Walk-off mats play a key role in any floor cleaning program. They’re the first line of defense against dirt, debris, mud, and moisture that could get tracked into the building. Having these mats in place won’t do you any good though if they are not properly cleaned and maintained. The tips below provide an overview of mat cleaning and maintenance so you can ensure your mats, and the floors they protect, last as long as possible.
How Often Should Mats Be Cleaned?
Some mats need to be cleaned more often than others based on the amount of foot traffic you get coming in and out of your building. The weather and environment in your area will also play a role in the frequency of your mat cleaning. For instance, if your business is located near a dirt-covered lot of land, you may need to clean your mats daily or every other day because of the dirt in the air around you. If you operated a low-key business in a clean area with minimal foot traffic, you may get away with cleaning your mats once a week.
Different Levels of Mat Cleaning – Choose What’s Right for You
There are several stages of mat cleaning that you may go through at any given time. At the surface, mats should be vacuumed regularly to prevent dirt and mud from piling up. Beyond that, mats may need to be shampooed or wet cleaned once a week to get rid of deep-set dirt and grime. Wiper mats designed to collect moisture should be hung to dry every day to prevent mold build-up and to control odors. You can work with your cleaning crew to decide what levels of mat cleaning you need at different times throughout the month.
Knowing When to Replace Your Mats
As long as you clean your mats regularly, you should be able to get a long usage time out of a single mat. With that in mind, you will eventually need to replace your mats, so it’s best to be prepared for that time in advance. Mats should be replaced when they no longer perform the way they’re supposed to. If you’re spending more time cleaning your floors than your mats, it may be because your mats’ lifetimes have expired. Here are some factors to consider with mat replacements:
• Are the mats noticeably worn?
• Are your floors getting dirtier because your mats are less effective at collecting dirt now?
• Do your mats match up to your current brand and design scheme?
• Are people no longer using your mats because of how old they look?
• Have the mats become difficult to clean because of matting and worn-down fibers?
Keep in mind that your mats are a reflection of your business. If they look old and tattered, people are going to assume you do not care about your business as a whole. This is one of the first impressions people have about how you operate. Make sure it’s a good one.
