How to Keep Facilities Safe & Clean with Entrance Mats

Among the products that are overlooked when buying supplies for your facility, entrance mats are probably one of the most neglected. Far too many people consider entrance mats as decoration. Some think as long as it bears the customary welcome message, any generic variant is considered an adequate solution. This means that many people are failing to use these mats to their full advantage.

Benefits of Entrance Mats

An entrance mat does more than enhance the looks of a particular work environment. Here are just a few benefits of using entrance mats:

• Floor Protection. Floor surfaces like hardwood, ceramic tile, finished concrete, and granite may easily become chipped, scratched, or cracked by dropped objects or even normal wear and tear. Floor mats function as a buffer between the floor and the object exerting force on the surface. This provides effective protection against wear and tear, preserving the appearance and integrity of floor surfaces in the establishment.
• Bacteria Control. Floor mats can also serve as an effective barrier against bacteria. In fact, some mats feature antimicrobial technology specifically  designed to eradicate germs and bacteria before they can contaminate a sterile environment. These mats are best for biohazardous and medical work environments.
• Dirt Control. Arguably, the primary function of entrance mats is preventing dirt from being tracked into a particular area. Debris and moisture are both brought in constantly by employees and visitors, which can lead to maintenance and repair issues. By lessening the amount of dirt being introduced into the premises, floor mats contribute to lower maintenance costs as well as a more professional-looking workspace. This in turn gives a positive first impression to your guests.
• Branding. Floor mats can also be used to display messages other than the standard “Welcome” text. Customized mats installed in entryways, lobbies, and reception areas are among the first things that visitors see upon entering an establishment. As such, entrance mats can serve as a simple yet important aspect of company marketing, registering brand association with guests. This can help convert casual visitors to regular customers, as well as generating repeat business.

Using Entrance Mats

Installing these mats are not always given proper thought. Maximizing the use of floor mats depends on several factors. Some of these are:

• Location. Where the entrance mat is to be used in the facility is important. This can determine the type of material you should select. Entrance mats designed for outdoor use are typically made of rubber, can withstand wet, muddy and snowy environments, and can be used to scrape dirt and mud. Indoor entrance mats are usually more similar to carpets and are often designed for drying footwear.
• Foot Traffic. Another important consideration is foot traffic. In order to withstand the results brought by foot traffic in a given area, floor mats should have adequate wear resistance. Entrances that have low to medium foot traffic can utilize mats with light wear resistance. Locations with high levels of foot traffic should be provided with durable mats with heavy wear resistance.
• Specific Features. Different locations will have different features. Consequently, these aspects should be taken into account when choosing an entrance mat. An entrance mat that catches dirt and can be easily cleaned by a vacuum cleaner or one that’s machine washable may be a suitable option for most work areas. However, an entrance mat that is fire retardant may be the best choice if entrances are near smoking areas or ignition sources. Sometimes opting for disposable entrance mats may be best.

Entrance mats provide more uses than just interior decor. The proper entrance mat can help create a cleaner, safer and even a more cost-effective facility.

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Editor’s Note: How else do you use entrance mats? Fill us in!