Most cleaning professionals know that one of the first lines of defence against poor facility cleanliness, health, and hygiene during the winter months is entry mats.

These entry mats are one of the first ways in which germs can be spread within a building, and keeping them clean is vital.

But what is the best way to go about this?

Matt Morrison, communications manager with Kaivac, notes that entry mats are designed to capture and trap soil, moisture, and contaminants so they don’t get walked inside.

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Morrison offers the following suggestions on keeping entry mats clean:

1. Before installing, make sure the floor beneath the mat is clean and dry. This protects the mat’s backing and prevents mould and mildew from developing.

2. Mats should be vacuumed throughout the day; frequency is determined by foot traffic and weather conditions. “At the very least, mats should be vacuumed once or twice per day,” says Morrison.

3. If there is heavy debris build-up, take the mat outside and sweep before vacuuming.

4. It’s best to deep-clean mats using the extraction method. This means using a carpet extractor or the carpet cleaning attachment if using a no-touch cleaning system. This attachment turns the no-touch cleaning system into a dual-surface cleaning machine.

5. Clean the bottom of the mat regularly. Take the mat to a clean, dry area, preferably outside the facility. Lay it face down and vacuum or sweep the backing.

6. Spots should be removed as soon as they are found. This prevents spots from being walked into the facility on people’s shoes. The same is true of gum on the mat.

7. If cleaned mats need to be stored, do not roll or fold them. This can damage or weaken the backing of the mat. Instead, store them flat, one on top of another, until needed.

As a rule of thumb, Morrison concludes, facility managers and staff can never over-clean mats, especially when it comes to vacuuming. The more, the better.