How To Wash A Doormat Safely? (Easy Steps)

Door mats can be found laying flat at the entrance of a house or near the door.

They are also known as foot mats and they prevent from excess dust entering the house through your footwear.

In India, doormats are placed according to “Vastu” which is believed to produce a positive vibe as per their placement.

They are not only limited to the main entrance but are also placed at the entrance of your bedroom, kitchen, and bathrooms.

Although they are essential to keep your house clean, they need to be cleaned on a regular basis so that they remain hygienic and do not harbor any dirt and dust particles.

In this article, we will help you with some useful tips to clean the door mats in an effective manner.

Table Of Content

Types of Door Mats
How to Wash Doormats?
- Prep-Work
- Hand-Wash
- Machine-Wash
Wash door mats made with rubber or plastic materials
Final Thoughts
Frequently Asked Questions

Types of Doormats

Mats often come with attractive textures and some funny messages printed on them.

Here are a few common types of door mats that can be found in the market.

Rubber and Synthetic fiber mats

Rubber door mats provide a safe, non-slippery surface, which is ideal for children or elderly family members.

These types of mats are durable and easy to clean. They can be cleaned by simply rinsing them under clean water.

Preferred Wash method: Hand Wash

Coir or Jute Mats

Jute OR Coir mats are made of natural material that is great for trapping dirt and debris.

They are usually made of coconut fiber and are also very durable.

To clean these types of mats, simply shake them or vacuum them to remove loose dirt and debris.

For tougher stains, you will have to scrub the surface with a stiff brush and soapy water.

Rinse them well with running water and then let them air dry.

Preferred Wash method: Hand Wash

Cotton & Polyester (Microfiber) Mats

Ideally, these mats serve as the entrance to bathrooms and kitchens since they are absorbent in nature.

However, for effective cleaning, these mats may require a bit of effort.

But the good thing is that these mats dry faster than regular cotton mats.

Preferred Wash method: Hand Wash and Machine wash.

How to Wash Door Mats?

There are different ways to wash door mats depending on their fabric type. You can easily wash them either by hand or with a washing machine.

Before starting the washing process, it is important you get the mats pre-treated.

Pre-treating is an essential step in cleaning a door mat effectively.

Instructions to Pre-treat Door Mats

Follow these simple step-by-step instructions to pre-treat your door mats.

Start by Dusting

You can start by tapping the door mat on the floor or on an outside wall. This will remove excess dry dust and dirt from its surface.
Alternately you can use a vacuum cleaner to get rid of the dust particles.

Stain Removal

Put a few drops of liquid detergent or a dishwasher liquid cleaner on the stained surface.
Next, use a sponge or a soft brush and rub the stained area.
Now add a few drops of water and keep scrubbing until the stains lighten.
Once the stains are weakened or have been removed they are ready for a wash.

Door mats can be easily washed by hand or by using your washing machine.

Let us begin with the most preferred washing method i.e. Hand-Wash.

How to Hand-Wash a Door Mat?

You can handwash almost all types of door mats.

To wash a door mat you will need a bucket, liquid detergent, sponge, brush, and baking soda (optional).

Step 1: Fill Bucket with Water

Use a bucket that can accommodate the door mat you want to wash.

Now fill the bucket with slightly hot water.

Note – Make sure the temperature of the water is not too hot. It should be hot enough to work with your hand.

Step 2: Add Liquid Detergent

Now add liquid detergent to the water and mix it well.

Additionally, you may also add a cup of baking soda to the solution.

This can help boost the process of removing stubborn stains with ease.

Step 3: Place Doormat in the Bucket

Now place the door mat in the bucket and let it submerge completely.

And let it settle in the solution for about 15 minutes until the water turns warm.

Step 4: Start Working On The Door Mat

Now pull out the door mat from one side and start scrubbing the surface with a soft brush.

Repeat the step on the other side and make sure you have thoroughly scrubbed the entire door mat.

Step 5: Rinse the Door Mat With Water Again

Next, place the doormat under the running water below a tap and rinse until the soap residue is completely removed.

Step 6: Dry the Doormat

Now remove excess water and place it on a drying rack.

For quick drying, you may place it under sunlight for some time.

Once they are dry move them off from the direct sunlight. Doing this will prevent color fading and maintain its shape.

How to wash the door mat in a washing machine?

Instructions to machine wash doormat safely

If you are machine washing a door mat, make sure they are suitable for the task.

Not all types of door mats are recommended to wash using a washing machine.

Types of Mats not Recommended for Machine wash: Door mats made using plastic or rubber should not be machine washed.
Preferred Mat types for machine wash: Cotton, Jute, Polyester, etc.

Let us look into the process of cleaning your door mats in a washing machine.

Instruction to Machine Wash a Door Mat

Step 1: Place the Door Mat in the Washing Machine

After pre-treating the door mat, place them in the washer and avoid any other types of load.

Step 2: Add the Detergent

Add a cup of detergent to the washtub. You may use your regular washer-friendly detergent in the cleaning process.

Step 3: Set the Right Wash Cycle Settings

Set the wash cycle settings as below.

Water Temperature: Mild Hot
Soil Level: Normal (Can be increased to high if heavily soiled)
Wash Type: Normal
Pre-Wash: Not needed if you have already pre-treated
Fabric Softener: No need to add any fabric softener

Step 4: Run the Wash Cycle

Run the washer on a normal or standard wash cycle.

Note – Here you can use the extra rinse cycle to clean the doormat effectively.

Step 5: Dry the Door Mat

After the cycle completes remove the door mat and lay them on a flat surface or a drying rack.

You can place them on the clothesline with the help of clips under direct sunlight.

Wash Door Mats Made With Rubber OR Plastic Materials

These types of mats are not suitable to wash using a washing machine.

With that said, they are easy to clean.

Here’s how you can clean them effectively.

Pre-treat them by tapping against the floor or an outside wall.
Fill a bucket with warm water and add regular detergent.
Place the door mat in the bucket and let it settle for around 10 minutes.
Next, swirl it around the bucket for a couple of minutes.
Rinse it under running water until clean.
Lay them on a drying rack or on a flat surface to dry.

Final thoughts

Door mats are essential to keep your home clean and dust-free.

You may choose one that matches the door side exterior.

Clean door mats create a hygienic environment around the household, hence you should clean them at regular intervals.

Generally, you should clean your door mats at least once a week but it may vary from season to season (for example you may have to increase the washing frequency during monsoon).

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I replace the door mat?

In General, it is good to replace your door mat every six months. However, replacing a doormat completely depends on its current state. Over time, door mats wear out and lose their shape. Due to this, they lose their ability to hold dust and moisture. If this is the case then it should be the right time to replace them.

Where should I place a door mat?

Usually, door mats are placed outside a house or apartments as well as at the entrance. They can be simply placed at the entrances of your living room, kitchen, laundry rooms, bedrooms, bathrooms, garage, and even on your terrace.

Do I place a rubber mat near the bathrooms?

Rubber mats provide a strong grip, therefore placing them near a bathroom can be a good idea. You may also prefer a mat made of polyester with an anti-skid base.

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