Winter is coming, and facility managers, whether commercial, residential or institutional, know that carpets are a key factor in keeping premises clean and safe for occupants. Choosing the right mats, combining them correctly, and maintaining them regularly are all vital steps. Not only do these entrance carpets help protect floors, but they also considerably reduce cleaning costs and minimize the risk of accidents. Adopting winter matting practices also extends the life of your infrastructure, while improving indoor air quality.

The importance of winter carpets

Winter carpets aren’t just a matter of comfort or aesthetics; they are the first line of defence against dirt and moisture that can seep into your building. Here are just a few reasons why they are an absolute must:

• Accident prevention: Snow, ice, and moisture carried in by the soles of boots and shoes can render floors slippery, increasing the risk of falls. Carpets absorb much of this moisture, reducing the risk of accidents. Slips and falls account for about 20 per cent of all winter workplace injuries caused by slippery surfaces, costing businesses millions of dollars in insurance claims and lost work time. Additionally, in 2015, the medical costs of winter-related slips and falls reached $50 billion, with more than 800,000 hospitalizations due to these injuries, mostly involving hip and head traumas​.
• Floor protection: Salt, snow, and gravel can easily damage hard floors and carpeted flooring, causing scratches, premature wear, and discolouration. A good entrance mat will act as a barrier, capturing these contaminants before they damage the surface of your floors. According to an ISSA study, a 15-foot entry mat can trap 80 per cent to 90 per cent of dirt and moisture brought in by foot traffic. This protection not only reduces floor wear but also lowers long-term cleaning costs by preventing dirt from spreading throughout the building. Additionally, it is estimated that without effective matting systems in place, 1,000 people can track in up to 24 pounds of dirt into a building in just 20 days. This emphasizes the importance of these protective measures for preserving floors and extending their lifespan​.
• Reduced maintenance costs: By capturing most of the dirt and moisture at the entrance, you not only reduce the risk of slips but also the cleaning costs. According to the same ISSA study, it would cost approximately $600 to remove each pound of dirt, which represents a staggering $14,400 over 20 days. Installing entry mats drastically cuts these cleaning costs by capturing up to 90 per cent of the dirt at the entrance​.

Choosing the right entrance carpet

Choosing the right mats depends on the type of building, the number of visitors, and local weather conditions. Here are some key factors to consider:

• Absorption capacity: Winter mats need to absorb a significant amount of moisture. Look for mats with a high absorption capacity that prevent water from pooling on the surface.
• Durability: A winter mat should withstand heavy foot traffic without wearing out quickly. Opt for durable materials like nylon or reinforced rubber.
• Proper size: To be effective, an entry mat should be large enough for visitors to walk on it for several steps before entering the building. This allows the mat to absorb most of the dirt and moisture trapped in the soles of shoes and boots.
• Ease of maintenance: Choose mats that are easy to clean, either through machine washing or industrial vacuuming to save time and minimize labour.

Different types of winter mats

There are several types of mats, each with specific features suited to different situations:

• Scraper mats: Placed outside the entrance, these mats are designed to remove dirt and coarse debris from shoes, such as snow, gravel, and salt residues.
• Absorbent mats: Often installed right at the entrance, these mats are made from materials capable of absorbing water and melted snow, preventing moisture from spreading indoors.
• Anti-slip mats: In addition to absorbing moisture, these mats are designed to prevent slips, providing a safe surface for occupants even in extreme winter conditions.
• Modular mats: These mats are commonly used in large buildings with heavy traffic. They are made up of interchangeable sections, allowing you to replace damaged or worn sections without having to replace the entire mat.

Mix and match for maximum efficiency

For optimal results, it is often recommended to combine several types of mats to create an effective transition zone between the outside and the interior of the building. Here is a widely used strategy:

Zone 1: Outdoor scraper – Install an outdoor scraper mat to remove coarse dirt and debris.

Zone 2: Transition mat – Place an absorbent mat just inside the door to capture any remaining moisture and clean the soles of shoes.

Zone 3: Finishing mat – In high-traffic areas, add an anti-slip or modular mat in the hallways or main corridors for extra protection and to reduce the risk of slips.

Proper maintenance is key

Even the best mats will only be effective if properly maintained. Follow these tips to keep your mats in good condition throughout the season:

• Regular vacuuming: Dirt, sand, and debris can accumulate swiftly on mats. Regular vacuuming, at least once a day in high-traffic areas, is important to prevent dirt from embedding in the fibres.
• Deep cleaning: For a thorough cleaning of winter carpets, prioritize removing salt and ice melter which can stain carpets and damage their fibres if not treated properly. Here’s how to effectively clean carpets with salt stains:

• • Preliminary vacuuming: Before any wet cleaning, start by vacuuming the mat to remove dust, solid dirt, and accumulated debris. This prepares the surface for salt stain removal.
  • Salt neutralizer: As calcium is alkaline, we recommend the use of a salt-neutralizing product specially formulated to remove salt and calcium residue. These products contain mildly acidic agents that dissolve and neutralize minerals while not damaging carpet fibres. Apply the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions, usually using a sprayer or mop. Some salt neutralizers work best when used in hot water solution.
  • Clear water rinse: After allowing the neutralizer to work for a few minutes, rinse the mat thoroughly with clear water to remove any excess product and dissolved residues. Use an extraction machine (if available) to vacuum up the water and contaminants or use a clean cloth to blot the surface and absorb excess moisture.
  • Proper drying: Make sure the mat is thoroughly dried after cleaning to prevent mould and prolong its durability. If possible, hang the mat or use fans to speed up the drying process.
  • Replacing worn sections: In the case of modular mats, replace sections that show signs of wear to ensure they maintain their effectiveness.

Entrance mats and LEED Certification

Entrance mats serve an important function in buildings aiming for LEED certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). As part of the indoor environmental quality criteria, one key aspect is controlling contaminants at the building entrance point. LEED-certified buildings must adhere to certain requirements to ensure the reduction of external contaminants, which includes the use of specific entry mats.

LEED requirements for entry mats: To meet LEED standards, buildings must install entry mats at least 10 feet long at all main entrances that lead from the exterior into interior spaces. These mats should be long enough to capture most contaminants (dirt, dust, water, etc.) before people walk into the building, contributing to a cleaner indoor environment and improved air quality.

Seasonal recommendation: While LEED requires the presence of permanent mats at building entrances for optimal year-round effectiveness, it is recommended to adjust the type of mats according to the season. For instance, during winter, thicker and more absorbent mats are ideal for capturing moisture, snow, and salt, whereas lighter mats suffice in summer for managing lighter dust and dirt. This seasonal adaptation helps to maintain mat effectiveness, reduce excessive wear, and optimize their maintenance.

Regular maintenance: Additionally, LEED-certified mats must be maintained regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt, which is crucial to ensuring their longevity and effectiveness in filtering contaminants. Frequent cleaning, especially during the winter months, is essential to ensure they remain reliable barriers against outdoor pollutants.

Entrance mats play a fundamental role in maintaining cleanliness and safety in your building all year long but mostly during winter. By choosing the right types of mats, combining them strategically, and ensuring regular maintenance, you can protect your floors, reduce cleaning costs, and guarantee the safety of occupants.

Karl Bédard is the Senior Director at ValkarTech, a consulting firm dedicated to optimizing commercial cleaning contracts. As an experienced LEED Green Associates certified auditor, he conducts many building visits and evaluates customers’ various processes.  His recommendations are always aimed at improving cleaning quality and productivity while minimizing costs.