Your doormat catches more dirt than anywhere else in your home: sand, mud, wet leaves and, in winter, road salt. A dirty mat doesn't just look less attractive, it also works less well, because a mat that's full can't pick up any new dirt.
Good news: cleaning it isn't difficult. How you do it depends on the type of mat. Below you'll find a guide for each type, plus a step-by-step plan for dirt-trapping mats like ours.
How often should you clean your doormat?
- Every week: vacuum it or shake it out. In autumn and winter, preferably twice a week.
- For stains: blot them straight away, before they sink in.
- A few times a year: a thorough clean with water and a mild cleaning product.
Cleaning a dirt-trapping mat: step by step
A dirt-trapping mat has a dense fibre that holds on to moisture and fine dirt. Here's how to clean it without damaging the design:
- Vacuum. Vacuum the mat in two directions. This also removes sand from deep within the fibre.
- Blot stains. Lightly dampen a cloth with lukewarm water and a mild cleaning product. Blot the stain, don't rub.
- Wash by hand. Is the whole mat dirty? Wash it by hand with lukewarm water and a mild cleaning product, then rinse with clean water.
- Let it dry thoroughly. Let the mat dry completely before putting it back, and always place it on a dry surface.
Don't: put the mat in the washing machine, use harsh cleaning products or bleach, or scrub hard. This can damage the design and the colours.
Our Enchanted is a refined designer mat that immediately catches the eye.
Cleaning your doormat by mat type
Coir mat
Shake the mat out vigorously outside and brush it with a stiff brush. Coir doesn't like a lot of water: only dampen the affected spot and then let it dry thoroughly, otherwise it can start to go mouldy.
Rubber mat
Rubber is the easiest. Rinse the mat with water, brush it with a little washing-up liquid and let it dry.
Textile mat
Check the label first. Some thin textile mats can go in the washing machine, but thick mats with a vinyl or TPE backing usually can't. Not sure? Wash it by hand.
Stubborn stains
- Mud: let it dry completely first. Then shake or vacuum it away; rubbing wet mud only pushes it deeper into the fibre.
- Chewing gum: place a bag of ice cubes on it until the gum is hard, then carefully pry it off.
- Grease or oil: blot with a cloth and a little mild washing-up liquid in lukewarm water. It's better to repeat this a few times than to rub hard.
- Road salt: remove white marks by blotting them with a lightly damp cloth and letting the mat dry thoroughly.
How to keep your mat clean for longer
- Choose the right size. The more steps you take on a mat, the more dirt it catches, and the less ends up on your floor. A custom-made mat fills your entire entrance or recess.
- Put a coarse mat outside. It scrapes the worst of the sand off your soles, so your mat inside has less to deal with. Read about the difference in dirt-trapping mat vs. scrape mat.
- Vacuum more often in the wet season. Sand that stays in the fibre for a long time wears the mat down faster.
When is a new mat the better choice?
Does your mat smell musty, even after a wash? Is it coming loose at the edges or curling up? Or does it no longer absorb water? Then it's time for a new one. We make our mats 100% custom, with a 2-year guarantee.
Our Modern Herringbone gives the classic herringbone pattern a fresh update.
Our Mesa is a luxury design mat with soft colours and a motif reminiscent of distant lands and timeless traditions.
The flowing pattern of our Connected symbolises connection and unity.
Want to feel the fibre first? Order free samples (you only pay for shipping). Or measure your entrance using the measuring instructions and browse all custom entrance mats.