How to Fix a Slippery Shower Floor or Bathtub: 9 Effective Ways

Moisture, soap, and smooth surfaces make a slippery shower floor a dangerous place in your home. However, making your bathtub or shower non-slip is simple.

The easiest way to fix a slippery shower floor is to add traction with bamboo flooring, while a slippery bathtub is quick to solve with a rubber, anti-slip mat. These options are cheap and fast. However, other effective options can also reduce your chances of slipping.

In this article, we’ll show you nine ways to fix a slippery shower floor or bathtub. For each option, we explain the pros and cons and offer a few recommendations to help you decide the best method for you.

How to Fix a Slippery Shower Floor or Bathtub: 9 Effective Ways

You can use many effective options to reduce your chances of slipping on the shower or bathtub floor. Here are the most likely options, listed from easy to difficult to install.

1. Use Anti-Slip, Non-Abrasive Tape

If you prefer the least noticeable option, go with an anti-slip tape of adhesive treads. You don’t have to clean them as you would with a shower mat regularly, and they’re just as easy to install.

Anti-slip adhesive treads are most common for preventing slipping on the stairs. However, many companies make versions for shower floors and wet surfaces like pools, hot tubs, and boat decks. These adhesive treads are small tape strips that stick to the bathtub or shower floor. The texture provides traction to keep you from falling.

The best part about non-abrasive tape is that you get all the benefits of anti-slip tape without a noticeable appearance. You don’t need to remove the tape to clean the shower either.

The Downside to Adhesive Treads

Anti-slip adhesive tape is an effective way to reduce slipping in the shower, but they have a few downsides.

Installing tape strips is not that complicated. However, people complain that you have to carefully roll out the tread to smooth any air bubble or bumps for it to stick. If your shower floor is not entirely smooth, it could be challenging to install by yourself.

The tape also doesn’t last long. Water causes the treads to lose their stickiness. The tape may start to peel up after a short time, causing you to re-install fresh strips.

Some textured threads are also uncomfortable on the bottom of your feet. Although, the exact texture varies based on the manufacturer.

The Best Anti-Slip Tape & Treads

YBLNTEK Adhesive Non-Slip Sticker Strips come with 24 strips of anti-slip tape and a scraper for removal. They’re long, thin, and transparent. You can stick the treads onto your shower floor for excellent coverage without altering the aesthetic of your room.

The tape is easy enough for beginners to install. Make sure to clean and dry the shower floor before installation for the best results. You can even cut them using regular scissors if the size isn’t suitable for your bathroom.

Removing the strip won’t damage the surface either. The strong adhesive remains in place until you’re ready to remove it with the scraper. And there’s no unsightly residue left behind.

2. Install an Anti-Slip Floor Mat

One of the most common solutions for a slippery shower floor is to install a rubber, anti-slip shower mat. Rubber mats are typically inexpensive and easy to install without tools. All you need is to set the mat in your shower or bathtub to add traction immediately.

Anti-slip floor mats are made from plastic, vinyl, PVC, or rubber. They often have suction cups on the bottom to prevent slippage. You can find options in many shapes and sizes.

The Downside to an Anti-Slip Shower Mat

Before you purchase an anti-slip floor mat, consider the downsides. This option is quick and easy, but it’s not always practical.

An anti-slip floor mat does not guarantee you won’t slip. Rubber mats still move on the surface, particularly when they’re wet. Moisture and soap scum can stick between the mat and floor, causing the suction cup to malfunction. It’s impossible to keep moisture from lingering underneath a shower mat.

For this reason, you also need to wash the bath mat frequently. Regular cleaning prevents mold, mildew, and bacteria from growing.

The cleaning process takes time as well. You must scrub between each suction cup, which requires more effort and time than cleaning the shower itself.

However, proper installation can keep shower mats from sliding and causing an accident. It’s best to clean the shower or bath surface thoroughly. Make sure it’s dry before sticking the suction cups in place. They won’t adhere to wet surfaces coated in soap scum.

If you have a textured shower floor, you may also find that a shower mat doesn’t work for you. They only stick well to smooth surfaces.

Finally, a shower mat is functional, but it’s not an attractive piece of bathroom decor. If you value bathroom aesthetics, you might need to consider an alternative to a standard shower mat.

The Best Anti-Slip Shower Mat

If you have a rectangular bathtub or stand-up shower, consider the Gorilla Grip Shower Mat. It’s a high-rated anti-slip mat that covers nearly the entire shower floor. Over 300 tiny suction cups span the bottom to prevent sliding, and the mat features holes throughout to provide airflow and room for moisture to evaporate.

Gorilla Grip mats are also highly safe. They’re anti-bacterial and mildew-resistant. Plus, the material is BPA-free and non-toxic. Plus, you can wash the mat in the washing machine on the cold setting for simple cleaning.

With a 10-year warranty, what’s left to lose? Return the mat if you’re unsatisfied for any reason, and the company will not ask questions. You’ll receive a full refund for your order.

3. Purchase a Bamboo Shower Floor

A bamboo shower floor is similar to a shower mat. However, it has a much better appearance and provides a spa-like feel. Premium bamboo floor mats are often just as easy to install as shower mats with suction cups; only they’re easier to clean.

All you must do is unfold the may and place it on the shower floor. You can fold it back up for storage when it’s not in use and quickly wipe it down for regular cleaning.

Another bonus to bamboo is the material. Bamboo is a much more renewable and durable material compared to plastic. It’s better for the environment because bamboo grows just as fast as we cut it down to make products, and it’s entirely waterproof.

Plus, the slatted design allows for water and airflow without causing you to slip. The wood is fully secured to the floor with soft pads to keep it in place. And efficient air circulation allows for the material to dry faster.

The Downside to a Bamboo Shower Floor

If you’re using the bath mat to dry your feet, a bamboo shower floor is not an adequate replacement. Bamboo also is not for everyone. The aesthetic may not fit with your bathroom.

The material also requires a small amount of upkeep to prevent mold or mildew.

The Best Bamboo Shower Floor

The Premium Bamboo Bathroom Floor Mat from the Bambusi Store is a top-rated, non-slip shower floor mat. You can fold it for storage, and the stylish design makes it feel like you’re spending time in a spa rather than your home.

The bamboo provides a comfortable wood surface for your feet, and it’s waterproof. Constructed from 100% Moso bamboo, the material is renewable and eco-friendly. You can expect your bamboo floor mat to hold up for years to come.

Plus, Bambusi offers a 100% money-back guarantee. Try it on your shower floor, or move it outdoors by the pool area or backyard. It’s gorgeous enough to show off as a decorative piece indoors or out.

4. Make Your Storage Accessible

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that millions of Americans sustain injuries from slipping in the shower or bathtub each year. Many bathroom-related falls take place because you’re reaching for something you can’t quite grasp.

To reduce the likelihood of slipping while bathing, keep your shampoos, soaps, towels, and other bath accessories within reach. Maintain an accessible storage space for bath necessities, so you don’t have to overextend when you need to reach something.

5. Try a Non-Slip Bathtub and Shower Coating

Many anti-slip formulas include a liquid that coats your shower or bathtub floor. They’re excellent options if you want permanent traction you can apply directly to the floor, so you never have to deal with cleaning shower mats or adhesive tape peeling up over time.

These non-slip formulas seem more intimidating to install, but the process is easy enough for beginners. The steps may vary based on the manufacturer. In general, you’ll want to clean the shower floor thoroughly. Allow it to dry. Apply the formula, tapping off the area you stand the most, and use a roller to spread the coating evenly across the surface.

You’ll need to leave the coating to dry for multiple hours. Most brands take at least five hours of dry time. The coating dries clear afterward.

You can even apply coatings to uneven floors, such as tile. This feature allows a bathtub and shower coating to win over shower mats and adhesive treads.

The Downside to Anti-Slip Coatings

Anti-slip coatings are a fantastic way to add traction without impacting the appearance of your shower. However, the main downside is that they take more time and effort to install.

Compared to a shower mat or adhesive tape, applying the coating takes careful work. You have to tape off an area to coat and roll the formula across the surface evenly. The project could become messy if you’re not paying attention.

The other downside is that the coating may peel, mainly if you clean using harsh chemicals or bleach. Scrubbing with intense, abrasive sponges may also cause issues.

The Best Anti-Slip Coatings

Slip Doctors Tub Grip is a non-slip clear bathtub coating you can use on fiberglass and acrylic bathtubs and showers. The kit includes a small roller for installation and a plastic scraper for removal later. The formula has a low odor to help with applying the coating, and you can even install it on tile, concrete, and other surfaces.

The best part about Slip Doctors is the clear, barefoot-friendly surface. It’s textured to prevent slipping but comfortable to stand on. The company also offers a 100% money-back guarantee and a two-year warranty if you properly install the product and decide you don’t like it.

6. Apply a Non-Slip Floor Treatment for Tile and Stone

If your bathroom features tile or stone, you may need to find a floor treatment for the material. Some liquid-based coatings only add traction to smooth fiberglass, porcelain, ceramic, and acrylic surfaces. Porous tile and stone require special care.

Like bathtub coatings, this non-slip treatment is a more permanent solution. You don’t have to clean them the way you do with shower mats each week, and they dry clear.

The Downside to Anti-Slip Formulas

Compared to other non-slip bathroom products, formulas for tile and stone typically take just as long to install. You could wait for the coating to dry from anywhere between 10 minutes to five hours.

Like other anti-slip formulas, the coating you apply has a limited lifespan. They’re one of the more permanent solutions in that you don’t have to remove and clean them regularly. However, regular grout and tile cleaning could wear away the effectiveness of the coating. You may need to re-apply the formula for optimal protection.

The Best Non-Slip Treatment for Tile and Stone

Slip Doctors Non-Slip Floor Treatment for Tile and Stone in an indoor and outdoor product that you can use to add traction to slippery shower floors. The formula only takes minutes to apply, and a well-known name in the industry makes it.

This option is perfect for natural surfaces like porcelain, ceramic tiles, terrazzo, slate, brick, marble, granite, and more. You must fully clean the tub or shower floor and remove any wax, polish, or sealers to apply the treatment. Stone Grip locks onto the minerals in the flooring and creates traction with micro-treads. The appearance of your shower remains the same.

Compared to other non-slip treatments, Stone Grip is nearly odorless. The treatment only takes between five and 15 minutes, so you can use the surface in no time. Plus, the results last for over two years with proper maintenance. There’s even a 30-day money-back guarantee.

7. Buy a Grab Bar or Handle

If you have more time to install a permanent solution, a grab bar might be ideal for you. You can use a handle or grab bar with any of the other options on this list, as you’ll never be able to remove the chances of an accident in the shower altogether.

Grab bars take a bit more time to install than some other methods, but it provides something sturdy to reach for if you lose your balance. You install some grab bars via the suction cups on the back, while others are screwed directly into the shower wall. Suction cups are quicker and easier to install while screwing in the handle provides more stability.

Many manufacturers make grab bars, so there are plenty of attractive options to choose from on the market today. You can find them in chrome, plastic, or various other materials.

Plus, grab bars and handles are highly recommended if you’re updating your bathroom to meet aging-in-place requirements.

The Downside to Grab Bars and Handles

Depending on the type of grab bar you purchase, it may not be secure. Suction cups may slip from the wall. If you have tiles or painted surfaces, a grab bar will not stick. You can only install them along a flat, non-porous surface. Thus, not everyone can rely on handles for safety.

The Best Grab Bars

The Moen YG0718CH Bathroom Safety Grab Bar is a chrome designer-friendly safety bar. It provides a secure hold and comfortable grip, and the bar can support up to 500 pounds when installed in the wall. It’s built to last.

You can even purchase this grab bar in varying lengths, including 12, 18, 24, or 36 inches. The bar coordinates with other Iso collection bars and handles as well, so you can coordinate your bathroom design to match.

However, the secure mounts needed to screw the bar into the wall don’t come with the bar. You may need to purchase the braces separately or hire a professional for installation.

8. Invest in a New Bathtub or Shower

If you’ve tried every non-slip treatment and formula you can think of and nothing works, you may need to invest in a new bathtub or shower. Some surfaces are too slippery. Investing in a new tub or shower allows you to re-finish the bathroom and select materials with more traction.

You may want to shell out the money for a new tub or shower if yours is outdated or you’re reaching old age and want something more functional for you.

The Downside to Purchasing a New Tub or Shower

This solution is expensive. You may pay a lot of money for the materials and labor cost that comes with installing the tub or shower. Renovations are costly and take a long time. You’ll also need to consider a new bathroom arrangement while the work takes place.

9. Replace Tiles with Non-Slip Ones

When no other option works for you, consider replacing your bathroom tiles with non-slip options. Some manufacturers produce tiles that are not slippery. They typically include more grip using a clear, matte glaze – sometimes over ceramic or porcelain. There are even options that take on a wood-like appearance.

The textured surface is comfortable to walk across, and it reduces the risk of injury. They’re much safer than ordinary tile. Plus, non-slip tiles tend to keep the tile aesthetic and performance of porcelain. But when it comes to stains and scratches, they hold up much longer.

You can buy these tiles in various finishes and patterns. There’s an option for every style.

The Downside to Non-Slip Tiles

Replacing the tiles in your bathroom can be extremely costly. You need to pay for the price of each tile, grout, and manual labor. The cost is the most expensive out of all the solutions on this list.

With non-slip tiles, you also have fewer options to choose from than traditional tiles. It could be more demanding for you to find a similar tile you like.

Plus, it may seem like the most permanent solution, but the effects may not last forever. Non-slip tile, like any other flooring type, gets worn down over time. The anti-slip effects won’t last more than a few years without proper maintenance. You have to re-apply an anti-slip treatment to the tiles every few years to boost the lifespan.

Summary

The shower or bathtub floor is one of the most dangerous places in your home. However, it doesn’t have to be for long. You can use many different options to fix the problem, from buying a shower mat to installing an entirely new shower. The best choice depends on your needs.

What have you tried to make your shower floor or bathtub less slippery? If you learned a new solution in our articles, let us know. Share your experiences in the comments, and please relay our tips to your friends and family.