Kmart shopper's warning over popular $9 caravan item: 'Not happy'

As more and more Aussies set out for summer caravanning trips, they are on the hunt for affordable items that can make their travels more comfortable. Kmart is frequently one of the first places they turn to, as the budget retailer has become known for being full of handy products that campers and caravanners swear by.

While nifty Kmart items such as silicone ice cube trays and folding camping chairs have been praised by travellers, one shopper has shared a warning about a different popular item that quite a few people have purchased for their vans. The item in question is the retailer's $9 Soft Toggle Bath Mat, with several customers sharing their negative experiences with the product.

Taking to Facebook, the Kmart shopper shared, "Please be aware I got these bath mats from Kmart thinking I was doing the right thing by not using rubber-backed mats on our caravan floor, but unfortunately, these mats have stained my floors 😢."

She added, "I looked online at the Kmart website and it does have a warning not to use on lino! I wished I looked before I got them."

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Sure enough, the Kmart website warns, "Do not use on vinyl/lino type flooring as colour staining may occur."

"Same happened to me," one user responded, adding, "Mine stuck to the floor due to heat. Didn't read instructions."

"Mine too, floor ruined," another said.

"Yep, I did the same… I can’t get the marks off my floor," a third shared, while several others shared that they too "learned the hard way unfortunately".

"Thanks for the heads up I literally just got one to put in the new caravan 😳 hope you can get it out maybe try those magic erasers?" someone else suggested.

"Since they changed the country they were made in the label said this," one user pointed out. "I figured it might be using a different dye or something. Anyway, I washed the new ones I got in wool wash and eucalyptus oil about 4 times before I used them in the van and haven’t had any issues."

"I use the Kmart $2 dish draining mats as bath mats as they dry quickly and the larger memory foam bath mats as floor mats as they don’t damage the vinyl," another said.

"I have the same and never had an issue - but I don’t leave it on the floor once showered I hang it to dry out maybe that might be the difference - thanks for sharing I will definitely keep an eye on it," one Kmart fan wrote.

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One disappointed shopper added, "I just bought 4 after recommendations on a caravan page and now have seen not to be used on vinyl. Will use them in house but disappointed as I asked so many questions on the page and was reassured no issues. At least they suit my bathroom."

"I’ve got gym/yoga mats under mine," one user suggested. "Helps insulate the floor & makes it a bit more comfy to walk on... Haven't had an issue just yet."

Others suggested IKEA's TOFTBO Bath Mat, which is just $8, as another option that looks similar and reviewers say is the "best value for money".

Having said all of this, if you're not a caravan user, then you might love this bath mat!

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