The 7 Best Stone Bath Mats That Dry Instantly And Don’t Slip
After years of using cotton or microfiber mats, you may be skeptical about switching to bath stones. However, the best stone bath mats are durable, easy to clean and bring a spa-like atmosphere to your bathroom. Our top pick is the Dorai Home Rain Bath Stone Mat, which is stylish, durable and dries quickly.
The best stone bath mats are durable, easy to clean and bring a spa-like atmosphere to your … [+]
Nearly every stone bath mat is made of diatomaceous earth, which is the powdery remains of naturally occurring algae. A highly porous material, it dries quickly and feels surprisingly light. “Stone bath mats are a wonderful alternative to their clunky traditional sibling,” says Genevieve Gorder, an interior designer and television personality. “They’re easier to keep clean and much less disruptive to the bathroom design story.” The soft, natural color of these stones also works well with various décor styles, from modern to farmhouse. If you’re ready to elevate your post-shower experience, here are the best stone bath mats on the market.
Why Trust Forbes Vetted
The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen editors have extensive experience testing, researching and reviewing the best home products on the market. We’ve published scores of expert-backed roundups on bathroom products, including the best bath mats, the best bath towels and more.
- The Forbes Vetted home and kitchen team includes three expert editors: deputy editor Rebekah Lowin, senior editor Amanda Arnold and editor Sholeen Damarwala.
- Author of this piece Derek Rose is a regular contributor with extensive experience covering home, kitchen and lifestyle topics.
- Rose also gathered key insight and guidance from Genevieve Gorder, an interior designer and television personality. Gorder has been featured in over 20 lifestyle shows on platforms such as Netflix, HGTV, Bravo and more. She is also the founder and director of the Genevieve Gorder brand.
How We Chose The Best Stone Bath Mats
To find the best stone bath mats, we researched dozens of best-selling options, compared features and asked an industry expert—along with our team of experienced staffers—for insights.
- Our home and kitchen editorial team focused on bath stones from trusted brands and retailers, such as Dorai Home and Sutera.
- We analyzed features such as materials, dimensions, absorbency, durability and stability to determine the best options.
- We took customer reviews and average star ratings into careful account, sticking to models that have garnered at least an average rating of 4 stars and only a negligible amount of concerning reviews, if any.
- The final products on this list reflect in-depth research conducted by our writer and meticulous vetting by the editorial team.
What To Look For In The Best Stone Bath Mats
Stone bath mats don’t vary as much as other products since most are similar in size and material, but several key factors should be considered before purchasing.
Size
While woven bath mats come in various sizes, stone bath mats are generally around the same size. The average length and width are about 24 and 15 inches, respectively. That’s plenty of room when you get out of a bath or shower, but it’s a bit smaller than most cotton bath mats. Larger bath stones are available, usually for an added price.
Material
Virtually every stone bath mat is made from diatomaceous earth. The highly porous material absorbs water quickly, resists mold and is easy to clean. Some brands incorporate other materials like quartz or recycled paper, but these additions are usually so small that it feels no different under your feet. “The name ‘stone bath mat’ is a bit deceiving,” Gorder says, “as we naturally think of something, well, stony and hard, yet the mats are quite smooth and soothing.”
Design
Stone bath mats often have grooves carved into them for two reasons: they speed up the drying process and add style. Regarding the former, water collects in the grooves rather than remaining stationary on the mat’s surface. When it comes to style, grooved designs help stone bath mats stand out and create a sense of calm in the bathroom. Gorder adds that “neutral bathroom landscapes do better with the stone bath mats” because they are “often colorless and neutral and look best in that palette.”
Accessories
Most stone bath mats come with two accessories: a rubber pad to keep the mat from slipping and sandpaper to clean it when needed. Any other accessories, like a brush or soap tray, are a bonus.
How Do You Clean A Stone Bath Mat?
There are multiple ways to clean a stone bath mat. For routine maintenance, use a brush or vacuum cleaner to remove any debris. Then wipe the mat with a damp cloth or rinse it over your bathtub. You can use a small amount of dish soap or vinegar and baking soda, especially to remove mild stains. As Gorder mentions, stone bath mats are easy to clean, but if you stain them, it can be challenging to get out. That’s why brands typically include sandpaper with stone bath mats. Sand your stone to remove deeper stains and for general upkeep. Gently sanding the material every few months makes it more absorbent.
Are Stone Bath Mats Better Than Regular Bath Mats?
Each material has benefits, whether stone, cotton or bamboo, so the “best” bath mat depends on user preference. However, stone options do offer several advantages over regular bath mats. They dry faster, last longer, are more eco-friendly and are typically less likely to slip. “I prefer stone bath mats,” says Gorder. “The thick, nubby, brightly colored fiber mats of my childhood are a bit traumatizing and, regardless of color, end up looking like a dirty towel on the floor. However, I like that you only put a fiber mat down when you’re about to use it, and it’s out of sight otherwise.”
How Long Do Stone Bath Mats Last?
It’s difficult to approximate how long a stone bath mat lasts. Unless a mat breaks, it can always be used. Some brands mention that absorbency declines after one to three years, depending on care, but the mat can be used beyond that. Others say the lifespan of a stone bath mat exceeds ten years. While it may dry slower over time, a stone bath mat usually lasts longer than a cotton one, as the latter should be replaced roughly every two years.