How to Care for Your Mat or Rug

A well-cared-for mat lasts years longer than a neglected one. The good news is that most of our mats are low-maintenance by nature — they're built to take a beating at the door so the rest of your home doesn't have to. Here's everything you need to know to keep each type looking and performing its best.

 

Coir & Natural Fiber Doormats

Natural coir is one of the most durable doormat materials available, but it does have one enemy: prolonged moisture. Keep these simple habits in mind and your coir mat will serve you well for years.

  • Shake it regularly — take the mat outside and shake or beat it firmly to dislodge trapped dirt and debris. Do this weekly for high-traffic entrances.
  • Vacuum with a brush attachment — run a vacuum over the surface to lift fine particles from between the fibers. Avoid using a rotating beater bar as it can pull fibers loose.
  • Never soak a coir mat — excessive water weakens the natural coconut fibers and can cause the backing to deteriorate. Spot clean with a damp cloth only.
  • Dry thoroughly after rain — if your mat gets wet, stand it upright in a well-ventilated area or in direct sunlight until completely dry before laying it flat again.
  • Rotate periodically — if one area receives more foot traffic than others, rotate the mat 180° every few months to even out wear.
  • Keep under cover where possible — coir performs best under a porch or overhang. Prolonged direct rain exposure will shorten its lifespan.

Rubber Doormats

Rubber mats are the most forgiving of all our mat types — virtually weatherproof and easy to clean.

  • Hose it down — take the mat outside and rinse with a garden hose to remove dirt, mud, and debris. This is the quickest and most effective cleaning method.
  • Scrub with mild soap — for stubborn stains, use a stiff brush and a small amount of dish soap or mild detergent. Rinse thoroughly afterwards.
  • Air dry before replacing — shake off excess water and allow the mat to air dry fully before placing it back at the door to prevent moisture buildup underneath.
  • Avoid harsh chemicals — bleach and strong solvents can degrade rubber over time. Stick to mild soap and water.
  • Protect from prolonged UV exposure — while rubber is extremely durable, extended direct sunlight over many years can cause fading and surface cracking. Placing under a covered entry will extend its life significantly.

Jute Rugs

Jute is a natural plant fiber that brings warmth and texture to any entryway or living space. Like coir, it prefers to stay dry.

  • Vacuum regularly — vacuum in the direction of the weave using a low-suction setting. Avoid high-powered vacuums or beater bars which can fray the fibers.
  • Blot spills immediately — if liquid is spilled, blot (never rub) with a clean dry cloth to absorb as much as possible. Rubbing spreads the stain and damages the weave.
  • Spot clean only — use a damp cloth with a small amount of mild soap for spot cleaning. Work from the outside of the stain inward.
  • Never machine wash or steam clean — jute shrinks and distorts when saturated with water. Keep cleaning as dry as possible.
  • Dry flat — if the rug gets damp, lay it flat in a well-ventilated area away from direct heat sources until fully dry.
  • Use a rug pad underneath — a thin non-slip rug pad extends the life of a jute rug by reducing friction against hard floors and preventing bunching.
  • Rotate every few months — jute rugs in high-traffic areas benefit from regular rotation to prevent uneven wear patterns.

Washable Donier Rugs

Donier rugs are our most convenient option — designed specifically to be easy to clean without sacrificing style or durability.

  • Machine wash on a gentle cycle — use cold water and a mild detergent. Avoid hot water which can affect the backing and colors.
  • Do not tumble dry on high heat — either air dry flat or tumble dry on the lowest heat setting. High heat can cause the rug to shrink or the backing to separate.
  • Wash separately — wash your Donier rug separately from other laundry to prevent color transfer and tangling.
  • Do not bleach — bleach will damage the fibers and fade the design. Use a color-safe detergent only.
  • Iron on low if needed — if the rug develops creases after washing, iron on a low setting with a pressing cloth between the iron and the rug surface.
  • Reshape while damp — after washing, gently reshape the rug by hand while still damp and lay flat to dry for best results.

General Tips for All Mats & Rugs

  • Check underneath regularly — lift your mat every few weeks to check for moisture, mold, or debris trapped between the mat and the floor. This is especially important on hard floors.
  • Use a rug pad — for any indoor rug or mat on a hard floor surface, a thin non-slip pad protects both the mat and your floor.
  • Store flat — if storing a mat seasonally, store it flat or loosely rolled. Never fold mats for long periods as fold lines can become permanent.
  • Replace when needed — even the best mat has a lifespan. A mat that no longer scrapes effectively or has worn through is doing more harm than good — it's time for a new one.