- A good doormat helps protect your floors - carpet, wood, or vinyl - from dirt, wear, and bacteria.
- With hundreds of different styles and colors, the selection of a doormat should depend on the environmental conditions in your area.
- A doormat like the Gorilla Grip Rubber Door Mat is great for high-traffic areas.
When was the last time you considered or even noticed your doormat? I'll bet it's been quite some time. This little home accessory not only establishes your style and welcomes guests, but it is also one of the most important tools in maintaining the floors in your home.
Everything that our shoes encounter during the day from public restroom floors to pet accidents to mud and soil can enter our homes. The doormat outside your entrance is the first line of defense to keep out pollen, bacteria, dirt, germs, and other pollutants that can affect a family's health. These lowly mats also stop the grit and grime that scratch hard-surface floors and soil expensive carpets.
Now that you've come to appreciate your doormat, you may need to buy a new one. When shopping, there are several things to consider:
- Overall size: The mat should be large enough for at least two people to wipe their feet before entering and accommodate most footwear, including boots if they are commonly worn.
- Doorway clearance: Before purchasing a mat, make sure it's thin enough that your door won't get stuck as you try to open or close it.
- Weather appropriateness: If your entryway is not protected, you'll need a more durable mat. Areas with ice and snow require a different type of mat than those near sandy soil.
- Ability to remove debris: A doormat with a higher, thicker profile will typically remove more debris from shoes than a thin mat.
- Indoor or outdoor suitability: Some mats are manufactured for interior or exterior use only, while others can be used interchangeably.
Once you have found the right mat for your needs, don't forget to keep it clean. Most interior and exterior mats just need to be shaken every few days to remove trapped debris. Indoor mats can be vacuumed, and some can be tossed in the washer. Just remember to never put a rubber or plastic-backed mat in the dryer. The backing can melt or peel away.
I live in an area with red mud that I don't want to find its way inside. So, I am always looking for the most effective doormat to keep my home clean.
Here are the top doormats you can buy:
- The best ice and snow melting mat: Cozy Products Ice and Snow Melting Mat
- The best eco-friendly mat: Iron Gate Natural Coir Mat
- The best indoor mat: Gorilla Grip Rubber Door Mat
- The best weather-resistant mat: Traffic Master Wrought Iron Door Mat
- The best doormat for apartments: Thirsty Dots Door Mat
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