Complete Guide to Washable Indoor Mats for Every Home

Washable indoor mats are quickly becoming a staple to modern home keeping. Today, where style meets functionality, and hygiene reigns supreme; the benefits of using Washable Indoor Door Mats go far beyond simply replacing an outdated product. The main difference is that traditional mats trap dirt into an otherwise usable product whereas washable floor coverings eliminate most allergens and dirt prior to falling onto your hardwood or carpeted floors. In addition, washable mats protect against water, and dirt comes through your shoes or those of your family members. Washable mats make refreshing your home easier than ever with time saving convenience for busy families with pets and people suffering from indoor allergies.

Choosing a Washable Mat Material – What will you be standing on?

The main performance characteristic regarding any washable mat is its “underfoot”. 

Natural Fibers

• Cotton and Cotton Blends: The most common type. Cotton has a soft feel and is highly absorbent, machine washable. They are the best choice for bathrooms and kitchens. You should look for tightly woven and durable construction.
• Bamboo: Although not fabric, mats made with bamboo generally have either cotton or microfiber backing. Bamboo is naturally anti-microbial and moisture resistant, making it very attractive for kitchens and dining rooms, or being used at the entrance of homes.
• Natural Fibers: Jute and sisal are both natural fibers that have a natural, textured look and are highly durable. Although they are generally not considered fully submersible like rubber mats, some jute mats with a washable backing can be effectively spot-cleaned and work well in areas of low humidity.

Synthetic Fiber Materials

• Microfiber is an exceptional absorbent and dries quickly. Microfiber dust mats can absorb many times their weight in water, making them ideal for use by bathroom exit sinks and kitchen sinks. They are also very lightweight and can be thrown in the wash.
• Polyester and nylon are typically used as entryway and utility Washable Door Mats because of their stain resistance and colorfastness, as well as being rugged enough to withstand regular heavy traffic and washing.
• Memory foam with washable covers is the ultimate comfort mat in front of a sink or stove. Memory foam mats provide a cushioned core, and have a removable, machine-washable cover that allows for easy cleaning.

Selection Guide for Mats by Room

Entryway Entering a house

It is the first defense against dirt, moisture and debris entering your home. Properties of Mats in the Entryway:

What to Search for: The dual-layer system is the best. The first layer removes excess mud or debris from shoes, while the lower layer acts as sponge, absorbing moisture from wet shoes. Coir works great for doormats, along with heavy duty polyester or nylon.

When purchasing your indoor mat, get one that is wider than your door frame for optimal coverage.

The Kitchen: Keeping Your Floors Clean and Your Feet Comfortable

Kitchens can be very busy areas where spills can happen anytime. You will want to select kitchen mats that have extra absorbency for spills, add cushioning for comfort while standing, and resist staining.

• What to Search for: For main workstation areas, use anti-fatigue mats that have cushioning features. If you’re looking at rugs for the front of sink area, buy highly absorbent quick drying microfiber or cotton rugs that have patterns that blend in with daily spellings. 

Look for kitchen rugs with non-slip backing to avoid slipping hazards on hard surfaces.

Controlling Moisture in Your Bathroom

A bathroom rug should be fast drying, absorbent and mildew resistant. Look to purchase highly absorbent rugs that dry quickly and offer no possibilities for mould growth. 

For instance, you could purchase plush, looped twisted cotton, or synthetic rugs. Bamboo-based rugs work great to keep your feet dry when you get out of the bath/shower and can provide a relaxing feeling. In addition, when purchasing bathroom mats you should purchase an entire set: a bathroom rug to put in front of the vanity and a bath rug to put outside of the shower/tub. Read This

Washing your bathroom rugs often in hot water will help keep mildew from building up and keep your mats hygienic.

Comfort & Style in Your Living Areas & Bedrooms

Although area rugs in living spaces or bedrooms offer more cosmetic or comfort appeal, regular washing is still a good idea.

In such cases, your main priority will be to find an easy to wash area rug, that can be easily cleaned and that makes your space feel defined. 

While washable-area rugs made from a wool blend, cotton chenille or low-pile synthetic materials will work well at defining an area and are easily cleanable. If you are looking to put an area rug beside your bed to help keep your feet warm upon waking, choose one that has softness, and plushness underfoot.