Can Door Mats be Washed in the Washing Machine?

Doormats play a crucial role in keeping our homes clean and welcoming. However, they are filled with dirt, mud, and grime over time. Regular cleaning of the door mats helps maintain a bacteria and dirt-free environment. Mostly, people wonder if tossing them into the washing machine is a practical solution. Let's explore which mats you can clean in the washing machine and some essential tips for proper cleaning.

Which Door Mats Can be Washed in a Machine?

Door mats are of different types based on their manufacturing and features. The material of the doormat decides whether it's machine washable or not. Let's see which mats are machine washable. 

Rubber Backed Door Mats

Rubber doormats are the home entrance superheroes. They are made with rubber backing and polyester nylon or olefin materials on the top. Rubber-backed door mats are non-slippery and effectively trap dirt and mud. These rubber mats are perfect for high-traffic areas like residential and commercial places. 

Coir or Jute Door Mats

Coir door mats are made from coconut husk fiber, and jute fiber is taken from the stem of the jute plant. Therefore, these mats demand more care. They feature natural beauty and are highly durable. They are usually used for covered entrances and high-traffic areas to scrape dirt and mud from shoes. 

They also absorb moisture and are environment-friendly with biodegradable material. It's not preferable to wash coir door mats in the washing machine. You can wash them by hand or use a vacuum cleaner. 

Fabric Door Mats

Fabric doormats are built with materials like cotton or microfiber. Fabric mats quickly go with the washing machine. Make sure to check the care label for your mat's preferences. They are usually used in front of bathrooms and kitchens as they are highly water absorbent. These mats are perfect for low-traffic areas, like inside the house or on sheltered porches.

How to Clean Door Mats?

Cleaning door mats is simple when you know the proper methods based on their fabric type. Whether a hand wash or using the washing machine, the process starts with a crucial step – pre-treatment.

Pre-Treating Door Mats

Before washing, pre-treating makes cleaning effective. Here's a straightforward guide to pre-treat your door mats:

Dusting Off

  • Tap the mat on the floor or an outside wall to remove excess dry dust and dirt.
  • Otherwise, use a vacuum cleaner to remove dust particles efficiently.

Stain Removal

  • Add a few drops of liquid detergent or dishwasher cleaner to the stained surface.
  • Use a soft brush or sponge to rub the stained area gently.
  • Add water and continue scrubbing until the stain fades off.
  • Once stains are weakened or removed, the mat is ready to wash.

How to Hand-Wash Door Mats?

Almost every type of doormat is hand washable. Let's explore the best way to hand-wash door mats:

  1. Use a basin or tub filled with lukewarm water. Just ensure it's not too hot – your hands are comfortable while you work.
  2. Add a small amount of mild detergent suitable for the mat's fabric. You can also add baking soda to remove stubborn stains. 
  3. Immerse the mat in the soapy water and let it settle for 15 minutes. 
  4. Remove the mat and gently scrub both sides of the door mat with a soft brush or sponge. 
  5. Pay extra attention to stained or heavily soiled areas. Make sure to scrub the whole doormat. 
  6. Rinse the mat thoroughly with clean water to remove detergent residue. 
  7. Wash it with excess water, hang the mat, or lay it flat to air dry completely.
  8. After it's dried, move the doormat away from direct sunlight to keep its colors vibrant and maintain its shape.

How to Machine Wash Your Door Mat?

Washing your door mat in a washing machine is straightforward. However, you should ensure your door mat is machine-washable. 

Mats Not Recommended for Machine Wash:

Avoid washing door mats made of plastic or rubber in the washing machine. While some rubber-backed door mats are washable, be cautious about the type of rubber they use. 

If the rubber breaks or can be torn when folded, don't wash it in the machine. This can cause additional damage to the door mat, and broken rubber pieces may clog your washing machine. Always check the mat care instructions to confirm if it's suitable for machine washing. 

Mats Recommended for Machine Wash:

In the washing machine, you can wash door mats made of cotton, jute, polyester, and olefin. 

Steps for Machine Washing Your Door Mat

Follow these steps for a fresh, clean door mat that welcomes guests with renewed charm.

  1. After giving your door mat the necessary pre-treatment, toss it into the washing machine. Avoid mixing it with other loads to ensure a thorough cleaning.
  2. Pour a cup of your regular, washer-friendly detergent into the machine.
  3. Adjust the settings as follows:
  • Water Temperature: Mild Hot
  • Soil Level: Normal (Increase to high if the mat is heavily soiled)
  • Wash Type: Normal
  • Pre-Wash: Skip if you've already pre-treated the mat
  • Fabric Softener: No need for fabric softener
  1. Let the washer do its job on a regular or standard wash cycle. You can boost the cleaning with an additional rinse cycle.
  2. Once the cycle is complete, take out the door mat and lay it flat on a surface or drying rack. You can hang it on a clothesline using clips under the sunlight.

Tips for Washing Door Mats in the Machine

  1. Pre-treat Stains

Pre-treat your door mat with a stain remover or baking soda in water before washing. This step effectively removes stains, enhancing the overall cleaning process.

  1. Avoid Overloading

Don't wash multiple doormats simultaneously. Overloading the washing machine can reduce the cleaning effectiveness and damage your machine. Wash one or two mats simultaneously for optimal results and minimal wear.

  1. Choose the Right Detergent

Select a mild detergent for washing your doormats. Harsh chemicals can damage the material over time, affecting the appearance and durability of mats.

  1. Use Cold Water

Cold water is gentler on most doormat materials and helps prevent color bleeding. Lukewarm water helps remove tough stains effectively. You must follow the care instructions for the best water temperature for your doormat.

  1. Air Dry

Some doormats can handle a gentle tumble in the dryer, but air drying is safer. Lay them flat or hang them to dry completely, preserving their shape and texture.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can you put mats in a washing machine?

Yes, you can put some mats in a washing machine. However, it's essential to check the care instructions and material type. Mats made of cotton, olefin, or polyester are generally machine-washable. Avoid washing mats made of plastic or rubber in the machine. Always follow the recommended washing guidelines for each mat to ensure proper care and longevity.

What's the ideal temperature for machine washing?

For machine washing, the temperature should be lower than 50 degrees Celsius. This ensures effective cleaning without harming your door mats. Check care instructions for specific temperature recommendations to maintain quality.

Is it hygienic to wash bath mats in the washing machine?

Yes, washing bath mats in your washing machine is hygienic. Regular machine washing removes dirt, bacteria, and odors, keeping your bathroom clean and healthy. Follow the care instructions on your mat. Use an appropriate detergent for effective cleaning without compromising its quality.

How often should door mats be cleaned for best results?

Door mats should be cleaned regularly, ideally once a week or more frequently if they experience heavy foot traffic. Cleaning frequency depends on usage. Weekly routine helps maintain a clean and welcoming entryway, preventing dirt buildup and allergens.

Final Words 

In conclusion, machine washing is a great way to clean door mats. But you should know the material of the mat to decide the cleaning process. Generally, rubber-backed, fabric, and cotton mats are machine washable. Meanwhile, coir, jute, and plastic mats are not recommended for machine washing. Regular cleaning keeps your doormats fresh and ready to welcome you and your guests.