How to Clean Your Specific Type of Doormat

When you enter your house, the first thing that greets you is the doormat. Many homeowners invest in a high-quality, visually pleasing doormat to dress up their entryway and make guests feel welcome.

Apart from beautifying the foyer, doormats are handy for keeping dirt out of your home. They collect mud, sand, snow, mulch and stains. Over time, the filth accumulates and makes your welcome mat appear dirty, sullying your foyer.

It’s important to give your doormat a thorough clean regularly to maintain its condition and keep your entryway pristine and welcoming.

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to properly clean different types of doormat without damaging them.

Fabric Doormats

Indoor mats with woven fabrics can be treated like small rugs or carpets when cleaning. Rubber-backed cotton mats are generally machine washable, but check the care instructions to make sure. You can throw them in the wash in cold water and put them on a gentle cycle. For extra protection, you can place the mat inside a pillowcase or laundry bag during the wash cycle.

If you’re hanging the mat outside to dry, keep it out of direct sunlight to prevent discolouration.

Follow these instructions if you want a gentler cleaning approach:

1. Shake the mat outside to get rid of debris and dirt.

2. With a brush attachment, vacuum the mat to remove stubborn dust particles and other dirt. If you don’t have a vacuum, you can hang the mat on a clothing line and hit it with a broom.

3. If there are stains on the mat, use a gentle soapy solution and a sponge to scrub them out.

4. Rinse with water and hang to dry.

Coir and Natural Fibre Doormats

Some doormats are made from stiff, natural fibres, such as coir. This material is popular for welcome mats because of its sturdiness and long lifespan. Coir and other natural fibre doormats are also rot- and water-resistant, making them excellent for outdoor use. The stiff fibres are effective at removing tough dirt from the bottom of shoes.

Natural fibre doormats are not machine washable. Follow these instructions to clean your coir doormat:

1. Take your mat outside and shake it. You can also hang it on a clothesline and beat it with a broom or stick.

2. Vacuum both sides of the mat. Be sure to go over the floor underneath the mat as well.

3. Use a wet brush with small, stiff bristles to scrub away any stubborn dirt and stains. As much as possible, scrub lightly and in the direction of the fibres.

4. Hang the mat to dry. Don’t place it in direct sunlight to prevent discolouration.

5. Once it’s thoroughly dry, sprinkle some dry-cleaning powder on the mat to deodorise it. Rub the powder in with a bristle brush then shake the excess out.

Synthetic Doormats

Synthetic materials are used widely for doormats, such as nylon and rubber. These types of mat can’t be thrown in the wash, so follow this guide instead:

1. Vacuum the mat on both sides as well as the floor underneath.

2. Use a stiff brush to get rid off pet hair and other stubborn dirt in the mat. Make sure to brush in the direction of the weaving.

3. If you notice any bald spots or breaks in the stitching, take the mat in for a professional repair.

4. For stubborn stains, spray a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. Let the solution set for 15 minutes then blot it dry. Repeat until the stain is gone.

It’s good practice to deep-clean your doormats once a month, regardless of the material. Give the mat a good shake once a week to prevent dirt from settling into the fibres, making it easier to clean. Look for a floor mat made of durable materials to protect your floor for a long time.

Brighten Up Your Entryway

Buy outdoor doormats online from Door Mat. We carry an extensive selection of varying sizes, styles and textures, complementing your home’s design. Our doormats effectively scrub dirt from shoes while dressing up your front door. Each mat is made of sustainable materials that wick away moisture from your footwear.

Visit our online store to check out our other doormat collections. Fill out the online form for queries and assistance.