How to Clean Door Mats
It's a door mat's job to get dirty as it protects your house from the loose debris of the outside world. However, by making your entrance mats look brand new again, you can ensure that the entrance to your house looks inviting for visitors! Additionally, by taking care of your doormats, you can maintain their longevity and ensure they last in the years to come. In this blog, we'll take a look at different ways you can clean the various types of door mat in your home!
PVC Backed Coir Matting
Most indoor and outdoor mats are made from coir matting, a type of coconut husk with long, brown fibres. Not only are these fibres water-absorbent, helping to protect your home from moisture, but they are also incredibly durable, so they are perfect for dislodging all the dirt off of your shoes.
Coir Cleaning Tips:
Here are some of our top tips for cleaning coir matting:
Dislodge Dirt:
The most effective way to get rid of loose dirt is to turn the mat upside down and shake it to remove debris that may be stuck. Then you can use a vacuum cleaner to remove whatever has come out on the floor afterwards. Do not vacuum the mat directly, as this can damage the husks.
REMOVE STAINS:
Due to its water-absorbant nature, it is not recommended that you saturate coir mats. Instead, you should wait for the mud to dry completely. Once it has dried, you can scrub it with a stiff brush, which will help brush the mud away and eliminate stains on the coconut husks. Be sure not to do this when the mat is wet, as this can worsen the stain.
BE SELECTIVE ABOUT YOUR CLEANING METHOD:
Don't use harsh chemicals such as white spirit, or turpentine, as these will cause the backing of the mat to expand, potentially causing pile loss in the process. Instead, stick to a simple cleaning method of a dry scrub brush, and scrub gently!
For more information, please look at our Care and Maintenance Guide.
If you're looking for a durable coir door mat for your home, then we have just the thing! Take a look at our range of coir mats!
Synthetic Coir Scraper Matting
Our brand-new range of synthetic coir scraper matting is versatile, hard-wearing and brilliant at removing dirt from shoes. Whether you're looking for outdoor door mats, or ones for inside, these synthetic are equally as effective in both scenarios. Hose, scrub, and put detergent on it; this matting can endure all cleaning methods! On top of all this, you can personalise your mat using one of our contemporary designs.
Synthetic Coir Cleaning Tips:
Here are some of our top tips on cleaning synthetic coir door mats!
Machine Washable:
Save time and pop your door mat in the washing machine! Pop it in with a non-biological laundry detergent with no brightening agents, as things like fabric conditioner can potentially damage the mat. Once it has been machine washed, you can even put it through the tumble dryer on a short cycle, which will help remove any excess water.
CLEAN OUTSIDE:
As mentioned before, synthetic coir is incredibly durable, so you can even use a garden hose or pressure washer to rinse it off!
For more information, take a look at our synthetic coir matting cleaning guide:
Washable Mats:
Our range of washable mats includes various designs such as different logos, colours and more! These mats are incredibly versatile and are easy to clean if they get dirty. Simply pop them in the wash, and you'll have a new mat in no time! As well as this, they're best used in conjunction with an outdoor scraper mat to dislodge dirt.
Washable Mat Cleaning Tips:
Let's take a look at how to clean this type of mat effectively:
Vacuum Clean:
Simply use your vacuum cleaner to remove dirt from the surface of the mat. This will ensure it doesn't build up over time.
Spot Clean:
If you notice a small stain, but the mat doesn't require a full wash, then you can remove this with a quick spot clean! Simply get some water and apply it to the area, and scrub. Be sure to not use harsh chemicals as this can damage the mat.
Machine Washable:
If your mat requires a full wash, then simply pop it in the washing machine on a 30-degree cycle, or clean it with a carpet cleaner.
If you have any more questions on cleaning your door mats, then please contact out expert customer service team today!
Personalisation, Logo Mats & Matting Care & Maintenance
How to Clean Door Mats FAQs:
Here are a few of the most common questions we get asked about cleaning door mats, along with our answers.
Can you wash a front door mat?
Yes! however, it does depend on the material. If you have a coir mat, it can be helpful to to scrub it gently, being careful not to oversaturate it as it is water-absorbent. However, if you don't have a coir mat, which is synthetic, then using a solution of dish soap and water will be a great way to dislodge pesky stains. Use a scrub brush and leave the solution on the mat for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing off.
How do you clean an exterior door mat?
Again, it depends on the material of your door mat. But, if you want to get rid of stains on a general outside door mat, add some baking soda and then let it sit for ten minutes before using a scrub brush to rub it in. For outdoor doormats, baking soda can help remove any odours and stains. It is essential to check with the manufacturer before applying harsh chemicals such as carpet cleaner or white spirit.
Can you put door mats in the washing machine?
Yes! Synthetic coir door mats can be put in washing machines, but it is important to check the temperature they should be washed at. Additionally, they should be washed with a non-biological laundry detergent with no brightening agents, as things like fabric conditioner can potentially damage the mat.