Your front door is the first impression guests have of your home, so it’s a great place to get a bit creative and stamp your mark. Not only does a door mat give your house a bit of personality, it can also help keep your home clean and the carpets free from mud!
There are a range of door mats on the market; some are better suited to heavy-duty mud removal, whilst others are more decorative.
If you want to make sure you get the best door mat for your home, take a look at the following advice.
Size and Shape
Door mats are available in a huge range of sizes and shapes, it’s important that the size suits your front door.
As a rule of thumb, you should aim to have your door mat at least 80% of the width of the doorway. Those that are too small will look strange, and you may not have space to adequately clean your shoes. The door mats I’ve recommended tend to measure between 60 x 70 cm across, with the average front door measuring just over 90 cm.
The height of your new door mat is also a consideration. Those with a low profile are best for indoor use, as your door will open onto the mat. A door mat that’s too thick could mean your door gets stuck, which can lead to damage further down the line. A mat with a low profile will allow your door to glide smoothly over it.
Of course, if you are using your door mat outside with the door opening the opposite way, the height isn’t quite so important. You should remember however, that a very thick door mat can be a trip hazard.
Door mats also come in a range of shapes. Standard rectangular mats are traditional, whilst half moon shapes add something a little different to your front door.
Choosing the Right Material
The material of your door mat is also worth considering.
Indoor door mats are usually made from acrylic, with either a vinyl or rubber backing. This allows them to be easily vacuumed, and the rubber backing should prevent slipping on smooth surfaces. They’re aimed at removing light dust and dirt from shoes, but are unlikely to get deep into the tread of boots.
Outdoor door mats are most commonly made from rubber or coir. Coir is natural, eco-friendly and durable. The only real downside is that it can shed, but provided the mat is good quality, this shouldn’t be a problem.
Coir fibres are very tough and can get into the grooves of your boots to remove stubborn dirt. However, coir mats tend to absorb water instead of repelling it. This means that during very heavy rainfall, they can become sodden outside and take a long time to dry.
A mat that combines rubber and coir is often very effective for outdoor use. The rubber helps with drainage as well as shoe cleaning.
Mats made entirely of rubber are also a good choice for the outdoors. These won’t shed, and usually have large holes which can remove stubborn bits of mud. The holes also allow water to drain away, making rubber mats better in wet weather. To clean, they can be hosed down and left to air dry.
The only downside when it comes to rubber is that prolonged exposure to the elements can cause it to crack. Rubber may also become slippery when wet so it needs to be textured and have a lot of grip.
Colour and Design
Door mats are more than just a practical purchase, and the right colour/design can really brighten up your home and add personality.
Some door mats can be personalised with specific messages and these also make wonderful gifts. Alternatively, there are door mats with a range of printed patterns – from animals to cartoon characters – which can say a lot about the residents!
Just bear in mind that printed door mats do tend to fade over time, and this can be accelerated by exposure to the elements. Mats with an embroidered pattern are best for indoor use, but the design won’t fade.
On a practical level, a patterned door mat can conceal dirt a little better, as do those made with darker colours. If your door mat is going to be used to remove mud from wellies and walking boots after each dog walk, opt for a darker colour.
Ease of Cleaning
Coir mats can usually be vacuumed using a handheld or traditional vacuum cleaner. Alternatively, you can shake them out or brush off any debris using a stiff broom.
This is generally the most you can do to clean a coir mat. Because they are so absorbent, it’s not always the best idea to attempt to wash them down.
Door mats made from rubber and plastic fibres are much easier to clean. Because they aren’t porous, these mats can be hosed down and all of the dirt can be washed off.
Some door mats can be cleaned using a mild soap, but you should check with the manufacturer. Those with printed patterns require more gentle cleaning, and you should avoid using any cleaning products that contain bleach.
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