How to Clean and Care for a Diatomite Bathmat

Sensory Assist Team
2026-04-23T05:43:52+10:00

Diatomite bathmats are famously low-maintenance. There's no fabric to wash, no mildew to scrub, and no laundry pile building up beside the shower. But like anything you use daily, a little care keeps the absorbency and finish at their best for years. Here's the full care routine for our Diatomite Fast Drying Bathmat.

Daily: do nothing

That's the honest answer. Step off the shower, the mat absorbs the water, and by the time you're back the next morning it's bone dry. Most customers never do more than that and their mats stay in great shape for years.

Weekly: stand it on its edge

Once a week, prop the mat up against the wall for an hour or two. This lets air circulate across both sides and clears any water that might have settled deep in the stone. It's the single most useful bit of care — takes ten seconds.

Monthly: wipe the surface

If the mat looks a little dusty or if you notice water beading on top rather than sinking in, give it a wipe:

Dust or dry debris — brush off with a soft dry cloth or a vacuum brush attachment

Surface grime — wipe with a barely-damp cloth. No soap needed for routine cleaning.

Stubborn spots — a damp cloth with a drop of mild dish soap. Rinse with a clean damp cloth afterwards.

When absorbency slows down: light sanding

Over time — usually 12 months or more of daily use — the surface pores can clog slightly with soap residue, skin oils, and hard-water minerals. You'll notice the mat taking longer to dry your feet. The fix is simple: a light sand with fine-grit sandpaper (around 400 grit).

1. Lay the mat flat on a hard surface

2. Sand the top in small circles using light pressure — no need to press hard

3. Wipe off the dust with a dry cloth

4. Flip and repeat on the other side if you use both

This refreshes the top layer and restores the absorbency. Don't overdo it — a gentle pass is all it takes.

What NOT to do

No washing machine. It's stone — it will break and wreck your machine.

No harsh chemicals. Bleach, solvents, and heavy abrasives can damage the surface.

No soaking. Extended submerging isn't necessary and can affect the stone over time.

No outdoor storage. Keep it indoors — extreme temperature or humidity swings aren't kind to the material.

Signs it's time for a new one

Diatomite mats last for years with basic care, but nothing lasts forever. Consider replacing if:

The surface has cracks or chips that affect use

Absorbency hasn't returned after sanding

The colour has become permanently stained beyond cosmetic appeal

Shop

Browse the Bath Time collection or pick up a replacement directly — Diatomite Fast Drying Bathmat (50×80cm). Shipped Australia-wide from Taren Point.