Door mats are often one of the dirtiest items in your home, harboring a lot of dirt and bacteria. This article will guide you through four effective tips to deep clean your doormat and make it look brand new, just in time for the Lunar New Year celebrations.
1 Use a Vacuum Cleaner to Remove Dirt from the Doormat
Daily vacuuming is an effective way to keep your doormat clean. Make sure to use the vacuum cleaner to suck up any dry dirt, mud, or debris from the doormat, especially if it’s placed in high-traffic areas like the living room, bedroom, kitchen, or bathroom.
This simple habit will prevent the buildup of dirt on your doormat. As a result, you’ll save time and effort when it comes to deep cleaning the mat.
Use a vacuum cleaner to remove dirt from the doormat
If you don’t have a vacuum cleaner, you can take the doormat outside and shake it vigorously to remove any loose dirt or debris.
2 Hang the Doormat to Dry at the End of Each Day
Doormats, especially those used in the bathroom or during rainy days, can get damp and dirty. It’s important to hang the doormat at the end of each day to allow it to dry and stay fresh.
Hang the doormat to dry at the end of each day
3 Deep Clean the Doormat with Laundry Detergent
Soak the doormat in cold water for about an hour and then transfer it to a basin of warm water mixed with a small amount of laundry detergent. Dunk the mat up and down in the soapy water several times and use a brush to scrub away any stubborn stains along the edges.
Afterward, rinse the mat thoroughly with cold water to remove any soap residue. Finally, hang the mat to dry.
Deep clean the doormat with laundry detergent
4 Deodorize the Doormat with Baking Soda
Even after washing, doormats can sometimes retain an unpleasant odor. To eliminate this, sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the mat and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Then, use a vacuum cleaner to remove the baking soda, leaving your doormat fresh and odor-free.
Deodorize the doormat with baking soda
5 Tips for Cleaning Different Types of Doormats
Wool Doormats
Wool doormats require special care. Choose a neutral pH detergent (pH 5-8) to maintain the structure of the wool fibers. Additionally, make sure to dry the wool doormat quickly as wool is susceptible to damage from detergents and alkaline solutions. Avoid aggressive scrubbing.
Wool Doormats
Cotton Doormats
Cotton doormats tend to shrink, so it’s best to opt for dry cleaning. This method also helps maintain the color of the mat. Avoid using highly alkaline detergents as they can cause the cotton fibers to deform.
Cotton Doormats
Silk Doormats
Silk doormats are luxurious and delicate. If you’re unsure about cleaning them yourself, consider taking them to a professional laundry service to ensure they’re properly cared for.
Silk Doormats
Vegetable Fiber Doormats
Vegetable fiber doormats are also high-end products. Use foam-based detergents and specialized equipment for drying to maintain their quality.
Synthetic Fiber Doormats
Most doormats on the market are made of synthetic fibers and are easy to maintain. You can follow standard cleaning procedures without any special techniques.
Synthetic Fiber Doormats
6 Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Doormat
Step 1 Soak the Doormat
Soaking the doormat in a detergent solution for 10-15 minutes is crucial to loosening and removing dirt and stains. This step prepares the mat for a deeper clean.
Soak the doormat
Step 2 Scrub the Doormat
After soaking, use your hands or a specialized brush to scrub the doormat. Work from top to bottom and left to right to ensure all dirt and stains are removed.
Note: Remember to wear gloves to protect your hands during the cleaning process.
Scrub the doormat
Step 3 Rinse the Doormat
Once you’ve finished scrubbing, rinse the doormat thoroughly with water to remove any remaining dirt and soap residue.
Rinse the doormat
Step 4 Air-dry the Doormat
Before hanging the doormat to dry, squeeze out any excess water. Then, place it in a sunny and breezy spot to speed up the drying process.
Air-dry the doormat
Try incorporating these tips into your regular cleaning routine to keep your doormat looking and smelling fresh. These methods are also effective for cleaning plastic mats and other types of floor mats.
You may also be interested in: