How-to

How to Clean a Bar Mat: Best Methods

How to clean a bar mat with a daily rinse, a vinegar soak for odor, and proper drying, plus which materials can go in the dishwasher.

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A mat that goes back on the bar still damp is the usual reason it starts to smell, and that matters more than how hard it was scrubbed. Cleaning it well is mostly a matter of routine and drying, with a few materials to keep away from it.

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Five steps to a daily clean that keeps grime out of the grooves

Daily cleaning is what keeps the mats in our bar mat picks from turning sticky. A mat's texture is meant to catch liquid, which is also why residue builds in those channels, and the reasoning behind that design is part of understanding bar mat function. The scrub has to reach into the texture rather than skim across the top.

Run through these steps after service, and more often in a busy venue.

  1. Rinse the mat under warm water to lift loose debris and residue.
  2. Scrub both sides with a soft brush or sponge and mild dish soap, working into the textured areas where moisture collects.
  3. Rinse away all the soap until the surface no longer feels slick.
  4. Shake off the excess water.
  5. Stand the mat upright or lay it on a drying rack, with air able to reach both faces, until it is fully dry.

Five steps for a vinegar soak that takes out odor and stains

When a mat still smells sour after a normal wash, or a stain will not lift with soap, a soak does more than scrubbing alone. Use an even mix of white vinegar and water, and keep the mat submerged for the full 30 to 60 minutes. The vinegar smell fades as the mat dries, so the soak leaves no lasting scent behind.

  1. Fill a basin large enough to lay the mat flat with an even mix of white vinegar and water.
  2. Submerge the mat and leave it to soak for 30 to 60 minutes.
  3. Scrub any remaining marks with a soft brush.
  4. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
  5. Air dry fully before storing the mat or returning it to the bar.

Dishwashers and washing machines suit some materials and not others

Rubber and PVC mats generally should not go in the dishwasher, since the heat can warp, crack or break them down. Silicone is different, and several silicone models are labeled dishwasher safe, so that label is what settles the question. The best bar mat comparison notes which models carry the label, which is a quicker check than guessing from the material alone.

A washing machine is a different case. It is not recommended for these mats, because the agitation and spin cycles can damage them. Hand washing as described above is the safer routine for any mat without a clear dishwasher label.

Three cleaners and tools to keep off the mat

Some common cleaning habits shorten a mat's life even when the mat looks fine afterward. Keep these out of the routine:

A weekly deep clean and a clear sign it is time to replace the mat

The daily routine covers most of the work. A fuller scrub once a week keeps residue from setting in, especially in a busy venue. A mat that goes sticky or starts to smell needs attention before the weekly clean comes around.

Replace the mat when it shows deep cracks or tears that trap bacteria, keeps warping or curling, or stays sticky even after a vinegar soak. At that point, cleaning will not restore it.