Yes, You Need to Clean Your Doormat—Here's How

Make a tidy first impression by cleaning this high-traffic accessory.

The doormat is a key player in keeping your home clean and safe. The doormat is meant to catch dirt and debris from your shoes as you walk into the home, but a dirty doormat can have the opposite affect. A grimy mat can cause dirt and allergens to spread in our homes, potentially even causing respiratory issues. That said, many of us walk right over it, going months or even years without cleaning our doormats. This allows dirt and germs to build up on the doormat and more easily get tracked inside—which means it's smart to add your doormat to your regular cleaning routine.

Luckily, most doormats are easy to clean—some are even machine washable! Here is a comprehensive guide for cleaning your doormat, including how often to clean it and the best cleaning methods for different types of mats.

Related: The 12 Best Doormats of 2024 to Keep Your Home Stylish and Clean

How Often Should You Clean Your Doormat?

Clean your doormat at least once a month to prevent the spread of dirt, germs, and allergens further into your home. A weekly shake is recommended, especially in heavy traffic seasons like summer. Location will also factor into how often to clean your doormat: Focus on the mats in busy areas, such as the door you use daily.

Related: How to Clean Hard-to-Reach Outside Windows

How to Clean a Doormat

The first step to cleaning your doormat is to shake it out and vacuum it, regardless of the material. Use a high-suction vacuum, such as a shop vacuum, especially if your doormat has deep fibers. To sanitize your doormat, the method will depend on the material. Many cloth doormats are machine washable, while coir or rubber mats are not.

How to Clean a Coir Doormat

Coir is the brown bristly substance you might picture when you think of a doormat. It's made of coconut fibers, and it works well for doormats because of its deep bristles. Dirt and debris fall down into the bristles and are rendered invisible, rather than collecting in a mess on the surface. Because coir mats are so good at disguising dirt, it can be hard to notice when it needs cleaning. In addition to a weekly or monthly shake and vacuum, you can sanitize a coir mat with baking soda. Simply coat the mat with baking soda, leave it for a few hours, and then vacuum up the powder. This will also help deodorize your doormat. When your coir mat starts losing fibers in chunks from the edges, it's time to replace it.

How to Clean a Rubber Doormat

After a quick shake out, use hot soapy water and a scrub brush to clean your rubber doormat. If it's a large mat that won't fit in the sink, use an outdoor hose to clean it, along with soap and a brush. Hang your rubber mat to dry to avoid moisture build-up.

How to Clean a Woven or Cloth Doormat

Clean cloth doormats according to their washing instructions. Many can go in the washing machine, but depending on the material, you might run into a few hand-wash only. If your mat is machine washable, be sure to follow the drying instructions as well, or your mat may shrink. If your mat can't be washed in the machine, use detergent and a brush to clean the mat in water, then hang it to dry.

Related: How to Clean Carpet for Floors That Look Like New

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