How long ago was the last time your mats were cleaned? It was a week ago. A month ago?Perhaps a month ago? Although they are our first-line defense against dirt and moisture on our floors, many doormats get overlooked which can reduce their effectiveness.
It may feel tedious to clean your doormats. However, a clean mat will help you keep your flooring looking great by keeping dirt and grime off. Clean doormats can save you money and time in the long term.
How Do I Clean My Door mats?
Most doormats can be vacuumed regularly to get rid of dirt and dust embedded in the fibers. It is recommended that you give your mats a thorough clean every once in a while to remove any stubborn dirt or stains. The type of mat that you have will dictate the method.
Rubber Backed Matting – These waterhog mats can be found indoors. They have a plush, synthetic pile on top and a vinyl- or rubber-backed bottom. Some of these mats can easily be washed in the machine (check the label).To ensure that there is no discoloration, always test the mat on a patch before using it again.
Coir Matting This traditional matting is made of husks made from coconut shells. It is very durable, tough wearing, and absorbent. Avoid strong detergents as they can cause discoloration and leave marks. A dry powder cleaning product is the best way to clean coir matting.
First, vacuum your carpet thoroughly to get rid of all dirt, debris, and dust. Next, sprinkle the cleaning powder (a mixture of cornstarch or baking soda) all over the carpet. After letting it rest for 30 minutes, vacuum the mat one more time.
It is important to act quickly if there are any spillages or stains on either type of matting. The less likely that a permanent stain will occur, the faster the mat can be cleaned.
Are Door mats Machine Washable?
Traditional coir doormats are not suitable for use in the washer because they are made of bristly, tough fibers. While some rubber-backed matting can still be used in the washing machine (approximately 60cm x90cm or 2ft x3ft), most domestic washers will not be able to handle matting larger than this. We recommend that you check with the manufacturer or retailer to confirm.
How Often Do Door mats Need Cleaning?
Several factors affect the cleaning frequency of your doormats. These include the time of the year, how much foot traffic the mat receives, and the environment. A quick vacuum once per week is recommended, followed by a deep clean once per month. This applies to mats that are outdoors or in high-traffic areas where it gets wet and muddy.
Door Mat Cleaning Tips
- Weekly vacuum your doormats
- Beat or shake the mats frequently
- Avoid strong detergents for coir matting. Instead, use baking soda.
- You can check to make sure that your mat is suitable to be washed in a washing machine.
- Before you place your mats, ensure that they are completely dry.
- Replace your doormat every two years.