ANTHONY O'REILLY FOR FAMILY HANDYMANPros:
- Multiple design options
- Affordable
- Anti-slip mat and sanding tool included
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Takes a while to fully dry
While the Wnomdy Bath Stone Mat only has two basic colors (dark and light grey), there are 13 unique design options to choose from. This includes double-sided stone bath mats, checkerboard designs, wave patterns and different shapes and sizes to match your bathroom’s style.
I went with an oval grey design, which was a refreshing change from the rectangular mats I’d been accustomed to. Its performance when it came to drying was average—it took a little more than 10 seconds to completely dry, though visible water splotches stuck around for about a minute. The anti-slip mat is appreciated, but for some reason, it felt less secure than other mats.
That said, I can’t complain much since this is one of the more affordable stone bath mats.
ANTHONY O'REILLY FOR FAMILY HANDYMANPros:
- Grippy anti-slip backing
- Multiple colors and designs
- Affordable
- Sanding tool included
Cons:
- Slight chemical odor when first opened
The GrapLife Stone Bath Mat performed the best in our anti-slip test, which consisted of trying to budge the mat while stepping out of the shower. The anti-slip rubber mat felt grippier than the ones found on other stone mats, which is a little strange since they all look the same. The lines also feel like they’re etched deeper into the stone compared to other mats, which might help keep it in place when stepped on.
The drying performance is slightly above average—water dissipated in about 10 seconds, and the splotches that remained were gone in about 30 seconds. Although this has nothing to do with the mat itself, I was a little annoyed at how much plastic and Styrofoam they used in the packaging (the mats are meant to be environmentally friendly, after all). There was also a slight chemical scent when we first opened the box, though it quickly went away after the first use.
GrapLife offers its mats in multiple sizes and color options, all of which are under $50 (except for the two-pack, which is just above $50).
What To Consider When Buying Stone Bath Mats
The first thing to look for when buying stone bath mats is that a mat is made of 100% diatomaceous earth. This is the material that will quickly absorb water and cause it to evaporate and has a texture that can be described as a tile-wood hybrid. Diatomaceous earth can also help get rid of bugs. This material takes some getting used to but it’s not as hard as you might think.
You’ll also want to ensure your stone bath mat comes with some type of anti-slip mat or backing to ensure your mat stays in place when you step on it and a sanding tool. Stone bath mats can be wiped down with a dry mat in between uses but should be sanded down every now and then to maintain appearance. Plus, stone bath mats can’t be placed in direct sunlight or they might warp.
Why You Should Trust Us
At Family Handyman, we take bath mats pretty seriously. We’ve put more than 20 stone and other types of mats through rigorous testing at our studio to gauge their absorbency, non-slip properties and size to find the best bath mats and rugs for your bathroom. We’ve also spoken with microbiologist Jason “The Germ Guy” Tetro to find mats that won’t harbor potentially harmful bacteria. Tetro is the author of The Human Microbiome Handbook, which talks about microbes’ effects on human health and hosts a podcast about how science fits into everyday life called the Super Awesome Science Show. Plus, we’re actual homeowners and apartment dwellers who use these products before recommending them.
How We Found the Best Stone Bath Mats
We researched more than a dozen options on the market to find those made with 100% diatomaceous earth, which causes water to evaporate in seconds. Our group of shopping experts, consisting of parents and longtime homeowners, put our top picks to the test by having people take consecutive showers or baths to analyze the mats’ water-wicking capabilities. The mats that could hold large amounts of water and remain dry were included on our list of the top stone bath mats.
Then came the ultimate test: Time. Sure, a stone mat may perform well on its first use, but how does it hold up after a week or month? Before recommending them, we ensured all our options were as good on day 30 as on day one. We also looked at price and design options, whether each mat had an anti-slip bottom or mat to keep it in place (and tested the sturdiness of each mat) and a sanding tool for regular maintenance.
FAQs
How do you clean a stone bath mat?
Stone bath mats can be wiped with a dry rag. It’s a good idea to sand them down with a sanding tool or sandpaper every now and then to remove any spots. You should also keep your stone bath mat away from direct sunlight to avoid warping.
Are stone bath mats worth it?
Absolutely! Stone bath mats don’t require regular washing like fabric mats, so you save money on water and detergent. The mats dry quicker than fabric, too. If you haven’t made the switch yet, ensure you know how to wash a fabric bath mat.
How long does a stone bath mat last?
A stone bath mat can last over a decade if properly maintained between uses. This means wiping it down after a shower with a dry rag and using sandpaper or a sanding tool to remove any spots.
What are the pros and cons of stone bath mats?
The pros of stone bath mats are that they’re more hygienic than cloth mats, require less maintenance and dry quicker than cloth. The cons are they can’t be put in direct sunlight or they might crack, they’re more expensive and they require routine sanding to ensure they look and work well.
Are stone bath mats cold to step on?
It depends on your bathroom’s temperature. If your bathroom is cold, then there’s a good chance the stone bath mat will feel cold when you step on it.
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