Most people overlook an important piece of “furniture” that helps with keeping your carpets and floors looking their very best and making a great first impression. This small important piece of your home’s décor is called the doormat. Why is the doormat such an integral component of your home and your health?
Most of the dirt you could bring into your home due to your shoes is captured by the kind of doormat you have before you walk in. On top of that, the doormat can set the tone for the rest of the home. However, it’s important to consider that all doormats are not the same, which is why you need to do your homework to find one that’s right for your situation.
Coir Doormats
Coir is a natural fiber that comes from the coconut husk, in either a PVC-backed or unbacked state. Unbacked mats ensure water will drain through. They can be purchased in all quality types, which is why you need to get the right weight and thickness. If you purchase inexpensive cheap models, they could easily fall apart. For these, you really want to look for high-quality models.
Positive Attributes – This type of mat is wonderful at getting dirt off your shoes, and tend to be the better models on the market.
Negative Attributes – The fiber tends to shed significantly, which means some of the mat eventually gets inside the home. While it’s usually minimal, it’s something to be mindful of.
Rubber Doormats
This type of mat is considered the most functional of the three. They are generally used in commercial settings, but also fine for homes if you’re not concerned so much with appearance. They can be ideally used in a garage entranceway.
Positive Attributes – This type of mat is great for taking dirt off the shoes. They are made with holes so that water won’t accumulate. These mates are noted as being comfort mats if you need to stand in one location for a set period of time (it’s why they’re often seen in commercial environments).
Negative Attributes – They don’t look very good – mainly black and functional. They also don’t hold up well in very cold weather and temperatures.
Synthetic Pile Doormats
This type of doormat is comprised of polypropylene and has a rubber dam along the edge, which also works as a barrier in keeping dirt on the mat. It also ensures moisture stays on the pile. Synthetic pile doormats have a non-slip backing.
Positive Attributes – They are great in taking off the dirt and moisture accumulated on shoes. When it comes to rainwater, these are the best type of keeping the rain out and not allowing it back inside the home.
Negative Attributes – They don’t look as good as the coir doormat, and the polypropylene will flatten from continued use. Thus, they don’t last near as long as the other doormat types.
3 Important Tips To Using Your Doormats More Efficiently
Have doormats for every entryway. This includes garages, sheds, etc.
Have an inside and outside doormat. This gives you two chances in which to keep the dirt from getting onto your floor and carpet. If you use an eye-appealing coir doormat outside, you can use a synthetic doormat for the inside. The first mat will take off dirt with the second mat catching the moisture.
Regularly clean the doormats. Failure to do so will allow the dirt to accumulate and proliferate and it won’t work as it’s designed to do. You can either shake it out or hit the mat against a solid surface to start working once more.