Your doormat is meant to get dirty A doormat that always stays clean? That’s a sign something’s wrong! Over time, dirt buildup can make your doormat look less than fresh. While a dirty doormat is perfectly normal, cleaning it properly—and with care—is essential. After all, you don’t want a shabby-looking mat greeting your guests. In this blog, we answer a common question among doormat owners: how can I clean my doormat? Can you wash a doormat? And is cleaning your doormat in the washing machine a good idea?
A good doormat absorbs plenty of dirt and moisture. It’s only natural for it to develop stains or rings over time. Start by tackling loose dirt like sand, pebbles, twigs, and leaves. A vacuum cleaner works wonders for this initial step in cleaning your doormat.
Top 3 washable doormats:
Vacuum that mat!
The quickest and easiest way to clean your doormat is by vacuuming it regularly. It’s a small effort—if you’re already vacuuming the room, it’s a breeze to include your doormat. This removes all loose dirt, leaving your mat looking fresh and tidy.
Avoid shaking it out
Should you shake out your mat? Preferably not. This is because of the rubber backing. Shaking the mat can cause the rubber to tear or detach, even if the mat is otherwise in good condition. That’s a shame you’d rather avoid.
Cleaning your doormat with lukewarm water & mild soap
If vacuuming no longer does the trick and your doormat has stubborn stains, it’s time for a good old-fashioned cleaning. Add a small amount of mild soap to a bucket of lukewarm water and gently dab the stains with a damp cloth. Make sure to let your doormat dry thoroughly afterward. Avoid harsh cleaning agents, as they can damage the fibers of the mat.
Do you have a steam cleaner? That can also be a great tool for cleaning your doormat!
The most popular doormats for indoors:
Cleaning your doormat in the washing machine
Not all doormats are suitable for machine washing. Mats with a vinyl backing, for instance, should not be washed in the machine. However, doormats with a rubber border or a plasticizer-free backing can usually be safely machine washed—just follow these washing guidelines:
- Wash the doormat separately: Don’t add t-shirts, blouses, socks, or other laundry to the machine. The mat may bleed color, so it’s best to wash it alone.
- Use detergent, skip fabric softener: A small amount of detergent is fine, but fabric softener reduces the mat’s moisture-absorbing ability—something you want to avoid for your absorber mat.
- Choose the right temperature: For a lightly soiled mat, wash at 40°C. For a very dirty mat, you can wash it at 60°C.
- Air dry your mat thoroughly: Avoid using a dryer, as it can damage the mat.
After washing your doormat, always check the washing machine filter for any lint from the mat and remove it.
A fresh and clean doormat
Cleaning your doormat is usually a breeze—just vacuum regularly, and if necessary, clean it with soapy water or in the washing machine.
Do you have questions about cleaning or washing your doormat? Check out our blog on washable doormats or contact us—we’re happy to help!