How to Keep Doormats and Entry Rugs Clean for a Lovely First Impression
Doormats and entry rugs are intended to trap dirt and debris, but these functional accents must be kept clean so they function well—and make a good first impression. Whether you choose a classic coir mat, an ultra-durable P.E.T. design, or a hand-hooked entry rug featuring a seasonal motif, you don’t want to overlook the importance of regular maintenance in ensuring the longevity and look of your product. Follow these easy tips to keep your doormats, welcome mats, and entry rugs clean.
1. Choose the Right Mat for the Right Space
Having the correct type of doormat for your intended placement is key when ensuring the longevity of your entry rug. Some materials can withstand rain and sunlight without the risk of damage, but others are best kept in covered or indoor spaces. Always check your product’s details for the level of exposure it can withstand, but in general, you can follow these guidelines.
- For covered outdoor areas: Our perennially popular coir doormats are woven from the rough fibers of coconut husks, which are extremely durable—but not water-resistant, so they are best for a front porch or other covered outdoor area. A coir doormat may also work well in a functional indoor space, such as a garage or mudroom.
- For exposed outdoor areas: Mats woven or braided from polypropylene or P.E.T. are ideal for exposed outdoor areas, such as a patio or next to a side garage door. When choosing a doormat for an exposed area or messy entryway frequented by muddy feet, look for rugs that are UV-treated (to prevent fading), washable (so you know it can get wet), and scrubbable or bleachable (so you know deep cleaning is an option).
- For indoor areas: Although they can technically be used outdoors, our hand-hooked indoor/outdoor rugs are the best option for entryways or foyers inside your home. They're durable enough to stand up to dirt or debris tracked inside and thick enough to protect the floor just inside your door. Adding a rug pad beneath the floor covering can help prevent slippage on hardwood or tile floors.
Choosing the right indoor/outdoor rug or doormat for your space is integral to how well it holds up. We recommend a P.E.T. or coir doormat for your home's front porch entryways and an indoor/outdoor rug on the interior side of the door. The doormat will trap most of the mess, while the rug catches any lingering dirt or debris—and adds a stylish, seasonal touch.
2. Limit Exposure to the Elements
While it may seem that doormats and indoor/outdoor entry rugs can withstand harsh weather, many doormats will actually be ruined if regularly exposed to rain or snow. Common outcomes of overexposure include mold and mildew growth, faded colors, or excessive shedding. Avoid damage to your entry rug or doormat by following these tips to minimize exposure.
Can Coir Doormats Get Wet?
Coir is exceptionally absorbent, so while a little water tracked over it—say, from dripping rain boots—is fine, you want to avoid placing coir door mats where they can become saturated with water. Once wet, coir fibers take a long time to dry, and they can become a breeding ground for mold and mildew. The damage can persist even after it has dried: A coir doormat that has gotten wet is more likely to shed in the future, creating more messes to maintain.
Prevent Fading by Rotating Rugs
Some doormats, including our classic coir designs, are fade-resistant, but exposure to sunlight can lead to noticeable color degradation in many rug materials over time. To mitigate this, we recommend positioning entry rugs in shaded areas or spaces where they won't be subjected to prolonged sunlight. Periodically rotating rugs out of sunny areas can help to extend their life and keep them looking lovely, longer. Plus, it provides the perfect excuse to invest in new seasonal designs throughout the year.
Store Rugs During Inclement Weather
If a big snow or rainstorm is coming your way, it may make sense to bring your coir doormat inside or store it in a garage. If you forget to store your coir doormat during inclement weather, or if your entry rug has become saturated from wet or snowy boots stomping inside, let it air dry completely before returning it to its usual position.
3. Shake It Out
Shaking your doormat out once a week is an easy maintenance step. When it works as it should, a doormat traps dirt, dust, and other debris before it’s tracked into the house. But what happens once those particles get caught in the fibers? Whether it’s a coir door mat, hand-hooked entry rug, or durable indoor/outdoor alternative, regularly shaking out dirt and debris helps protect the quality of your floor covering and extend its life. With heavy traffic, you may need to shake your mat more frequently—even as often as daily.
4. Vacuum Regularly
Supplement your weekly shaking routine with a thorough vacuum of your coir doormat or entry rug—ideally monthly. Vacuuming more effectively captures the deeply embedded dirt and debris that results from a doormat doing its job. You may want to repeat this step more frequently if you have a lot of people coming in and out of your home, or as the weather warrants: Heavy pollen, crunchy leaves, and tracked de-icing salt are all seasonal reasons you may want to vacuum your doormat more often. (And, if you’re spreading ice melt or sand at your outdoor entrance, never scatter it over your rug—it will damage or discolor the doormat.)
5. Follow Material-Specific Care Instructions and Tips
Whether or not a doormat can be washed—and the best cleaning method—depends on its material. For best results, and to ensure the longevity of your doormat or entry rug, follow the specific care instructions included with your product. In a pinch, you can follow these general guidelines.
- Coir doormats: Shake or vacuum only; avoid saturating with water.
- Hand-hooked indoor/outdoor rugs: Shake or vacuum; spot clean if necessary
- Polypropylene or P.E.T. mats: Clean with soapy water or spray with a hose; check label to see if your rug can be bleached.
If you are unsure of your mat’s material, always err on the side of caution when choosing your cleaning method to avoid unnecessary damage.
How to Dry Doormats and Entry Rugs
Never put a coir doormat or a synthetic fiber entry rug in the dryer. Instead, drape it over an outdoor railing—out of direct sunlight—or on a drying rack until it dries thoroughly. This prevents mold and mildew growth and helps your product last longer.
With proper placement and regular maintenance, taking care of a doormat or entry rug and keeping it looking clean is a simple task. For more on choosing and caring for indoor/outdoor rugs and other top-quality products in your home, explore our other Guides.