Before you purchase a doormat for your home front, it’s wise to investigate the possible damage scenarios that can make your valuable investment go down the drain. And just because doormats are outside the house, the first question to pop into mind is related to harsh environmental conditions like rain, dust, dirt, sun, etc.
Will rain affect doormats? The answer to this and many such questions are provided in this post by Mats Dubai. Continue reading to find out about the effect of rain on doormats (if any) and to help yourself make a better decision about buying doormats.
The Impact Of Rain On Doormats: A Detailed Analysis
Doormats are becoming increasingly popular for household as well as commercial entryways. The root cause behind this surge in popularity is the number of amazing benefits offered by doormats. They can help keep floors clean and protected, reduce slip hazards, enhance the décor, improve air quality, and keep pests at bay.
Outdoor Doormats: The Material Construction
Doormats made of natural fibers like coir or jute are susceptible to water damage. These materials absorb moisture and become waterlogged, causing them to deteriorate over time.
On the other hand, doormats made from synthetic materials like rubber, plastic, and polyester are more resistant to water damage. These doormats are designed to repel water and dry quickly, thus are ideal for rainy season or wet conditions.
They are placed outside the door to remove dirt, debris, and moisture from shoes before entering the home, which helps keep the floors clean and reduces the risk of slips and falls.
What Type Of Damage Is Caused By Rain Water To Doormats?
Rain can cause various damages depending on the material and construction of the doormat. To be straightforward, only a low-quality doormat is at risk of damage by rain while high-quality doormats are not susceptible to rain damage.
Here’s a list of potential damage situations caused by rainwater to doormats.
1. Fading
Rainwater can cause the colors of the doormat to fade, particularly if it’s exposed to direct rain. Especially acidic rain causes the colors of the doormat to fade more quickly than normal rainwater, which can make the doormat look dull and worn out.
2. Mold & Mildew Growth
Rain creates damp environments. The waterlogged mats are the favorite places for mold and mildew growth leading to unpleasant odors and potential health risks.
3. Fabric Disintegration
Natural fiber doormats exposed to rain over some time cause the fabric of the doormat to break down. Doormats made from cheaper, lower-quality materials may start to disintegrate or fall apart after prolonged exposure to rain.
4. Staining
Rainwater can carry dirt and debris onto the doormat, which may lead to staining and discoloration if not cleaned properly.
5. Rusting (In Case)
If the doormat comprises metal components like grommets or wire brushes, prolonged exposure to rainwater may cause these elements to rust or corrode.
How To Treat Doormats Affected By Rainwater?
You should try to immediately address the doormat after rain damage. Because only then you’ll be able to keep your doormat fabrics from further damage. Doing so will also prevent the likelihood of permanent damage to the doormat fabrics.
If your doormat has been affected by rainwater, here are some steps you can take to treat it:
- Lose Excess Water: If the doormat is soaked with water, shake it off to remove as much excess water as possible.
- Let It Dry: To dry, place the doormat in direct sunlight or a well-ventilated room. Avoid placing it on a surface that can trap moisture and prolong the drying time.
- Vacuum/Sweep: Once the doormat is dry, vacuum or sweep it to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated.
- Spot Cleaning: If there are any stains or spots on the doormat, spot-clean them using a mild detergent and a soft brush. Clean it well with water, then allow it to air dry.
- Deodorize: If the doormat has an unpleasant odor, sprinkle baking soda or an odor neutralizer on it and let it stay for a couple of hours before vacuuming it off.
Different Types Of Doormats & Rain Damage
All types of door mats can be affected by rain to some extent, but some types are more susceptible to water damage than others.
1. Natural Fiber Doormats
These doormats are constructed from materials namely jute, coir, sisal, etc. They are placed right after the door entrance and therefore, they don’t directly get affected by rain. However, the rainwater from feet and from underneath the door can come in contact with these doormats.
If they get waterlogged, the mat fabrics will deteriorate over the passage of time leading to mat disintegration.
2. Rubber Doormats
The best quality rubber doormats are more resistant to water damage yet they can get affected by acidic rain with prolonged exposure. Rubber doormats won’t slip under wet conditions.
3. Polyester Doormats
They can handle rain better than most market-available doormats, however, become slippery and pose safety hazards, especially if not backed by a non-slip material.
The Answer
Rain will affect doormats made from natural fibers like coir, jute, sisal, etc and the best quality doormats made from synthetic materials like polyester, rubber, etc can resist rain damage up to some extent. The effect of rain on doormats can be minimized if you address the situation immediately and follow the right steps. There may be fading, mold & mildew growth, fabric disintegration, staining, and rusting (in case) of doormats as a result of rain damage.
