The Scoop on Welcome Mats

I got a note from a reader the other day who asked,

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I have the hardest time with my welcome mat.  It always looks terrible.  I try to vacuum it and it doesn’t appear any better.  Is this an item that I should be replacing regularly?  Is there a way to keep it from looking grungy? 

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The fact is, we all have trouble with doormats. Either they fade too fast or they just look so dirty that you want to replace it. That’s to be expected with something that’s sitting out in the sun, rain, and snow 24/7, but there are a few things we can do to help them look better.

1. They should be cleaned regularly. A good rule of thumb is to shake (or hang and beat) them out weekly, and spray them well monthly. A little dish soap and good spray goes a long way. If you don’t have a power washer, consider taking it to the car wash with you the next time you go.
2. If you vacuum it, you’ll need to use a beater bar. A shop vac won’t help much when it comes to getting pet hair and other debris out.
3. Finally, as much as I hate to say this, they fade–especially if your front door faces South. You can help to preserve the look a bit longer by spraying the mat with polyurethane spray. This is the same spray do-it-youselfers use when they custom paint doormats. Which you could simply do too with a coir door mat, a stencil, and a some outdoor acrylic paint.

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If you’re looking to pick up a new one, here are a few of my favorite mats from around the web…

God Says You Are… – Available at Etsy

Bless This Home – Available at Etsy

Spring Has Sprung – Available at Amazon.com

This House Runs on Coffee & Jesus – Available at Etsy

Greenery Welcome Mat – Available at Amazon