What To Look For In A Good Entrance Mat
Whether you live in a big house or a small apartment, your entry door is the first thing your family and friends see when they come over. It is the first impression you make to your visitors, so your entrance must look neat and clean while reflecting a little bit of your home’s vibe.
The doormat is an accessory that can make all the difference to your entrance. This multifunctional piece keeps dirt and other debris from entering your home while adding a stylish appeal to your entrance.
However, choosing a good entrance doormat for your home can be challenging with so many styles and designs. So to make the right decision, you should consider a few things first so you can purchase the most suitable doormat style that will also set the tone for your home.
This post elaborates on the five main characteristics of a good entrance mat.
1. Choose your mat type
Generally, there are two types of doormats – an outdoor and indoor entrance mat – serving different purposes.
For example, the purpose of the outdoor entrance mat is to remove dirt, mud, sand, and grit off your shoes. A doormat style that is most suitable for your outdoor areas is the recessed walk-off mat that traps dirt and debris and reduces the risk of slips and falls due to slippery shoes.
As for your indoor entrance mat, you should look for the one with raised sections that can soak up and contain moisture to prevent both dirt and water from getting into your home.
2. Opt for a high-quality material
When going doormat shopping, examining the mat’s material is very important. You should always look for fabrics that wick away moisture effectively, have quick-drying properties, and are crush-resistant and durable.
For example, nylon is a synthetic fiber most commonly used in doormats. It is a very popular choice because it thoroughly brushes and scrapes dirt and other debris, has good crush-resistant properties, and is easy to maintain. It also dries very quickly, without leaving any unpleasant moldy odors.
Other popular doormat materials with excellent characteristics are polypropylene, which is best suited for outdoor entrance mats, and cotton, which is reserved mainly for indoor entrance mats.
3. Pick an appropriate mat size
Another important factor you should consider when looking for the right doormat is the size. Generally, the rule of thumb is to choose the biggest mat your budget and your available spaces allow.
If you purchase a mat that is too small, the chances are your visitors would walk straight into your home without wiping their feet off first. They won’t have enough room to brush both of their shoes simultaneously and will be entering with at least one shoe not having been wiped at all.
A large indoor doormat can also serve as a gentle reminder that you want your guests to wipe off their shoes upon entering and even encourage them to remove them before going inside.
4. Care maintenance of doormats
No matter what kind of a doormat style or material you choose, you should remember to clean it every once in a while so it can retain its appearance and perform its best.
One effective way of cleaning it includes using a vacuum with a brush attachment, baking soda, a scrub brush, and a garden hose.
First, shake your doormat off to get rid of most of the debris, and then vacuum it to remove any remaining dust. Next, sprinkle some baking soda over the mat and rub it using the scrub brush.
Finish by rinsing it off using a garden hose. Let the doormat dry out completely, and then put it back in its place.
Final thoughts
One of the best ways to enhance your home’s curb appeal is by incorporating a good doormat. This stylish and multifunctional entrance piece keeps your home clean and free of dirt and water while giving a glimpse of your interior’s vibe.
So, to make the right decision, make sure you consider the main properties of a high-quality doormat and decorate your front door stylishly and effectively.
For more help, refer back to our post and follow the tips mentioned here to choose the perfect mat for your home.
