How To Keep Entry Matting Clean All Year Round
Regular cleaning and maintenance of entrance matting is crucial in ensuring effective dirt and moisture control and preventing unnecessary wear and tear to interior flooring. Entrance matting serves as the first line of defense against dirt, water, and debris being tracked into a building, making it vital to maintain its functionality through regular upkeep. Clean entrance matting not only enhances the visual appeal of the space but also prevents slip-and-fall accidents by effectively controlling moisture and dirt.
The importance of regular cleaning and maintenance of entrance matting cannot be overstated. It is essential for effective dirt and moisture control, creating a safe and aesthetically pleasing environment, and increasing the longevity of interior floor coverings. In this article, we will review the best practices you should employ to maintain your matting.
Start with Daily Vacuuming
To maintain the cleanliness and appearance of the recessed aluminum entrance mat, it is essential to begin with daily vacuuming. This routine helps to remove any loose dirt and debris that may have accumulated on the mat's surface.
If the matting is dry, an upright vacuum is the best choice. The upright vacuum's beater bar vibrates the carpet fibers, causing the dirt to become airborne, so the vacuum's suction can draw it away. For best results, use an upright equipped with a HEPA filter. Alternatively, Canister vacuums can be used for mat cleaning, but the upright is preferred because it requires less labor.
If the matting is wet, you must use a wet vacuum to remove dirt and moisture. Never use an upright vacuum on wet matting. If moisture from the carpet reaches the vacuum motor, the vacuum may be damaged. Thoroughly vacuum the carpet with a wet vacuum with a carpet attachment. Dry the carpet thoroughly after vacuuming with an air mover. If circumstances permit, you may want to occasionally vacuum the dry carpet with an upright vacuum to remove soil missed by the wet vacuuming process.
Is Daily Vacuuming Enough?
In most instances, daily vacuuming is enough to keep your mats working effectively. If soil or moisture is being tracked into your building, even with daily vacuuming, you may need to vacuum more than once per day. In some cases, this may be seasonal, so when the weather is better, you can reduce your frequency back to once per day. If additional vacuuming doesn't work in your operation, consider adding more entry matting to fix the problem.
Entry Mat Extraction
How Often? It Depends...
In temperate areas with light to regular traffic, deep cleaning your entry matting once or twice a year should be sufficient. However, if the foot traffic in your space brings in moisture and dirt, you may need extra extractions during the snowy or rainy season. Also, you may need to use other techniques to effectively remove stubborn stains or spots.
If you need help with spot removal, we recommend you refer to our guide for helpful tips and techniques. Our guide provides detailed instructions for addressing various types of stains and spots, ensuring you can effectively manage any issues.
Ultimately, the frequency with which you need to perform carpet extraction and cleaning will depend on the specific circumstances of your space. By staying attuned to the level of foot traffic and the conditions that your carpets are exposed to, you can determine the most appropriate schedule for maintenance.
Dealing With Ice Melt
Facility managers should consider using an ice melt neutralizer to ensure that entry matting remains clean and in good condition. This simple and effective solution helps neutralize and remove the white powdery residue from ice melt.
The process for neutralizing the residue is straightforward. Prepare a cleaning solution by mixing the ice melt neutralizer with water according to the manufacturer's instructions. Apply the solution to the entry matting using a sprayer or a mop, and allow it to sit for five minutes. Finally, use a scrub brush and wet/dry vacuum or a carpet extractor to agitate the solution and remove the residue. Rinse the mats thoroughly with water and allow them to air dry.
Hillyard Can Help You With Your Entry Mat Program
At Hillyard, we understand the importance of maintaining a clean and safe entryway for your facility. That's why we offer a comprehensive entry mat program to assist you in keeping your entrance areas clean and safe.
We provide high-quality mats designed to trap dirt, moisture, and debris effectively to prevent them from being tracked into your facility. Our team of experts can offer guidance on the placement of these mats to ensure maximum effectiveness in trapping dirt and moisture.
By partnering with Hillyard for your entry mat program, you can benefit from a comprehensive solution that ensures your entrance areas remain clean and safe. Our high-quality mats and expert guidance on placement and maintenance can help to reduce slip and fall accidents, protect your flooring, and create a positive first impression for visitors. Use the "I'm Interested" form below and one of our representatives will contact you.