Diatomite bath math offers something traditional mats didn’t; it’s extremely water absorbent and doesn’t need to be washed regularly. That being said, diatomite consists of pores on its surface to let water in, which also means dirt and dust could clog them and making the mat become less absorbent.
So, after a while, the mat has to be cleaned to maintain its effectiveness. Unlike regular mats, cleaning diatomaceous material is a lot easier as no detergent nor water is involved.
In the steps below, I will show you how I clean my diatomite mat effectively. But first, there are several things you have to prepare:
- Face mask to cover your nose
- Metal sponge
- Vacuum cleaner or brush
Now, let’s get into the guide.
#1 Wear a face mask
Cleaning residue can be unpleasant to your nose and the smell isn’t particularly welcome either. Though sounds trivial, wearing a mask could protect your respiratory system from the leftover soil after cleaning the mat. You can wear a normal face mask made of fabric or anything that is available.
#2 Rub the bathmat with a stainless steel sponge
Stainless steel sponge is the best kind of sponge for this particular job. It can easily scrape the surface, removing any debris that otherwise wouldn’t be possible with a traditional sponge found in a dishwasher. Make sure you rub evenly in all areas. If there’s a stubborn stain, apply a little more pressure to clean it
This cleaning process will thin the mat over time. But no worry, most diatomite mats can be cleaned in this manner for years and still relatively usable. After all, we are just scratching the surface.
#3 Clean residue with a vacuum cleaner
Now, turn on your handheld vacuum cleaner and let it suck the fine residue on the mat surface and around it. A vacuum cleaner is recommended on this one since it’s faster and ensures the mat is clean as new. For anyone who doesn’t own a vacuum, a regular brush or broom can be a decent alternative albeit not as effective.
When should I clean a diatomite mat?
It really depends on how many people using the mat, how many times being used, and other factors like humidity level, air pollution, diatomite quality, etc. In my experience, I only need to clean it once a week or sometimes two weeks to maintain its ideal function. But if there are many people in your house, expect to clean it twice or even three times a week.
To combat frequent cleaning, consider placing multiple diatomaceous mats in the bathroom or use one massive mat instead.
