Floor mats are meant to keep dirt from being tracked indoors, but when a mat is saturated with dirt, the purpose is defeated. Mats are also meant to be a point of welcome before crossing a threshold. When a mat appears grungy, it adversely affects the way people feel upon entering a home. Outdoor mats have tight naps and are typically made with water-resistant fibers, making the process of cleaning them different than that of an indoor carpet or rug. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Shake the mat vigorously outside to get rid of loose debris.
2. Vacuum the mat to suck up debris caught in the fibers.
3. Spray the mat, front and back, liberally, with a solution of 1 part water and 1 part white vinegar. White vinegar will kill mold, bacteria and germs.
4. Create a solution of hot water and dish soap. Using a plastic-bristled scrub brush, scrub the mat with the solution. Scrub hard, and use soapy water generously to ensure that the solution is being worked through the entire nap. Do not worry about oversaturating the mat fibers, as the waterproof quality will resist water damage.
5. Rinse the mat with a garden hose that has a high-pressure nozzle attached. A high-pressure spray is necessary for shooting the soapy water and dislodged dirt out from the mat fibers.
6. Hold the mat up and rinse the backing.
7. Lay the mat flat or hang it from clothespins in the sun to dry. Do not fold the mat while it dries, as it may lose its flat shape.
Tags: dirt from, soapy water, with solution
