How To Clean Bar Mats (5 Ways To Get Mold Off & Dishwasher Safe) - CustomCoastersNow.Com
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How to Clean Bar Mats: 5 Best Ways And Are They Dishwasher Safe

In a hospitality setting, cleanliness is all-important, and you shouldn't neglect how to clean bar mats. In this post, we explore the best methods available and discuss whether bar mats are dishwasher safe. Discover 5 effective solutions for keeping your bar mats in pristine condition to create a clean, inviting environment for your patrons. Read on to learn how to maximize the longevity of these important bartop accessories.

How to Clean Bar Mats: 5 Best Ways And Are They Dishwasher Safe

Key Takeaways

  • Learning how to clean bar mats is important for maintaining a clean and hygienic bar setup.
  • Most bar mats are not safe for cleaning in dishwashers or washing machines and should be hand washed using mild cleaning solutions.
  • You can use household ingredients like baking soda, white vinegar, and lemon to clean bar mats.
  • Other products like mild detergents and specialist mold removers may be helpful to keep your bar mats clean.
  • We supply high-quality customized coasters and can produce bar mats to your specifications that are waterproof and easy to maintain.

How To Clean Bar Mats Using Proven Techniques And Tips

Knowing how to clean bar mats effectively is essential to maintain hygiene and safety in your bar. There are slightly different approaches for different materials, like how to clean cork drink coasters, but the following applies to most:

  • Rinsing: You can do this with warm water to remove debris.
  • Deeper cleaning: This is typically done with a mild detergent or dish soap and a soft brush or sponge.
  • Air drying: This is the best way to ensure your mats dry fully without being damaged.

Note whether the bar mat material is washable, as some are disposable, and avoid harsh chemicals that might damage your mats. In some cases, vinegar or baking soda solutions can effectively remove stubborn stains.


Clean your bar mats regularly to provide a clean environment for patrons.

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Are Bar Mats Dishwashers Safe? Using Appliances In Cleaning Bar Mats

Bar mats are typically made of a material like rubber or silicone, and are generally not considered dishwasher safe. The high temperatures and harsh detergents in a dishwasher might damage the material, causing warping or deterioration. Washing machines are also not suitable for cleaning bar mats, as the agitators and spin cycles could damage them.

We recommend cleaning bar mats manually, hand washing with warm water and a mild detergent. If you encounter stubborn stains, a soft brush or sponge should be sufficient to remove them. Abrasive cleaners should be avoided as they might degrade the material.

Order high-quality custom bar coasters from us and follow the guidelines to hand wash them to prolong their lifespan. This will ensure you maintain hygiene standards in your bar.

Can Bar Mats Go In The Washing Machine?

We cannot recommend putting bar mats in the washing machine as there is a high risk of damage. Things like central agitators and spin cycles could cause the mats to become torn or warped, especially if they are made of rubber or silicone. Washing machines are designed for fabrics, so bar mat materials may not withstand the rigors of washing.

If you choose to use a washing machine and disregard these risks, we recommend that you take the following precautions:

  • Place the mats in a mesh laundry bag or pillowcase to protect from rough surfaces.
  • Use a gentle cycle and don’t use any harsh detergents.
  • After washing, air dry the mats flat to retain their shape.

We strongly urge you to hand wash your beer mats as the safest, most effective method of keeping them clean.

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How To Clean Bar Mats With Household Items

Learning how to clean bar mats with household items like baking soda, white vinegar, or lemon can be cost-effective and efficient. Baking soda and vinegar combine to create a powerful cleaning solution, while lemon can be mixed with salt to create a natural abrasive that tackles tough grime.

Household items offer several benefits for cleaning bar mats, particularly for people with small quantities for a home bar:

  • The materials are readily available.
  • They are environmentally friendly and safer than harsh chemicals.
  • They may save you money and reduce the need for specialized cleaning products.

By applying simple ingredients found in most kitchens, you can maintain cleanliness and hygiene in your home bar in a convenient, accessible way. But this may not be the best approach for larger bars where you have bought custom bar coasters in bulk.

Using Baking Soda And Vinegar

Learn how to clean beer mats with baking soda and white vinegar for a simple, effective solution. Here’s the step-by-step:

  1. Mix equal parts baking soda and white vinegar, creating a paste-like consistency.
  2. Apply the paste to the bar mat surface, focusing on stains and grime.
  3. Use a soft brush or sponge and scrub gently, working the paste into the material.
  4. Allow the solution to sit for 5-10 minutes to penetrate and loosen the dirt.
  5. Rinse the mats thoroughly with warm water to remove the solution.
  6. Repeat the process if needed for more stubborn stains.
  7. Pat dry with a clean towel then allow to air dry completely.

Follow these steps closely to clean and refresh your bar mats and prepare them for use in your home bar or entertainment area.

Lemon And Salt Cleaning Method

Lemon and salt can create an effective and natural mixture for cleaning your bar mats. Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Cut a lemon in half and sprinkle salt over the cut edge.
  2. Rub the lemon half onto the surface of the bar mats, focusing on areas with grime or stains.
  3. Allow the lemon and salt mixture to sit on the mat for a few minutes to lift the dirt.
  4. Scrub with a soft brush or sponge to work the mixture in.
  5. Rinse the mats thoroughly with warm water to remove the solution.
  6. Pat dry with a clean towel and allow to air dry completely.


The natural acidity of the lemon combines with the abrasive texture of the salt for a powerful yet gentle cleaning action. This can be very effective at removing stains and odors from bar mats with no harsh chemicals, leaving behind a fresh citrus scent.

an impressive home bar setup for how to clean bar mats

What's The Best Way To Clean Bar Mats?

The best method for cleaning bar mats depends on the material and the type of dirt or stains present. Gentle yet powerful cleaning agents tailored to the material and stain type are best, such as using baking soda and white vinegar or using a mild detergent. Here are some of the best approaches to clean your cool beer coasters.

Mild Detergent

A mild detergent like dish soap can be used in combination with warm water to clean bar mats. This method usually requires some gentle scrubbing with a soft brush or sponge before air drying to remove stains, grime, and odors.

Baking Soda And White Vinegar

For rubber or silicone mats, making a solution with these common kitchen ingredients is effective at removing stains and odors whilst being gentle on the material. The lemon and salt method may work for more stubborn stains.

Washing Machine

If you have fabric bar mats, machine washing on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent could be the best approach. This is not suitable for rubber or silicone, or for rigid materials like cork and wood.

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How Do You Deep Clean Rubber Mats?

It is crucial to deep clean rubber bar mats to maintain hygiene and prolong their lifespan. Here’s how it can be done:

  1. Rinse the mats with warm water to remove loose dirt.
  2. Prepare a cleaning solution of equal parts mild detergent and warm water.
  3. Use a soft brush or sponge to scrub the mats with the cleaning solution.
  4. For more stubborn stains, apply a paste of baking soda and white vinegar.
  5. Rinse the mats thoroughly with clean water.
  6. (Optional) Sanitize the mats by spraying them with a disinfectant solution before allowing them to air dry.


By following these steps, you will leave your rubber bar mats clean and ready for use in your bar or other environment.

Can You Clean Rubber Bar Mats With Vinegar?

Vinegar is a natural and effective cleaner for rubber beer mats. Here’s a simple recipe for how to clean rubber beer mats with vinegar:

  1. Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle.
  2. Spray the vinegar solution onto the rubber beer mats, particularly where there are stains or grime.
  3. Leave the vinegar solution to sit for 5-10 minutes so that it penetrates the buildup.
  4. Scrub the mats with a soft brush or sponge, working the vinegar solution in.
  5. Rinse the vinegar solution away thoroughly with clean water.
  6. Pat dry with a clean towel or allow the mats to air dry completely.

With this simple and natural cleaning method, you will effectively remove most stains and odors from your rubber beer mats. And you won’t need to use any harsh chemicals.

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How To Get Mold Out Of Bar Mats

It is very important to prevent and remove mold from bar mats to maintain hygiene. Here are some strategies for preventing mold:

  • Store your beer mats in a dry, well-ventilated area away from moisture.
  • Regularly inspect and clean your mats so mold cannot set in.

If you find that mold starts growing on your bar mats, you should do the following:

  1. Brush off loose spores outdoors to prevent them from spreading.
  2. Mix a solution of equal parts white vinegar and water.
  3. Apply the solution to the affected area and scrub with a soft brush
  4. If the mold is stubborn, sprinkle baking soda over the area and scrub.
  5. Rinse thoroughly and air dry completely.

There are also commercial mold cleaners that contain bleach or hydrogen peroxide that can remove mold effectively. If you order custom beer mats from us, regular cleaning and optimal storage should be sufficient to prevent mold.

Does Vinegar Remove Mold Stains From Bar Mats?

Vinegar can be helpful for removing mold stains from bar mats. The acidity can break down the mold and lift stains from the surface of your mats. To do it, simply mix equal parts white vinegar and water, apply the solution to the affected areas, and scrub gently with a soft brush or sponge.


After a few minutes of sitting on the affected area, the vinegar solution should penetrate the mold stain so that you can rinse it away with clean water. Repeat the process as necessary until the mold stains are fully removed. As a natural and cost-effective resource, vinegar is a great way to tackle mold stains or bar mats.

How Often Should Bar Mats Be Cleaned?

Bar mats should be cleaned frequently to keep up with good hygiene standards, preventing buildups of things like:

  • Dirt
  • Grime
  • Odors

Ideally, bar mats should be cleaned daily, particularly in busy environments like popular bars. This way, you ensure that spills and stains are addressed promptly to prevent them becoming stubborn and difficult to remove.


Regular cleaning helps extend the lifespan of your bar mats. You can enhance this effect by making your coasters waterproof or choosing ones that are naturally waterproof. In a less busy area, like a home bar, a weekly cleaning schedule may be enough. Just be sure to assess the condition of the mats regularly.

a hand with soap suds for how to clean bar mats

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What Is The Point Of Bar Mats?

There is more than one answer to the question of what coasters are used for in a bar setting. These include:

  • Enhancing operational efficiency and safety.
  • Providing a non-slip surface to prevent glasses and bottles from sliding.
  • Absorbing excess liquid to keep bar areas clean and dry.

Our custom bar mats offer practical benefits like featuring logos or other designs, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of your bar while promoting brand awareness. Furthermore, they can be personalized with specific designs or messages to serve as promotional tools for events and promotions.


Altogether, bar mats play a crucial role in a safe, organized, visually-appealing bar environment.

Frequently Asked Questions About How To Clean Bar Mats

How Do You Clean A Bar Mat?

To clean bar mats, you should rinse them, apply a cleaning solution, then rinse clean and leave to air dry. The cleaning solution you use depends on your needs and the material of your mats.

What's The Best Way To Remove Mold From Bar Mats?

The best way to remove mold is to use a solution of white vinegar or a specialist mold remover to tackle the fungus and its stains. This is important for good hygiene in your bar.

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