Why are entrance mats your most cost-effective cleaning allies?

Everyone who enters your building brings in a significant amount of dirt and moisture with them on the soles of their shoes. This dirt is largely responsible for the condition of your floors. In fact, 90% of floor damage is caused by dirt and moisture. And when you consider that 86% of the costs related to your floor's service life are due to maintenance, the message is clear. The more you keep your floors clear of dirt and moisture, the less time and money you'll need to spend on dealing with potential damage.

Just by walking across a 6-meter mat with dirty shoes, you can remove up to 95% of the dirt on the soles. And the result? Not only do you save on floor maintenance, but you also extend your floor's service life.

Where you place your mat matters more than you might think. A small mat at the entrance just isn't enough to be truly effective.

Start by thinking about the route your customers and employees will take. Where is the building's main entrance? And which routes do visitors and staff typically use when they exit?

The second key factor is how much foot traffic each area receives. For example, placing a long entrance mat at the main door is much more effective than putting one by a back door.

There are 3 main types of transition or passage area:

1. Outdoors

Outdoor mats are your first line of defense against coarse dirt. These mats are designed to remove most of the dirt from the soles of people's shoes before they enter the building.

There are 3 main types:

Brush mats: a scraper mat with nylon bristles. This type removes mud and heavy dirt from the soles of shoes and can withstand extreme weather conditions.

Rubber mats: these mats are better suited for absorbing moisture. Their open backing allows for excellent drainage.

Spaghetti mats are durable, decorative, dirt-trapping mats. They remove coarse dirt from the soles of shoes thanks to open loops that dislodge debris, trap it, and hide it deep within the mat.

1. Indoors

Once the outdoor mat has done its job removing the coarser dirt and debris, it's time to tackle the finer particles of dirt and moisture.

For this, one of the following options is recommended:

Coral mats are among the best-performing mats for absorbing dirt and moisture. They combine fine fibers to soak up as much moisture as possible and thicker fibers to scrape away dirt.

Coir mats are also suitable for removing dirt and moisture from the soles of shoes. However, these mats are significantly effective than the Coral model.

1. Circulation areas

Even with good outdoor and entrance mats, some dirt and moisture may still remain on the soles of your shoes. To make sure the soles of your shoes are fully cleaned, circulation zones like lobbies, hallways, elevators, and stairs are perfect for removing the last traces of dirt and moisture. Ribbed rubber mats are the ideal solution for these areas!

The more steps someone takes on an entrance mat, the more effective it is, of course. This often remains a point of disagreement between what many architects include in their designs and what a building's cleaning staff actually needs. Nevertheless, always try to push for a long entrance mat. It will help prevent significant damage to your floors, which helps keep them looking their best.

Transition zones typically found in spaces common to every building. This includes entrances and circulation areas. However, pools and washrooms are an exception to that rule! These spaces require a very different approach.

In such areas, the main purpose of a mat isn't to trap dirt. Its goal is to create a comfortable walking surface and to ensure efficient drainage. Soft Step is a good example of a mat designed for wet environments. It's even been treated with an antibacterial coating.

The quality of your entrance mat is key to how well it performs. A coir mat will do the job, but it will never match the results of a Coral mat.

The mat's composition determines its performance. In fact, entrance mats are made of fibers. Some absorb more moisture, while others are better at removing dirt. Depending on the fiber density, the amount of dirt and moisture your mat retains will vary.

An excellent quality entrance mat removes 95% of dirt over a distance of 6 meters. By contrast, a short, low-quality mat will have a much more limited effect.

Daily maintenance

To maintain your mat's effectiveness, it's best to vacuum it at least twice a week using a brush vacuum. This type of vacuum hits against the mat to loosen dirt from the fibers, resulting in a much better clean.

You can beat individual mats or tiles against a wall.

Periodic maintenance

Dirt on your mats isn't limited to moisture and dirt¿-¿just think of coffee stains and chewing gum!

When it comes to stains, it's best to tackle them as soon as possible. The longer a stain sets, the harder it becomes to remove.

Start by removing any solid residue, then try using water to clean the area. If that doesn't work, use a special carpet cleaner or stain remover. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to eliminate any remaining product or residue.

For stubborn stains, an orbital single-disc machine will help you achieve excellent results quickly and efficiently. Find out all about it here!

For chewing gum, we recommend using a remover designed specifically for that purpose.

Remember the beginning of this article? A proper entrance mat is one of the most important and often most underrated tools in your cleaning arsenal.

By carefully assessing where your business needs high-quality mats, you can block up to 95% of dirt at the door. This prevents your floors from getting dirty or damaged and helps you make a strong first impression on every visitor.

If you have any questions or comments about entrance mats, feel free to fill out the form below! We'll get back to you as soon as possible.