You've finished cleaning your bathroom, but something still seems awry. You've scrubbed the tub, wiped down the mirrors, and dusted off the countertops. The realization hits when you look down to see a sad-looking bathroom rug.

Between dirty shoes, wet feet, and product spills, bath mat stains and troublesome spots tend to pop up often and out of nowhere. Whether you're looking to clean a memory foam bath mat, a cotton or nylon rug, or a bamboo mat, it's easiest to use one cleaner that addresses everything from stains to mildew smells.

DIYers often turn to a tried-and-true mixture of baking soda and white vinegar to clean bath mat stains. The fizzy reaction makes it seem like something is happening, but baking soda is a base and vinegar is an acid. Combining the two creates a chemical reaction leaving you with carbon dioxide, water, and trace amounts of salt. This is not always going to be strong enough to lift set-in stains. Neither ingredient is a surfactant, either, so they will do little to help carry away loose soils.

Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner is a cleaner, deodorizer, and stain remover that powers out dirt and grime on washable surfaces and all types of rugs, including nylon, microfiber, chenille, and cotton.

It's best to clean the bathroom rugs once a week if they are getting used several times a day via multiple showers or kids' bath times. If your bathroom sees less traffic, deep clean bath rugs at least every three to four weeks.

Directions for Cleaning a Bath Mat:

If you're unsure about how Simple Green will affect a surface, be sure to spot test before cleaning. Always be sure to check the tags on your bathroom mats first to be aware of any manufacturer-suggested products or washer and dryer instructions. Do not allow your Simple Green solution to dry onto soft surfaces.

1. Pre-clean. Head outside, if possible, and shake your rug out to get rid of any loose dirt and hair. Then remove any mess and blot up liquid from the carpet before you begin cleaning.
2. Prepare your Simple Green spot cleaning solution. Mix 1 ounce of Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner with 1 cup of water in an empty spray bottle.
3. Wet. Dampen stained areas with clean water. Avoid using hot water, as it will only make stains more difficult to remove.
4. Apply your Simple Green solution. Spray the solution onto any stains.
5. Soak. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak.
6. Blot. Gently rub and blot with a clean damp towel or absorbent cloth.
7. Allow the rug to air dry completely. Make sure stains have lifted completely before you throw the mat in the washing machine. If any stains remain, repeat steps 1 through 6.
8. Wash as usual. Once you're sure all stains have been removed, finish the process by washing your bath mat in cold water with your usual laundry detergent. If the mat has rubber backing, it's best to air dry instead of placing it in a dryer.