Indoor Mats Safety Tips 101: Choosing, Using, and Maintaining Indoor Mats

Do you want to keep your floors clean and slip-free? Do you want to protect your flooring from wear and tear? Do you want to improve the safety of your home or office? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then you need indoor mats and our indoor mats safety tips.

Indoor mats are not just decorative accessories. They are essential for safety, cleanliness, and comfort in your home or office. They can prevent slips and falls by trapping dirt and moisture from your shoes. They can reduce noise and protect your flooring from scratches and stains. They can also enhance appearance by adding colour, texture, pattern, or personality.

But not all indoor mats are created equal. You need to choose the right indoor mat for your specific needs and preferences. You also need to use and maintain your indoor mat properly to ensure indoor mats safety and longevity. And you need to find a trusted source of high-quality indoor mats that are washable, durable, and stylish.

That’s where Trusted Mats comes in. Trusted Mats is a family-run business that has been supplying premium quality mats for over 20 years. We offer a wide range of indoor mats for different purposes and needs, such as entrance mats, chair mats, anti-slip mats, anti-fatigue mats, coir matting, logo mats, and more. We also have made to measure mats that can be customised to the size and colour you want. Our indoor mats are easy to clean, long-lasting, and attractive. Plus, we offer free delivery to the UK Mainland on all orders.

In this article, we will share some indoor mats safety tips that will help you choose, use, and maintain your indoor mat properly. We will also show you how to make your home or office safer and more attractive with indoor mats that match your interior décor and style. By following these tips, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of indoor mats without any hassle or risk.

Ready to learn more? Let’s get started!

How to choose the right indoor mat for your home or office

The first step to ensure door mat safety is to choose the right indoor mat for your home or office. There are many factors to consider when selecting an indoor mat, such as:

• Size: The size of your indoor mat should match the size of your door and the area you want to cover. A mat that is too small will not be able to trap enough dirt and moisture, while a mat that is too large will look out of place and possibly not fit within the walls or furniture. You should also leave some space around the mat for easy movement and cleaning. Ideally, your indoor mat should be about 80% of the width of your door and about 150% of the length of your door.
• Shape: The shape of your indoor mat should suit the shape of your door, the space available and the direction of traffic. A rectangular mat is the most common and versatile shape, as it can fit most doors and spaces. However, you can also opt for other shapes, such as square, round, oval, or custom-made. For example, if you have traffic walking off the mat in multiple directions, you might want to choose a round or oval mat to accommodate it.
• Material: The material of your indoor mat should be durable, simple to clean, and comfortable. Different materials have different properties and advantages, such as:
  • Coir: Coir is one of the most popular materials for indoor mats, as it is eco-friendly, biodegradable, and renewable. Coir mats are also very effective at scraping and wiping dirt and moisture from your shoes, as they have a coarse and rough texture. Coir mats come in various colours and designs, and can be cut to any size or shape. (See our video on how to cut and install coir matting) However, coir mats can also shed fibres over time, fade in sunlight, and retain water if not dried properly.
  • Cotton: Cotton is another natural fibre that is soft, absorbent, and breathable. Cotton mats are ideal for indoor use, as they can soak up water and prevent slips and falls. Cotton mats are convenient to clean, as they can often be machine washed and dried. Cotton mats come in various colours and patterns, and can add a touch of warmth and cosiness to your space. However, cotton mats can also wear out quickly, lose their shape, stain easily, take a long time to dry and attract dust and lint.
  • Rubber: Rubber material that is waterproof, anti-slip, and can be anti-fatigue. Rubber mats are perfect for indoor use, especially in areas where there is a lot of moisture or grease, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or garages. Rubber mats are also easy to clean, as they can be hosed down or wiped with a damp cloth. Rubber mats come in various textures and thicknesses, and can provide cushioning and support for your feet. However, rubber mats can also emit a strong odour when new, crack or curl in extreme temperatures, and may stain some types of flooring.
  • Microfibre: Microfibre is a synthetic material that is made from very fine fibres that are tightly woven together. Microfibre mats are excellent for indoor use, as they can trap up to 95% of dirt and moisture from your shoes. Microfibre mats are also easy to clean, as they can be machine washed and dried. Microfibre mats come in various colours and styles, and can add a touch of elegance and luxury to your space. However, microfibre mats can also be expensive, prone to static electricity, and sensitive to heat.
• Function: The function of your indoor mat should meet your specific needs and preferences. You can choose from various functions, such as:
  • Entrance mats: Entrance mats are designed to be placed at the entrance of your home or office, where they can greet your visitors and protect your floors. Entrance mats are usually made from coir, rubber, or microfibre, as they can scrape and wipe dirt and moisture from your shoes effectively. Entrance mats are also usually large and durable, as they can cover a large area and withstand a lot of traffic.
  • Chair mats: Chair mats are designed to be placed under your desk chair, where they can protect your flooring from scratches and marks caused by the chair wheels. Chair mats are usually made from rubber or vinyl, as they can provide a smooth and stable surface for your chair to glide on. Chair mats are also usually transparent or translucent, as they can blend in with your flooring and not interfere with your decor.
  • Anti-slip mats: Anti-slip mats are designed to be placed in areas where there is a risk of slipping or falling, such as stairs, ramps, or wet floors. Anti-slip mats are usually made from rubber or PVC, as they can provide traction and grip for your feet. Anti-slip mats are also usually textured or studded, as they can prevent water or oil from pooling on the surface.
  • Anti-fatigue mats: Anti-fatigue mats are designed to be placed in areas where you have to stand for long periods of time, such as kitchens, workshops, or counters. Anti-fatigue mats are usually made from rubber or foam, as they can provide cushioning and support for your feet. Anti-fatigue mats are also usually ergonomic or contoured, as they can promote blood circulation and reduce stress on your joints.

As you can see, there are many factors to consider when choosing the right indoor mat for your home or office. But don’t worry, Trusted Mats is here to help you. We have a wide range of indoor mats for different purposes and needs. Read on for more indoor mats safety tips.

The features to look out for in a floor mat to ensure indoor mats safety

Besides choosing the right indoor mat for your home or office, you also need to look out for some features that will make your indoor mat safer and more effective. Some of the features that you should look out for are:

• Bevelled edges and a low profile: Bevelled edges are edges that are sloped or angled, rather than straight or sharp. A low profile is a height that is thin or flat, rather than thick or bulky. Bevelled edges and low profile can help prevent tripping hazards, as they can reduce the difference in height between the mat and the floor. They can also help prevent curling or bending of the mat, as they can reduce the stress on the edges of the mat.
• Non-slip backing: A non-slip backing is a layer or coating that is applied to the bottom of the mat, to prevent it from sliding or moving on slippery floors. A non-slip backing can help prevent slipping hazards, as it can increase the friction and grip between the mat and the floor. It can also help protect your flooring from scratches or marks, as it can reduce the contact and pressure between the mat and the floor.
• Surface with traction: A surface that has grooves, ridges, studs, or patterns, rather than being smooth or flat. A surface with traction can help prevent slipping hazards, as it can improve the traction and grip between your shoes and the mat. It can also help scrape and wipe dirt and moisture from your shoes, as it can create more contact and friction between your shoes and the mat.
• Material that will not crack, split, or curl: Choose a material that is resistant to damage from wear and tear, temperature changes, sunlight exposure, or water absorption. A material that will not crack, split, or curl can help prevent tripping hazards, as it can maintain its shape and integrity over time. It can also help prolong the lifespan of your mat, as it can reduce the need for replacement or repair.
• Mats that hold onto water and do not let it spill onto surrounding floors: These mats have a high absorbency and retention capacity, rather than being porous or permeable. They can help prevent slipping hazards, as they can keep your floors dry and clean. They can also help prevent mould and mildew growth, as they can prevent water from stagnating on your floors.

These are some of the features that you should look out for in a floor mat that will ensure it is safer and more effective. However, if you are not sure which floor mat has these features or how to find them, you can always rely on Trusted Mats. We have a wide range of indoor mats that have these features and more. For example, our Aqua Barrier Mat is a highly absorbent and non-slip mat that can hold up to 6 litres of water per square metre without letting it spill onto surrounding floors. You can watch this video to see a full review of the Aqua Barrier Mat.

How to use and maintain your indoor mat properly

The third step to ensure door mat safety is to use and maintain your indoor mat properly. There are some indoor mats safety tips that you should follow to prevent slips, falls, curling, fading, and damage to your indoor mat, such as:

• Place: You should place your indoor mat in the right location and position. Observe the flow of traffic to ensure the mat is covering the area being walked over. You should also avoid placing your indoor mat near heat sources, such as radiators or fireplaces, as it might damage the material of your mat. You should also make sure that your indoor mat is flat and smooth on the floor, without any wrinkles or bumps that might cause tripping hazards.
• Clean: You should clean your indoor mat regularly and thoroughly. You should remove any loose dirt or debris from your indoor mat by shaking it outside or vacuuming it gently. You should also wash your indoor mat according to its material and instructions. For full details, see our article on How to Clean and Maintain Your Indoor Door Mat.
• Store: You should store your indoor mat properly when not in use. You should fold or roll your indoor mat carefully and avoid creasing or bending it. You should also keep your indoor mat in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight, heat, moisture, or insects. You should also check your indoor mat periodically for any signs of wear and tear, and replace it if necessary.

By following these indoor mats safety tips, you will be able to use and maintain your indoor mat properly and prevent any safety issues or damage to your indoor mat. However, if you have any questions or concerns about how to use and maintain your indoor mat, you can always contact us at Trusted Mats.

Conclusion

Indoor mats are essential for safety, cleanliness, and comfort in your home or office. They can prevent slips and falls, trap dirt and moisture, reduce noise and wear and tear, and enhance the appearance of your space. However, you need to choose, use, and maintain your indoor mat properly to ensure its safety and longevity. You also need to look out for some features that will make your indoor mat safer and more effective. And you need to find a trusted source of high-quality indoor mats that are washable, durable, and stylish.

That’s why you need Trusted Mats. Trusted Mats is a family-run business that has been supplying premium quality mats for over 20 years. We offer a wide range of indoor mats for different purposes and needs, such as entrance mats, chair mats, anti-slip mats, anti-fatigue mats, coir matting, logo mats, and more. We also have made to measure mats that can be customised to the size and colour you want. Our indoor mats are easy to clean, long-lasting, and attractive. Plus, we offer free delivery on all orders to the UK mainland.