A tub mat can help make bathing feel more secure, but a damp mat left against the tub can become a place for mildew to develop. The best choice pairs a grippy surface with drainage and an easy way to clean and dry the mat. These three options offer washable designs, while their sizes, materials, and drying features differ. Check your tub’s surface before buying: suction-cup mats are intended for smooth surfaces, not textured or tiled floors.
Table of Contents
Quick Comparison
| Product | Size | Notable features | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Homerella Bathtub Mat | 35 × 16 inches | Over 250 suction cups, drainage holes, machine washable, includes drying hooks | Shoppers who want an easy-to-hang mat |
| XIYUNTE TPE Bathtub Mat | 31.5 × 16 inches | TPE construction, textured surface, drainage holes, machine washable | Those who prefer a soft, massage-like feel |
| Homerella Kids Bathtub Mat | 40 × 16 inches | Over 200 suction cups, drainage holes, machine washable, includes drying hooks | Families wanting a longer mat for a smooth tub |
Our Picks: Best Tub Mat No Mildew reviews
Homerella Bathtub Mat: Best for Easy Hanging and Drying
This 35-by-16-inch Homerella mat is designed for people who want a non-slip surface that is also simple to lift, wash, and dry. It has over 250 suction cups underneath and a textured top, along with drainage holes intended to let water circulate instead of sitting on the mat.
Its standout practical feature is the pair of self-adhesive hooks included for hanging the mat after use. The mat is machine washable in cold water and made from vinyl described as BPA-free and latex-free. Hanging it between uses and washing it regularly can help keep it cleaner, though no mat is mildew-proof if it stays damp or dirty.
The key limitation is surface compatibility. Homerella says the suction cups work on clean, smooth tub surfaces and advises against using the mat on textured, tiled, non-smooth, or refinished surfaces. The mat also needs to be pressed firmly into place and checked before each use. Compared with the longer Homerella kids mat, this one is a more moderate size; compared with the XIYUNTE, it comes with hooks but is not made from TPE.
Pros:
- Includes two hooks for hanging the mat to dry.
- Over 250 suction cups and a textured top surface.
- Machine washable in cold water.
Cons:
- Not intended for textured, tiled, or otherwise uneven surfaces.
- Requires regular cleaning and drying to help limit mildew buildup.
Verdict: Choose this Homerella mat if your tub has a smooth surface and you value the included hooks for drying and storage.
XIYUNTE TPE Bathtub Mat: Best for a Soft, Textured Feel
The XIYUNTE mat measures 31.5 by 16 inches and is made from TPE, a material the product description characterizes as soft and elastic. Its 3D textured surface is designed to add friction underfoot, while square drainage holes help water flow through rather than pool across the mat.
This option is machine washable below 40°C, and the care instructions recommend hanging it to air-dry in a ventilated area. Unlike the two Homerella choices, it does not list drying hooks as an included feature, so you will need another suitable place to hang it. Its smaller length may also be worth considering if you want more tub coverage.
The product description says its suction cups are intended to grip smooth tub surfaces. As with any suction-cup mat, check that the tub floor is compatible and press the mat into place before use. The TPE construction and textured feel set it apart from the vinyl Homerella mats, but it still needs routine washing and thorough drying to help prevent mildew.
Pros:
- Soft, elastic TPE construction with a textured top.
- Drainage holes are designed to help water move away quickly.
- Machine washable below 40°C.
Cons:
- Shorter than both Homerella options.
- Drying hooks are not listed as included.
Verdict: Pick the XIYUNTE if you want a soft TPE mat with a textured surface and do not need included hanging hooks.
Homerella Kids Bathtub Mat: Best Longer Option for Families
This 40-by-16-inch Homerella mat is the longest option in this group and is designed with children’s baths in mind. The product description lists over 200 suction cups, a textured surface, and a “no-bubble” design. It is made from BPA-free, latex-free material described as non-toxic.
Like the other Homerella mat, this one comes with two self-adhesive hooks for drying and can be machine washed on a cold or delicate cycle. Drainage holes let water pass through the mat, while hanging it after use gives it a chance to air-dry. Its longer format may suit a larger tub, but it is important to measure your bathing area before choosing it.
This mat is intended only for smooth surfaces such as acrylic, fiberglass, and enamel. The manufacturer warns against textured or tiled tubs. Its size and kid-focused design distinguish it from the 35-inch Homerella mat, while the XIYUNTE is a shorter TPE option. The longer mat may not be the right fit for a smaller tub, and its suction cups still need to be checked before each use.
Pros:
- Longer 40-inch design for added coverage in suitable tubs.
- Includes two hooks for hanging the mat to dry.
- Machine washable on a cold or delicate cycle.
- BPA-free and latex-free material, according to the product description.
Cons:
- Not designed for textured or tiled surfaces.
- May be too long for smaller tubs.
Verdict: Consider this model for a smooth, larger tub when you want a longer mat and a kid-focused design.
How to Choose a Tub Mat That Resists Mildew
Check Your Tub’s Surface
Start by confirming that the mat’s suction cups are suitable for your tub. The Homerella mats are specified for smooth surfaces and should not be used on textured, tiled, or uneven tubs. The XIYUNTE description also highlights suction on smooth surfaces. A mat that cannot attach securely is not a good fit, regardless of its other features.
Measure the Bathing Area
Compare the mat’s length and width with the flat area inside your tub. The options here measure 31.5, 35, and 40 inches long, all with widths around 16 inches. A longer mat can provide more coverage in a larger tub, but it may not sit properly in a smaller bathing area. Leave room for the drain and make sure the mat does not bunch or curl at the edges.
Look for Drainage and Easy Cleaning
Drainage holes help water move through the mat, but they do not replace cleaning. All three options are described as machine washable, with different care instructions: cold water for the 35-inch Homerella, cold or delicate washing for the kids’ Homerella, and below 40°C for the XIYUNTE. Follow the care directions for the specific mat you choose.
Plan How You Will Dry It
Drying between uses is an important part of limiting mildew buildup. Both Homerella mats include two self-adhesive hooks for hanging. The XIYUNTE is meant to air-dry in a ventilated area, but hooks are not listed as included. Before choosing, consider where you can hang the mat so it is not left wet against the tub floor.
Choose a Surface and Material You Prefer
The two Homerella models are vinyl and are described as BPA-free and latex-free; the kids’ version is also described as non-toxic. The XIYUNTE uses TPE, which its product description presents as soft and elastic, with a textured top. Material preferences can help narrow your options, but grip, fit, and care routine should guide the final choice.
Use the Mat Carefully
Before each use, make sure the tub is clean, wet the surface as directed, press the suction cups firmly into place, and check that the mat is secure. Homerella advises against using bath oils and jumping on the mat. A tub mat can help provide traction, but it cannot remove the risk of slipping; use care when entering and exiting the bath.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a tub mat be completely mildew-proof?
No mat can be guaranteed mildew-proof. Drainage holes, regular washing, and letting the mat dry fully between uses can help reduce the chance of mildew developing.
Which of these mats includes hooks for drying?
Both Homerella mats include two self-adhesive hooks. The XIYUNTE description recommends hanging the mat to air-dry but does not list hooks as included.
Can I use a suction-cup mat on a textured tub?
The Homerella product descriptions say their mats are for smooth surfaces, not textured or tiled tubs. Check the instructions for your chosen mat and tub before use; suction cups may not hold securely on uneven surfaces.
How often should I wash a tub mat?
Follow the care directions for your specific mat and wash it regularly. The XIYUNTE description recommends weekly washing. Between washes, rinse away residue and hang the mat to dry.
Which mat is the longest?
The Homerella kids mat is 40 inches long. The standard Homerella is 35 inches, and the XIYUNTE is 31.5 inches.
Are these mats machine washable?
Yes. The product descriptions list machine washing for all three, but the recommended settings differ. Check the instructions for the mat you buy before washing it.
Final Recommendation
The 35-inch Homerella is the most practical all-around choice if your tub has a smooth surface and you want hooks included for drying. Choose the longer Homerella kids mat when you need more coverage in a larger tub, or the XIYUNTE if you prefer a soft TPE mat and a textured feel. Whichever you choose, confirm the fit, secure the suction cups, and wash and dry the mat regularly to help keep it fresh.
