Winter in the UK ushers in cosy evenings, festive holidays, and unfortunately, a fair bit of mud and moisture. As the temperatures drop and the days get shorter, the chances of dragging dirt, wet leaves, and debris into your building increase significantly. This makes it all the more essential to have a robust defence system at your doorstep such as coir matting. However, with the increased footfall of dirt and moisture, your coir mat will require extra care and attention. In this guide, we will walk you through the process of cleaning your coir mats in winter, ensuring they remain in prime condition to serve you throughout the season.

Why Coir Matting Needs More Attention in Winter

Before we delve into the cleaning process, let’s understand why coir mats are particularly susceptible to wear and tear during the colder months:

Increased Moisture – the UK winter is notorious for its dampness. Rain, snow, and slush mean wet shoes, and where do those shoes go first? Right onto your coir mat. This increased moisture can make your mat oversaturated with water and mud, making it unhygienic and an eyesore if not properly taken care of.

Mud and Debris – fallen leaves, mud, and other winter debris often get trapped in the dense fibres of the coir, leading to a dirty mat and potential damage over time. If these are not removed, your mat will become less efficient at scraping, leading to more dirt entering your premises.

Salt and Chemicals – many areas in the UK use salt or other chemicals to de-ice the roads and pavements. These can be harmful to the coir fibres, reducing the mat’s longevity if it is not cleaned off promptly.

Tips For Cleaning Coir Mats

1. Regular Vacuuming – at least once a week, give your coir mat a vacuum to remove any loose dirt and debris. Ensure you use a low suction setting and vacuum both sides of the mat to reach dirt that may have sneaked underneath.

2. Shake it Out – if your mat is loose-laid, we recommend shaking it out every couple of days. Especially on particularly wet or muddy days, take your mat outside and give it a good shake, this will dislodge larger pieces of debris and will help to air the mat out.

3. Spot Cleaning – if you notice any specific stains or marks, it is important to let them dry fully first. Once the stain is dry, you can use a brush to lift the stain. If the stain is still apparent, use a diluted solution of soap and water to blot the stain, but avoid rubbing it, as this can push the substance further into the fibres.

4. Avoid Soaking – unlike other methods that you might read about, it’s essential to not soak your coir mat. The fibres can absorb a significant amount of water, which can lead to the growth of mould and mildew if it remains damp. Instead, if your mat becomes very wet, try to dry it out as quickly as possible. Outside in a dry location or a well-ventilated area will work fine.

5. Deep Clean – depending on the location of your property and whether it suffers from substantial traffic, you should give your mat a deep clean at least once a year. Use warm water and a mild detergent to lightly brush the mat.

6. Replace When Needed – no matter how diligent you are with your cleaning, coir mats do have a lifespan. If you notice your mat is looking particularly worn or isn’t performing its job effectively, it might be time to invest in a new one.

Our coir matting is designed with robust PVC backing to ensure it remains slip-resistant, even in the colder months. Nevertheless, due to this PVC feature, it's pivotal to stay away from solvent-based cleaning products. The solvents could cause the PVC to expand, potentially damaging the mat and affecting its pile integrity.

With these tips, you’re all set to ensure your coir mat remains clean, pristine, and long-lasting! Although coir mats might necessitate a touch more care, their plethora of advantages, from elevating your interior décor to promoting hygiene, justifies the extra diligence. For any further maintenance advice or enquiries about our offerings, feel free to reach out at 01772 330051 or drop an email at [email protected]. Our team at Grimeford Mill is always here to assist!