Hello again welcome back to The Neighborhood, we are so glad to have you here again!

If you have made it this far you are most likely going down a rabbit hole on outdoor doormats and in this brief article we are going to cover everything you need to know about the best dirt-trapping door mats and materials, we are talking everything from the outside in.

Before we get into it if you are interested in a more in-depth guide on outdoor doormats check out our article: Outdoor doormats: What are the best door mats for outside?

 

Why Dirt-Trapping is Important for Doormats

Alright, let's kick things off by talking about why dirt-trapping should be at the top of your list when choosing a doormat. You might think, "It's just a doormat, right?" Well, there's a bit more to it.

2 things… 

Safety and Cleanliness: A good dirt trapper mat helps keep your home safe and clean. By catching all that muck at the door, you reduce the risk of slips and falls caused by wet or dirty floors and keep your floors cleaner, saving you time and effort on endless cleaning.

 

Do Doormats Help with Dirt?

Yes. Materials like PET and Coir are the best materials to remove dirt from shoes at your entranceway. 

Now, if you're serious about keeping your home dirt-free, here’s a tip: Large heavy-duty doormats outside are great, but extra-large heavy-duty doormats are even better. Think about it—more surface area means more dirt gets caught before anyone steps inside. So, if you want to catch more dirt, go bigger with your doormat.

 

Top 2 Dirt-Scraping Materials for Doormats.

When it comes to keeping dirt outside where it belongs, the material of your doormat makes all the difference. Let's dive into the top three materials that are excellent at trapping dirt: Coir, PET, and Rubber.

Coir matting

Pros of coir matting:

• 
  Effective Dirt Scraping: Coir mats are made from natural coconut fibers, which are tough and excellent at scraping dirt off shoes.
  
  
• Eco-Friendly: Being a natural material, coir is biodegradable and sustainable.
  
  
• Rustic Charm: They add a natural, rustic touch to your home’s entrance.
  
  

Cons of coir matting:

• Shedding: Coir mats can shed fibers, especially when new.
  
  
• Moisture Retention: They can hold onto moisture, leading to mold and odors if not properly dried.

 

Where can I use Coir matting?

• Best For: Dry and mild climates where moisture isn’t a big issue.
  
  
• Avoid Very wet or snowy conditions as they can retain water.

 

Is Coir good at dirt scraping?

Yes. The rough texture of coconut fibers effectively scrapes off dirt and debris from shoes, keeping it out of your home. 

 

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate)

Pros of PET

• 
  Durable and Long-Lasting: PET is made from recycled plastic bottles, making it incredibly durable.
  
  
• All-Weather Performance: These mats handle everything from rain and snow to intense sunlight without breaking down.
  
  
• Non-Slip Backing: Most PET mats, like our WaterHog mats, have a rubber backing that keeps them in place.

 

Cons of PET

• Synthetic Feel: Some people prefer natural materials over synthetic ones.
• Initial Cost: They can be pricier than basic doormats, but their durability offers great value.

 

Why It's Good at Dirt Scraping?

The textured surface and high-density fibers of PET mats are designed to catch and trap dirt effectively. Our WaterHog mats excel here, with their unique design and durable materials that ensure your entryway stays clean no matter the weather.

 

Where can I use WaterHog PET Mats?

• Best For: All weather conditions, including rain, snow, and sun.
• Avoid: There’s no need to avoid any weather conditions; they perform well across the board.

 

What Material is Best for Front Door Mats?

PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) is a top choice. PET mats, like our WaterHog mats, are incredibly durable, made from recycled plastic bottles. They perform well in all weather conditions, handling rain, snow, and intense sunlight without breaking down. Additionally, they come with a non-slip rubber backing that keeps them securely in place, making them a better option than coir mats, which can shed and absorb moisture.

 

The most popular question: How big should an outdoor door mat be?

Ideally, your outdoor doormat should be at least as wide as your door, or a few inches wider, to ensure it covers the entire entryway. For a standard single door, a mat measuring around 18 x 30 inches or 24 x 36 inches works well. For double doors, look for a mat that is at least 36 x 60 inches.

A larger mat provides more surface area to catch dirt and moisture, keeping your home cleaner and safer. The extra size allows guests to take multiple steps on the mat, effectively wiping their shoes before entering. So, when in doubt, go for extra large dirt trapper mats.

  

Let’s wrap up: What is the best outdoor mat to remove dirt?

So let’s conclude and give you the final answer…

WaterHog = Best Outdoor doormat.

Here’s why:

Superior Dirt Scraping Abilities: WaterHog mats are designed with high-density fibers that effectively scrape dirt, mud, and debris off shoes. The unique ridged patterns and bi-level design trap and hold dirt below the surface, preventing it from being tracked into your home.

Variety of Colors and Patterns: WaterHog mats are not only functional but also stylish. They come in a wide range of colors and patterns, allowing you to choose one that complements your home’s exterior decor. Whether you prefer a classic look or something more vibrant, there’s a WaterHog mat to suit your taste.

Different Sizes Available: WaterHog mats are available in various sizes to fit any entryway. From small mats perfect for single doors to extra-large ones for double door entrances, you can find the right size to ensure maximum dirt-trapping effectiveness.

So, thank you again for joining us in the Neighborhood we can’t wait to welcome you back again! See you around :) 

Before we head home it if you are interested in a more in-depth guide on outdoor doormats check out our article: Outdoor doormats: What are the best door mats for outside?