During those wet winter days, there is nothing worse than having to clean up muddy footprints after the kids make a dash indoors to get away from the cold.
Thankfully there is a simple, and very cost-effective, solution to this problem: the humble Adairs mats.
Whether you’ve got a doormat but have noticed that it slides around, is cracked at the edges or looks worn and ragged, or you’re new to the world of doormats, we’ve put together this guide to help you put an end to slippery and dirty floors.
Why are doormats important?
While they may seem like a minor accessory, doormats can really brighten up your porch or doorstep. A great doormat can set the perfect tone for entry when you welcome guests and friends as it creates a welcoming atmosphere.
Acting as the first line of defence against any dirt or debris from outside, choosing a great quality doormat can also help to keep your floors squeaky clean.
What makes a doormat effective and worth installing?
Choosing the right indoor mat means picking one that stops dirt and water from getting in and also:
- Provides a safe walking surface: the surface of the mat should be non-slip even when wet, to allow for a strong grip with footwear and make walking across it both comfortable and safe.
- Prevents floors from becoming dirty: your doormat should be able to scrape off any dirt as a person is walking across, to prevent grime build-up on your floors.
- Soaks up excess water and dries quickly: when a person with wet shoes walks across it you need your mat to soak up and hold onto the water until you can get it dry again. A great doormat retains water effectively and dries quickly, ready for the next person to come in.
- Looks great: of course, you need your entrance mat to look amazing and fit your home’s interior décor and overall aesthetic.
Which doormat material is best?
There are many different materials available to choose from, some of which are more suited for business centres and offices rather than homes.
Below are the pros and cons of the three most common doormat materials found within homes:
Coir
Pros: considered a true classic, coir material provides a durable and affordable doormat surface. Manufactured from coconut husks, it is considered a natural and more eco-friendly option while still rating high on performance.
Cons: given its natural thickness, coir may not be the best option if you have a low door clearance as it can create a trip hazard and it is not wheelchair friendly. Coir door mats can also be harder to clean than others and may shed fibres – especially when new.
Price average: £0.40 per cm2
Cotton
Pros: also made from natural fibre, cotton doormats are a cost-effective solution for indoor use. With fast absorbency and quick-drying properties, they create a cosy and comfortable appearance, ideal for bare feet and sensitive paws. When dirt builds up and the doormat flattens, they can be cleaned in a washing machine at 40oC which fluffs and cleans them back up.
Cons: cotton doormats are prone to staining and can slide around if not secured.
Price average: £15 per mat
Rubber
Pros: this doormat material is ideal if you plan on installing it outside your front door. It is extremely heavy duty and stays put on the ground, as well as being available in various designs, including open holes and textured surfaces.
Cons: the thick nature of a rubber doormat means it’s more suited for use outside your home instead of inside. It is also not very eco-friendly as it’s not biodegradable – however, it can be recycled.
Price average: £50 per mat
Which backing type should I choose?
When searching for a doormat, you may find that those with a vinyl or PVC backing are cheaper than other options, and there is a good reason for this.
Cheap doormats with PVC or vinyl backings crack at the edges easily and are generally manufactured to a low-quality standard. They also rarely stand up to the rigours of a washing machine which, with kids and pets, really is a necessity every now and again.
Instead, look for a doormat with a rubber backing. As one of the most common and popular backing options, they are very durable and long lasting.
Doormats with a rubber backing are also non-slip, non-flammable and are suitable for machine washing.
Due to the fact that they don’t crack and grip your floor better, a doormat with a rubber backing can last five years, if not longer.
How can choosing a good-quality doormat save me money?
The answer here is simple – durability. Choosing an entrance mat that seems cheaper at the time of purchase may actually cost you a lot more in the long run.
Doormats such as those with a PVC backing are not very durable and will rip and crack over time – forcing you to replace them every couple of months.
A better quality option, such as rubber-backed entrance mats may cost a little more to purchase but you can be sure they will last a long time with the right maintenance.
You won’t need to fork out every so often to replace your doormat and you’ll save money and time because the floor will need cleaning less often.
Author Bio: First Mats started life as safety matting specialists, but have since expanded to become a complete industrial and commercial supplies company. The focus of First Mats is to provide safety-focused products that improve the wellbeing of staff through quality approved products, backed up by extensive knowledge. www.firstmats.co.uk