Unless it’s Black Friday, kitchen mats are incredibly expensive. There are many other things out there you can use in place of a mat advertised for the kitchen. You just have to be resourceful and willing to think outside of the box a little bit.
But, can you use a bath mat in the kitchen? Yes, you can! A bath mat works extremely well on a kitchen floor due to its ability to protect knees, shins and back. This is especially useful if you end up standing for a long time. Plus, they’re great at catching spills in the same way as a kitchen mat.
Having said all that, you must be careful about what kind of bath mat you use in the kitchen. It should have a silicone or rubber backing and not be one that’s furry or fuzzy. The fabric should sit flush against the backing so it’s nice and flat.
How Do You Use a Bath Mat for the Kitchen Floor?
If you have an extra bathroom mat lying around, you can try using it in the kitchen. But, it shouldn’t be the kind that’s fuzzy, fluffy or furry in any way. This is because it will get tangled, matted and clumpy over time. This is not only unsightly but it can also be unhealthy, trapping in meat juices and grease.
The other thing you have to ensure is that the mat has a plastic, rubber or silicone backing. This will act as an anti-slip mechanism to keep you and the mat in place. It’s essential for there to be this safety feature. If not, you can sew one onto it yourself.
Also, make sure you clean the mat prior to using it in the kitchen. This will ensure any dust, dirt, debris, mildew or mold on the fabric will not be present.
Can You Use a Kitchen Mat in the Bathroom?
Unfortunately, it’s not advisable to use a kitchen mat in the bathroom. But this will largely rely on what kind of mat you have and the materials it comprises. This is because there’s a lot more moisture in the bathroom than the kitchen. Ergo, bathroom mats lend themselves to larger amounts of water exposure.
Is There Any Difference Between a Kitchen Mat and a Bath Mat?
Depending on the mat in question, there may not be any difference between a kitchen mat and a bath mat whatsoever. However, kitchen mats, also called anti-fatigue mats, protect your back, ankles, feet and shins from strain. If the bath mat fails to do this, you shouldn’t use it in the kitchen.
This is because we tend to stand for longer periods in the kitchen than we do in the bathroom. If your bath mat won’t suffice for the kitchen, consider wearing slippers, special shoes, insoles or other protective footwear.
Is Using a Bath Mat in the Kitchen Wrong or Unsanitary?
The only time using a bathroom mat as a kitchen mat would be wrong or unsanitary is if it looks like it should be in the bathroom. This is usually the case with fuzzy and furry bathroom mats. However, a bath mat can be unsanitary if you don’t clean it prior to placing it in the kitchen.
Also, you will run into sanitation issues if you spill uncooked poultry juice onto it, allow spilt dish water to sit there for too long or never clean it during the course of its use in the kitchen. Therefore, it’s imperative to stay on top of cleaning the mat so everything stays sanitary and healthy.
What Fabrics; Materials Are Best as a Bath Mat in the Kitchen?
When estimating a bathroom mat for the kitchen, you can’t use any old one you have laying around the house. You have to make sure it comprises ideal materials that will suit it for kitchen use. Ones that have a weave to it are perfect for this. The following fabrics and materials are best:
- Acrylic
- Bamboo
- Burlap
- Canvas
- Coconut Fiber
- Cotton
- Hemp
- Memory Foam (best as a stuffing)
- Nylon (anti-slip surface)
- Plastic (anti-slip surface)
- Polyester
- Polypropylene
- Rubber (anti-slip surface)
- Silicone (anti-slip surface)
The following list contains those materials you should avoid:
- Rayon
- Silk
- Sateen
- Leather
- Satin
- Microfiber
- Fleece
- Faux Fur
What to Do If the Bath Mat Isn’t Appropriate for the Kitchen?
In the case you discover that your bath mat won’t work in the kitchen the way you’d like, there are a few hacks you can try. The first would be to go out an purchase an actual kitchen or anti-fatigue mat. But, if that’s not in the budget, you can attempt to make your own if you’re the kind of person who likes DIY projects.
What’s great about making your own is that you can cut it to perfectly fit the space in your kitchen. Simply gather an anti-slip backing material for the bottom and then another softer fabric for the top. Anything with a sturdy, strong construction is ideal; such as is the case with acrylic or hemp.
If your material rips easily, is slippery to the touch or is too thin will not be good as kitchen mat material. It should support your lower extremities and shouldn’t cause stress in the muscles. Once you construct the mat, it should be soft yet firm while also providing comfort and not slip.