The 10 Best Shower and Bath Mats

• Best overall: Gorilla Grip Original Bath Mat
• Best for long tubs: TIKE Smart Extra-Long Bathtub Mat
• Best for outdoor use: House of Teak Shower Mat
• Best for standard shower stalls: Vive Shower Mat
• Best for textured tub surfaces: Webos Foldable Silicone Bath Mat
• Best drainage: SlipX Solutions Extra Large Shower Stall Mat
• Best aesthetic: Songziming Non-Slip Pebble Bathtub Mat
• Best thin nonslip mat: Safe Way Traction White Adhesive Vinyl Bath Mat
• Best warranty: Yimobra Original Bath Mat
• Best for outside the tub: Gorilla Grip Luxury Chenille Bathroom Rug Mat

Everyone falls. Whether you’re 2 or 72, slips happen to the best of us. And slick, wet surfaces like bathtubs and showers are the one place where falls are likely to happen. Unfortunately, the risk of serious injury is higher when falls happen in a shower or bathtub.

To make a spill during your shower less likely, you can use a nonslip shower mat for extra traction. Since not all nonslip shower mats are created equal, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best on the market.

When considering which mats should make the cut, we looked at:

• Sizing: We made sure to include options for a range of tub and shower sizes.
• Material: We know you want a mat to last and to keep germs to a minimum, so we considered mats with antibacterial properties and that are BPA-free.
• Aesthetics: Safety doesn’t have to mean unattractive. We strove to include a variety of different styles and designs.
• Customer reviews: There’s nothing like actual users to reveal the truth about a product.

Best overall

Gorilla Grip Original Bath Mat

• Price: $$
• Dimensions: 16 x 35 inches (in.)
• Material: plastic
• Colors available: clear, black, and 15+ other colors
• Pros: machine washable, available in a wide range of colors, and has 324 suction cups to keep it in place
• Cons: not designed for use on newly refinished surfaces; some people didn’t like the strong plastic smell when they first opened the mat

With 324 suction cups, this plastic mat is a stable one. The material is also antibacterial and mildew resistant, BPA-free, nontoxic, phthalate-free, and latex-free.

The mat is machine washable so you can easily get rid of any germs or slippery buildup that may develop over time. Additionally, it has small holes throughout to help prevent water buildup under the mat. It also comes in a wide range of colors to match any bathroom style.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is not designed for use on newly refinished surfaces.

Best for long tubs

TIKE Smart Extra-Long Bathtub Mat

• Price: $
• Dimensions: 16 x 39 in.
• Material: vinyl
• Colors available: clear, black, and 20+ other colors
• Pros: affordable, machine washable, and includes 174 drainage holes
• Cons: not for textured surfaces; some users complained about its smell

This extra-long mat includes 200 suction cups to keep it in place in a longer shower tub. It’s made from phthalate-free, BPA-free, nontoxic, and allergen-free vinyl.

It’s machine washable and 174 drainage holes throughout the mat keep water flowing, so you don’t have to worry about slips from water buildup.

Before purchasing this mat, you’ll want to keep in mind that it’s designed for smooth floors only and is not for textured surfaces.

Best for outdoor use

House of Teak Shower Mat

• Price: $$$
• Dimensions: 19.75 x 19.75 in.
• Material: teak
• Colors available: teak (described as golden teak light and dark)
• Pros: made of sustainable, natural materials, comes with a 3-year warranty, and doesn’t have a strong chemical smell
• Cons: expensive, can only be washed by hand, and has large holes that may pose a problem for children’s fingers and toes

This mat is made of 100% sustainable plantation handcrafted teak. Because it’s made of all-natural materials, it’s unlikely to cause allergic reactions or put chemicals into the environment.

Instead of water holes, spacing between cross boards allows water to flow through quickly. It comes with a 3-year warranty when purchased from the House of Teak on Amazon.

One very important thing to note is that rubber stoppers are not included. This mat might also not provide enough texture for older adults, and it has large holes for children’s fingers and toes to get stuck in.

Best for standard shower stalls

Vive Shower Mat

• Price: $$
• Dimensions: 22 x 22 in.
• Material: rubber
• Colors available: white
• Pros: textured surface offers traction; latex-free; 60-day guarantee for easier returns
• Cons: doesn’t have a range of colors; users said it’s hard to know when it needs cleaning unless you actually remove it

This mat has 116 individual suction cups to help it stay in place. The mat also has a 6-in. center drain hole for water to travel through.

The mat is lightly textured, treated with antibacterial agents, and latex-free. It also comes with a 60-day guarantee to make returning the shower mat easy if it’s not the right one for you.

One downside is the lack of colors. It’s also hard to tell when this mat needs cleaning without actually removing it.

Best for textured tub surfaces

Webos Foldable Silicone Bath Mat

• Price: $$
• Dimensions: 28 x 14 in.
• Material: silicone
• Colors available: beige, green, and 3 other colors
• Pros: machine washable, textured to prevent slips, and easy to fold
• Cons: many users felt this doesn’t stay in place as well as those with suction cups and wished it was longer

This mat has no suction cups, making it a good option for textured surfaces. The silicone mat has honeycomb texturing to help prevent slips.

It includes numerous drainage holes for water to flow through the mat. It’s machine washable and easy to fold for hanging dry. It also comes in a handful of color options, so you can find one to match your bathroom.

Best drainage

SlipX Solutions Extra Large Shower Stall Mat

• Price: $$
• Dimensions: 27 x 27 in.
• Material: vinyl
• Colors available: clear, aqua, and 9 other colors
• Pros: lots of drainage holes, can be folded up for cleaning, and comes in a range of colors
• Cons: designed for smooth surfaces only; not stain resistant

This mat has a big drainage hole and many smaller drainage holes to make sure that water doesn’t pile up. It has over 100 suction cups to keep it in place as well.

It should be noted that this mat is intended for smooth shower surfaces only. It can be folded up for cleaning but is not resistant to stains.

Best aesthetics

Songziming Non-Slip Pebble Bathtub Mat

• Price: $$
• Dimensions: 16 x 35 in.
• Material: PVC
• Colors available: black, beige, and 6 other colors
• Pros: can be cut to fit smaller spaces, has 200 suction cups, and offers some style to the bottom of your tub or shower
• Cons: not meant for textured showers or tubs; some users found it uncomfortable to stand on

Looking to up your bathroom style? This black pebble mat includes 200 suction cups. This mat is made from antibacterial PVC and you can cut it to fit smaller spaces. Spaces between the rocks offer water drainage.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is not appropriate for textured showers or tubs.

Best thin nonslip mat

Safe Way Traction White Adhesive Vinyl Bath Mat

• Price: $$
• Dimensions: 16 x 40 in.
• Material: vinyl
• Colors available: white
• Pros: easy to cut to fit various sized spaces, can be used inside or outside the tub, and thinness of mat helps to prevent tripping
• Cons: only available in white; avoid application over textured surfaces and grout lines

This adhesive mat is applied by peeling and sticking it on (no suction cups). It works for wet and dry areas and is easy to cut to fit a space.

The thinness of this mat reduces the risk of tripping over the mat itself. You can also apply it inside and outside the tub to protect while showering and drying off.

Best warranty

Yimobra Original Bath Mat

• Price: $
• Dimensions: 16 x 40 in.
• Material: PVC
• Colors available: white, black, and 17+ other colors
• Pros: available in a range of colors, comes with a 10-year warranty, and machine washable
• Cons: only for use on smooth flooring; some users found it was easy for mold to build up underneath

If you’re looking for staying power, this mat is protected by a 10-year manufacturer warranty.

It’s equipped with over 200 suction cups. Many holes throughout the mat help keep water flowing. It’s also antibacterial and machine washable.

It comes in a range of colors, but you’ll want to keep in mind that it’s only for use on smooth flooring.

Best for outside the tub

Gorilla Grip Luxury Chenille Bathroom Rug Mat

• Price: $$
• Dimensions: available in a range of sizes
• Material: chenille with rubber backing
• Colors available: beige, black, and 42+ other colors
• Pros: machine washable, wide range of colors to choose from, and available in different sizes
• Cons: only designed for use outside the shower; some users felt the fabric part didn’t fare well over time

Slips don’t just happen in the tub. As you step out of the shower, it’s important to step onto a mat that will help prevent falling on the water dripping around you.

Available in tons of colors to match any bathroom design, this rug also comes in a wide range of sizes for every bathroom.

It’s made of soft, super-absorbent chenille and has a heavy-duty strong rubber backing that holds up well over time. The thickness of the rug’s pile helps trap moisture and prevent falls. Cleaning it is also easy, since it’s machine washable and can be put in the drier.

You’ll want to keep in mind that this mat is only designed for use outside of the shower itself.

To choose the perfect shower mat for your bathroom, you’ll want to:

• Decide on the type of mat you need: Do you want a mat inside or outside the shower? Are you buying a mat for a shower or a bathtub?
• Measure the space: There’s nothing worse than falling in love with a mat only to discover it won’t fit!
• Think about aesthetics: Does color matter to you? (This might not be the most important thing, but hey, you will hopefully be using this for a while and looking at it every day.)
• Read reviews and talk with friends: Knowledge is power! Other shower mat users can be a helpful source of information about how well a mat holds up and whether there are any downsides you should know before purchasing.
• Do some bargain shopping: Coupons and sales can help you save money, so you can spend it on something else you’d enjoy.

You’ll want to follow the manufacturer’s directions to clean your shower mat. Many shower mats can be run through the washing machine.

For shower mats that can’t go in the washing machine, you may need to hand-wash them or soak them in a bleach or vinegar solution. It’s important to allow mats to air dry so they do not grow mold or mildew.

Rinsing off a shower mat after each use can help to keep it clean. It’s also important to check under the mat on a regular basis to check for trapped dirt and mildew.

Other products and DIY fixes can help reduce the risk of injury in the bathroom. Some other ways to reduce slips include:

• painting a strip of latex on the floor of the tub or using silicone caulk thinned with some paint thinner (this will dry mostly clear)
• using a shower chair (why stand when you could sit as you shower?)
• renovating your shower or tub to include a permanent bench to sit on while bathing
• purchasing a walk-in tub
• installing a grab bar to hold onto while standing in the shower or for getting in and out

Do shower mats hold bacteria?

Unfortunately, shower mats can host mold and mildew. For this reason, you’ll want to look for ones that are easy to wash and have antibacterial properties. Read more about how to properly and thoroughly clean your shower mat.

How can you clean your shower mat?

You’ll want to follow the manufacturer’s directions when washing your shower mat. Some shower mats can be washed in the washing machine. Others will need to be washed by hand or soaked in a solution. The appropriate cleaning style will depend on the type of mat you choose and its materials.

How often should you clean your shower mat?

How often you wash your shower mat is a personal decision. You’ll want to consider things like how often the shower is being used, the number of people using the shower, and the mat’s material. Some manufacturers offer guidance around this in their directions. Still not sure? Many people choose to clean their shower mat every week or so.

How often should you replace your shower mat?

You’ll want to replace your shower mat anytime it shows signs of mold or has tears. If the manufacturer’s directions offer any guidelines around replacement, you’ll also want to follow those. As a general rule, you’ll want to replace your shower mat every few years if you have not already replaced it for another reason.

Falls happen to everyone, but there are some steps you can take to prevent them. Especially in places like the shower or bath where slips can carry a higher chance of injury, it’s important to take precautions like using a shower mat.

With so many options on the market, there are many criteria you may use when choosing the right mat for you. But it’s important to keep safety in mind as you make this important purchase.