Non Slip Bath Mats That Grip a Wet Tub and Stay Put
The Gorilla Grip Bath Tub and Shower Mat offers the most reliable suction and drainage combination for smooth tubs. The YINENN Bath Tub Shower Mat is the better value long mat for full length coverage, and the SlipX Solutions Extra Long Mat suits deeper tubs where you need more coverage.
The Gorilla Grip Bath Tub and Shower Mat is the non slip mat that solves the problem for most bathrooms, because the dense suction cup pattern and generous drainage holes keep it planted while letting water clear rather than pooling underneath. If you need to cover more of a long tub the YINENN Bath Tub Shower Mat is the better value option, and for deeper or longer baths the SlipX Solutions extra long mat is the one that reaches.
Non slip bath mats fail in two predictable ways. Suction cups will not hold on textured or refinished tub surfaces no matter how many the mat has, and any mat that traps water underneath grows mould within weeks. We compared suction cup density and layout, drainage hole size and distribution, material and antimicrobial treatment, and what owners report about grip after a few months of soap residue building up.
What we recommend
Gorilla Grip Patented Bath Tub and Shower Mat
This mat combines a very high suction cup count with hundreds of drainage holes, which is the combination that keeps it both stuck down and free of trapped water. The textured top surface gives grip underfoot without feeling harsh. Owners report it stays put well on smooth acrylic and enamel tubs, though like all suction mats it struggles on textured floors.
Pros
- Very strong suction on smooth tub surfaces
- Extensive drainage prevents water pooling
- Machine washable for regular cleaning
Cons
- Will not grip textured or refinished tubs
- Suction weakens as soap film builds up
YINENN Bath Tub Shower Mat, 40 by 16 Inches
At forty inches this mat covers most of a standard tub floor, which matters because slips often happen where the mat ends rather than on it. The material is soft underfoot and includes an antibacterial treatment. Based on specifications it is the best coverage per outlay here, provided your tub surface is smooth enough for suction.
Pros
- Longer than most mats for fuller coverage
- Soft underfoot rather than harsh textured
- Antibacterial treatment slows mildew
Cons
- Suction cups are less dense than the Gorilla Grip
- Long mat is awkward to hang and dry
OTHWAY Non Slip Bathtub Mat
This smaller square mat is designed for shower stalls and the standing area of a tub rather than covering the full floor. The soft rubbery material is comfortable to stand on and the suction is strong for the size. It is easier to lift, dry and clean than a full length mat, which helps with mildew.
Pros
- Fits shower stalls and small tubs
- Comfortable soft surface
- Easy to lift and dry after each use
Cons
- Covers only part of a full length tub
- Small size can shift if not centred
SlipX Solutions Extra Long Bath Mat
SlipX Solutions makes one of the longer mats available, which suits deep soaking tubs and full length baths where standard mats leave bare areas. The suction cup layout extends to the edges rather than stopping short. It is a large piece of vinyl to clean and dry, so plan on hanging it after use.
Pros
- Covers the length of deep and long tubs
- Suction extends fully to the mat edges
- Textured top gives good underfoot grip
Cons
- Large and awkward to wash and dry
- Vinyl can retain a smell when new
Tike Smart Extra Long Non Slip Bathtub Mat
This long mat pairs a high suction cup count with a softer surface that suits children sitting down in the bath rather than just standing. It is treated to resist mildew and is machine washable. The trade off with any long mat is that it stays wet longer, so it needs lifting between uses.
Pros
- Comfortable for children sitting in the tub
- Long coverage reduces bare wet areas
- Mildew resistant treatment
Cons
- Stays damp unless lifted after use
- Needs a smooth surface for full suction
Yimobra Original Bath Tub Shower Mat
Yimobra’s mat prioritises drainage with a large number of holes across the whole surface, which keeps water moving rather than sitting between the mat and the tub. That is the single biggest factor in how quickly a mat starts to smell. Suction is good rather than exceptional, so it suits genuinely smooth tubs.
Pros
- Excellent drainage keeps the underside drier
- Machine washable
- Soft enough to be comfortable underfoot
Cons
- Suction is average compared with the Gorilla Grip
- Holes need occasional cleaning to stay clear
Genteele Memory Foam Bath Mat
This is a bathroom floor mat rather than an in tub mat, with a memory foam top and a rubberised non slip backing that holds on tile. It addresses the other half of the bathroom slip problem, which is stepping out onto a wet floor. It should be used alongside an in tub mat, not instead of one.
Pros
- Addresses slips when stepping out of the tub
- Absorbent and comfortable underfoot
- Backing grips tile well
Cons
- Not for use inside the tub
- Takes a long time to dry in humid bathrooms
Side by side
| # | Model | Size | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Gorilla Grip Patented Bath Tub and Shower Mat | Roughly 35 by 16 inches | Best overall | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | YINENN Bath Tub Shower Mat, 40 by 16 Inches | 40 by 16 inches | Best value | 9.2 | Check price |
| 3 | OTHWAY Non Slip Bathtub Mat | Compact square format | Best for small tubs and shower stalls | 9.0 | Check price |
| 4 | SlipX Solutions Extra Long Bath Mat | Extra long format for full tubs | Best for long or deep tubs | 8.8 | Check price |
| 5 | Tike Smart Extra Long Non Slip Bathtub Mat | Extra long tub coverage | Best for households with children | 8.6 | Check price |
| 6 | Yimobra Original Bath Tub Shower Mat | Extensive hole pattern across the mat | Best drainage design | 8.3 | Check price |
| 7 | Genteele Memory Foam Bath Mat | Bathroom floor mat | Best for outside the tub | 8.0 | Check price |
What to look for
Suction cups only work on smooth surfaces This is the single most important thing to know before buying. Suction requires an airtight seal, so a mat will grip acrylic and enamel tubs well and will not grip textured non slip tub floors, refinished surfaces or tiled shower bases. If your tub already has a moulded texture, look for a rubber mat that relies on its own weight and material friction rather than suction cups, and expect to reposition it occasionally.
Drainage is what stops mould Any water trapped between the mat and the tub becomes a mould culture within weeks. Mats with many drainage holes let that water clear, and lifting the mat and hanging it after each bath makes a much bigger difference than any antimicrobial treatment. If a mat only has a few holes around the edges, expect black spotting on the underside within a month or two.
Material choices and comfort PVC and vinyl mats are the most common and offer a good balance of grip and softness. Natural rubber mats grip well and resist mildew better, but they are heavier and can mark some tub finishes. Textured plastic mats grip strongly underfoot but feel harsh, which matters if children sit down in the bath. Consider who uses the tub and how before prioritising grip alone.
Coverage, cleaning and replacement Slips often happen at the edge of a mat where the tub is bare, so a longer mat is genuinely safer than a small one. Wash mats regularly, either in a machine on a gentle cycle if the manufacturer allows or by scrubbing with a bathroom cleaner. Replace any mat once the suction cups have hardened or the surface has gone slick, since a mat that slides is more dangerous than no mat at all.
Common questions
Why do bath mat suction cups stop sticking?
Usually soap film and body oil build up on the tub surface or on the cups themselves, breaking the seal. Clean both the tub and the underside of the mat with a degreasing bathroom cleaner. If the cups have hardened with age, the mat needs replacing.
Do non slip mats work on textured tubs?
Suction mats do not, because they cannot form a seal on a textured surface. For a textured or refinished tub, look for a heavier rubber mat that grips through friction and weight instead, and accept that it may need repositioning.
How do I stop a bath mat going mouldy?
Lift it after every bath and hang it to dry, which matters more than any antimicrobial treatment. Choose a mat with plenty of drainage holes and wash it regularly. Mould grows in the trapped water between the mat and the tub, not on the surface you can see.
Can bath mats be machine washed?
Many can, including the Gorilla Grip and Yimobra mats, usually on a gentle cold cycle. Check the manufacturer instructions, avoid hot water which can deform the suction cups, and always air dry rather than tumble drying.
What size bath mat should I buy?
Longer is generally safer, because slips often happen at the edge of a mat where the tub is bare. A mat of at least thirty five inches suits a standard tub, and extra long options such as the SlipX Solutions mat cover deep or long baths.
Are bath mats safe for elderly users?
They help significantly, but they are one part of bathroom safety rather than a complete solution. Combine an in tub mat with a floor mat outside the tub and, where mobility is limited, properly installed grab rails fitted to studs or with appropriate fixings.
How often should a bath mat be replaced?
Once the suction cups harden, the surface feels slick underfoot, or staining will not wash out, which is typically after one to two years of daily use. A mat that slides is more dangerous than no mat, so replace rather than persevere.
Do I need a mat inside the tub and outside it?
Ideally yes. The in tub mat prevents slipping while showering, and a floor mat with a rubberised backing such as the Genteele memory foam mat prevents slipping on wet tile as you step out. They solve different problems.
The verdict
The Gorilla Grip Bath Tub and Shower Mat is the pick for most bathrooms because it combines strong suction with the drainage that keeps the underside from turning black. Choose the YINENN mat if you want longer coverage for less, and the SlipX Solutions extra long mat for deep tubs where standard mats leave too much bare surface.
