How to Clean a WaterHog Mat

WaterHog’s entrance and floor mats are very popular, and customers often wonder how to clean them effectively. One might think that since they trap more dirt, debris, and moisture than just about any other residential or commercial floor mat on the market, they can become soiled quickly. But in reality, they just collect more dirt and would need cleaning less because the dirt is trapped below the surface.

While people measure cleanliness differently, there are certain measures consistent with good housekeeping that most will find acceptable. First, let us all agree that it is better to contain the maximum amount of moisture and soil at the doorways instead of allowing the contaminants to be tracked into any facility. This alone will pay for any extra time needed to clean a more effective matting system. That being said, one can still reduce maintenance time if one knows how to clean WaterHog mats. Our customers come to us all the time with WaterHog cleaning questions, such as: What type of vacuum should you use for loose dirt? How do you clean pee from a WaterHog mat? Are WaterHog mats machine washable? (Short answer: Yes, if you have a heavy-duty machine.) We hope this guide will help WaterHog owners maintain a great-looking mat at their home or business.

6 Most Effective WaterHog Mat Cleaning Tips

We have surveyed many janitorial reps who have experience with WaterHog mats. One thing everyone agrees on is that end-users do not maintain the mats with enough consistency. The longer one allows soil to build up in a WaterHog mat, the longer it takes to clean it. Sticking to a regular cleaning schedule can greatly reduce the overall time spent on maintenance.

As for the most effective way to clean Water Hog floor mats, here is what the industry experts say:

1. Clean with enough frequency to prevent soil and water buildup, according to the amount of foot traffic and weather conditions outside.
2. Make sure that the equipment being used is in good working order. Vacuum bags should be replaced frequently, while belts and brushes should be working.
3. Make certain that the equipment is being used properly. This leads to the most effective results. Many cleaners try to vacuum quickly to save time. However, this reduces the effectiveness and results in longer cleaning times, as the job has to be done over again.
4. Consider soil types before cleaning. Is the soil wet or dry? Are there sticky or loose impediments? Are you dealing with stains or heavy soil? For wet soils, a self-contained extractor with a brush and vac system is recommended. Several passes may be necessary at a slow speed to attain the best results. For dry soils, a good two-motor vacuum with the brush adjusted all the way down will give you the most agitation of the soil and best results. Backpack vacuums offer a higher CFM than some uprights, but more passes over the mat are needed to compensate for the lack of agitation.
5. For dry, crusty salt stains, it is recommended that the mat be soaked in hot water with a neutral soap solution for half an hour and extracted as per wet soils above.
6. If your WaterHog doormat is stained, you may use various carpet spotting solutions to loosen the soil stuck to the fibers. WaterHog mats are solution-dyed, so you need not worry about the colorfastness.

Keep Your WaterHog Mats Beautiful

By following these tips and guidelines, cleaning WaterHog mats will be easier and they will look great for years to come. If you have further questions about how to wash WaterHog mat, call or email the Ultimate Mats staff. Our customer service team can help you with specific situations or recommend various cleaning products that are proven to be effective on WaterHog mats.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the best way to clean WaterHog mats at home?

A quick vacuum is the easiest way to clean WaterHog mats at home. This helps remove dust, sand, and the dirt brought in by your footwear. However, if they are too dirty, take the mats outside and clean them with a hose, mild soap, and a soft brush. Let them dry flat or hang them up.

Can WaterHog floor mats be cleaned in a washing machine?

Yes, small mats can be cleaned only in heavy-duty washing machines. Use a gentle cycle, cold or warm water, and mild detergent. However, you should always allow mats to air-dry, rather than putting them in the dryer. And always keep big and heavy hog mats out of the washer; instead, use a simple hose to clean them.

What cleaning products are safe to use on WaterHog mats?

A solution of dish soap and water is safe to clean WaterHog mats. Neutral floor cleaners are safe too. Do not use harsh solvents or chemicals like bleach and keep your WaterHog mat clear from any petroleum-based products. They can damage the mat’s rubber backing and cause the fibers to break down.

How do I remove mud and debris from a WaterHog mat effectively?

Let the mud dry first, and then shake it outside or run a household vacuum over it. If bits still cling to the fibers, spray with a hose and brush lightly. These WaterHog floor mats can withstand a lot of foot traffic, so quick clean-ups like this help keep them well-maintained.

Can WaterHog mats be pressure-washed without causing damage?

Yes, but don’t use too much pressure. A wide spray and a distance of about a foot is sufficient to clean without causing any damage. It’s the easiest way to wash outdoor WaterHog mats or entry mats that pick up dirt all week long.