How to Clean a Doormat

Rachel asked, “How do you clean a doormat?”

You Will Need:

• Vacuum with a brush attachment
• Baking soda
• Broom or scrub brush
• Garden hose
• Clothesline

Steps to Clean the Doormat:

1. Shake out the majority of debris over grass or another outdoor area.²
2. Vacuum the mat with the brush attachment to remove any remaining dust.¹
3. Sprinkle some baking soda over the mat to clean and deodorize it.³
4. Use a broom or scrub brush to rub the baking soda into the mat fibers.³
5. Leave the baking soda on the mat to be removed during the next rain or use a hose to rinse it off.¹
6. If you used water to clean the mat, prop it against a wall or hang it out to dry before laying it down again so that water will not get trapped underneath.²
7. Sweep the area where the doormat usually sits before returning it.
8. Sweep the sidewalk or porch leading up to the door to prevent future dust from making its way onto the mat.⁴
9. Wash the dust off the vacuum brush attachment so that it will be clean and ready to use the next time you need it.

• An easy way to clean a doormat is to hang it on a clothesline during a thunderstorm. The rain and wind should remove most of the dust and debris.²
• If your mat is carpeted, you can use a carpet or upholstery shampoo to clean it. Follow the instructions on the label of your selected cleaner.²
• If you keep a key hidden under the mat, don’t forget about it while cleaning and accidentally sweep it away.

1. Clean it Fast, Clean it Right by Jeff Bredenberg
2. The Cleaning Encyclopedia by Don Aslett
3. Practical Household Uses of Bicarbonate of Soda by Margaret Briggs
4. The Complete Household Handbook by Good Housekeeping