestBathRugs, Comfort a Life and NBC Select roundups for model names, and attributes specs to those sources or makers.

TEESHLY Bath Tub and Shower Mats, Non Slip 40 x 16 Inch Extra Large Bathtub Mat, Machine Washable Bathmat with Drain Holes, Suction Cups for Bathroom Floor, Gray

Chosen because it specifies Non Slip 40 x 16 Inch Extra Large Bathtub Mat and Machine Washable Bathmat with Drain Holes.

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GORILLA GRIP Bath Rug Mat for Bathroom, Absorbent Chenille, 24x17 Grey | Soft Thick Quick Dry Microfiber Mats, Rubber Backing, Machine Washable Tub and Shower Floor Rugs, Home Decor Essentials

Chosen because it specifies Absorbent Chenille and 24x17 Grey.

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GORILLA GRIP Bath Tub Shower Mat, Bathtub Floor Liner, 35x16 Clear | Patented Large Mats, Machine Washable, Suction Cups and Drain Holes to Keep Tubs Clean, Soft on Feet, Bathroom Essentials

Chosen because it specifies Bathtub Floor Liner and 35x16 Clear.

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OTHWAY Bath Tub Shower Mat Non Slip, Bathtub Floor Liner Mats for Inside Shower Bathroom, Suction Cups and Drain Holes for Feet Scrubbing, Machine Washable, Soft on Feet, 35x16 Inch, Grey

Chosen because it specifies Bathtub Floor Liner Mats for Inside Shower Bathroom and Suction Cups and Drain Holes for Feet Scrubbing.

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Non-Slip Bath Mats at a Glance

Two Types of Mats, Two Jobs

Floor bath rugs

These sit beside the tub or shower to absorb drips and give you a soft landing. They’re made of chenille, microfiber, cotton or memory foam, with a backing that grips the floor. NBC Select quotes experts as saying absorbency matters most in a bath mat, with a non-slip bottom close behind.

Tub and shower mats

These use suction cups or a textured surface to stay put inside the tub. They work best on smooth, non-textured surfaces, and some need the surface wet to grip. If your tub has a textured floor or built-in anti-slip pattern, suction mats may not seal well.

What to Look For

Backing

Look for a backing described as rubber, latex or TPR with a pattern of grips. Some rubber backings can discolor vinyl or finished floors, so check the maker’s notes. A mat that slides at the corners or curls up is a trip hazard.

Absorbency and drying

Chenille and microfiber are quick to absorb. Memory foam feels cushioned but takes longer to dry and may hold odors if not aired out. Hang or drape the mat over the tub between uses.

Size

Match the mat to your space. Standard floor mats are around 17 by 24 inches to 20 by 32. Tub mats are often about 16 by 28 inches, such as the Carex size listed in one retail description. Measure your tub floor first and trim only if the maker says it is allowed.

Machine washability

Most bath rugs are machine washable, but rubber backings often require gentle cycles and air drying, since high heat can crack the grips. Suction-cup mats are usually hand-cleaned or washed per instructions. Always follow the care label.

Mold and mildew

Damp mats can grow mildew. Lift tub mats after each use, rinse them, and let them dry. Replace any mat with persistent black spots or odor.

Picks by Need

Best for most bathrooms

HGTV names the Gorilla Grip Chenille Bath Rug its best nonslip pick, noting that the backing stayed in place on tile. It is a straightforward choice for a floor rug.

Best for budget

HGTV’s best-value pick is the Room Essentials Everyday Chenille Bath Rug, and BestBathRugs recommends the Yimobra memory foam mat for tight budgets. Expect simpler backings.

Best cushioned

The Genteele Memory Foam Bath Mat topped BestBathRugs’ comparison of heavily reviewed rugs. Gorilla Grip also makes a memory foam rug that Comfort a Life suggests for plush comfort.

Best for the tub

Rosenberry Rooms named the Gorilla Grip Bath Tub Mat its top pick after weeks of use and the SlipX Power Grip as a strong suction alternative. YINENN is Comfort a Life’s pick for overall safety mats.

For seniors or limited mobility

The Carex Slip-Resistant Rubber Mat is often recommended for these users because of its many suction cups. Still, pair it with grab bars and consult a healthcare professional about bathroom safety.

Budget Tiers

• Budget: Basic chenille or microfiber rugs and simple suction mats.
• Mid-range: Gorilla Grip, Genteele and similar with textured backings and thicker pile.
• Premium: Designer cotton, washable machine-washable designer mats, or spa-style rugs from home brands.

Care and Safety Notes

• Place floor rugs on clean, dry floors; dust under the backing reduces grip.
• Press tub mats firmly onto a clean tub surface, and re-seat them if edges lift.
• Remove soap scum often, because it can break suction.
• Replace worn mats whenever backing cracks, cups lose grip or corners curl.
• Do not tumble dry rubber-backed mats on high heat unless the label permits.
• If anyone in the home has fallen or feels unsteady, ask a doctor about grab bars and other safety changes.

Pick X If… Decision Table

Alternatives

• Adhesive anti-slip strips or treads: Stick to the tub floor and suit textured or older tubs.
• Teak or bamboo bath mats: Quick-drying and attractive, but not designed to grip the floor.
• Grab bars: Installed in the wall, they add support no mat can provide.

Installing and Maintaining Your Mat

A good mat only works if it is installed correctly. Before placing a suction mat, wipe the tub floor clean and dry it, since body oils and soap leave a film that stops the cups from sealing. Press from the center outward so air escapes from under the cups, then tug each corner gently to confirm it holds. Run a hand across the surface to check for raised edges that could catch a toe.

Floor rugs on different surfaces

Backing behaves differently on different floors. Tile and sealed stone are usually fine with rubberized or textured backings. Vinyl and some laminate flooring may react with certain rubbers, so consider a rug pad rated for those surfaces, or read the maker’s notes. On carpet, a bath rug can slide on the pile, so a thin low-pile surface or a taped edge may help.

Cleaning schedule

Rinse tub mats after each shower, and lift them occasionally to clean underneath, because trapped water supports mildew. For floor rugs, shake them out weekly and wash them according to the label. Rubber-backed mats usually do better on a gentle cycle with cool or warm water and an air dry.

When to replace

Replace a mat when suction cups no longer grip, when the backing cracks or peels, or when the pile flattens and loses absorbency. Many households replace tub mats every year or two, depending on use and water hardness.

Accessibility considerations

For anyone with mobility concerns, a mat should be part of a wider plan that may include a shower seat, a handheld shower head, grab bars and a raised toilet seat. A healthcare professional can advise on what suits a specific situation, and a qualified installer should mount grab bars into wall studs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do non-slip bath mats really prevent falls?

They reduce slipping when used properly but cannot eliminate it. Use them with other measures, and ask a doctor or occupational therapist if you or a family member has balance issues.

Why does my suction mat keep sliding?

Soap residue, a textured tub or a poor seal can break suction. Clean the tub and mat, press it down firmly, and check that the tub surface is smooth. If it still slips, try a different type of mat.

Can rubber-backed mats damage floors?

Some rubber backings can discolor vinyl or finished surfaces over time. Check the maker’s guidance and consider a mat designed for your floor type.

How often should I wash a bath mat?

Weekly is common for floor rugs, and tub mats need regular rinsing and occasional deep cleaning. Wash sooner if it smells musty or looks stained.

Is memory foam good for bath mats?

It feels soft and cushioned, but it can dry slowly. Hang it between uses and follow the maker’s care instructions to avoid odors.

What size mat should I buy?

For tubs, measure the floor of the tub and choose a mat that fits without overhanging. For floors, pick a size that covers where you step out, leaving room for the door to swing.