Many doormats are designed to be washable, offering a convenient way to keep your entryway clean. When considering what setting to use on your washing machine, the most critical step is always to check the specific care label on your doormat before proceeding.
Washing Doormats: Key Considerations
According to one reference, putting a doormat in the washing machine is a common practice. Using a high heat setting along with drying on high heat in the dryer is mentioned as an effective way to kill bacteria clinging to the mat.
However, the reference explicitly states: "Before you put your doormat on the highest setting your machine has, check the label on the mat." This highlights the importance of following the manufacturer's recommendations for your specific doormat.
Why Check the Label?
Different doormats are made from various materials, including:
- Rubber
- Coir (coconut fibers)
- Synthetics (polyester, polypropylene, nylon)
- Cotton
- Blends
These materials react differently to heat and agitation. Washing a doormat on the wrong setting or using too much heat can lead to damage, shrinkage, or a shortened lifespan for the mat.
General Washing Tips (Always check the label first!):
- Preparation: Shake the doormat outside to remove as much loose dirt, dust, and debris as possible before placing it in the washing machine.
- Machine Type: Ensure your washing machine is large enough to accommodate the size and weight of the doormat when wet.
- Detergent: Use a mild detergent. Avoid harsh chemicals or bleach unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer.
- Temperature: As mentioned in the reference, a high heat setting can be used for killing bacteria if the label permits. Otherwise, a cool or warm setting is often recommended for synthetic and natural fiber mats to prevent damage.
- Cycle: A gentle or delicate cycle is usually best to minimize wear and tear, especially for mats with rubber backing or intricate designs.
- Drying: Again, check the label. High heat drying can kill bacteria as per the reference, but many mats (especially those with rubber or vinyl backing or natural fibers) should be air-dried or tumble-dried on a low or no-heat setting to prevent melting, cracking, or shrinkage.
Summary of Washing Settings (Check Your Mat's Label!)
While a high heat setting is noted for its ability to kill bacteria, here's a general idea of settings you might encounter based on typical care instructions (always defer to your specific doormat's label):
| Aspect | Potential Setting/Recommendation | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Washing Heat | High Heat (if label allows) | Recommended in reference for killing bacteria. Crucially, check label. |
| Cool or Warm (more common recommendation) | Safer for many materials, prevents damage. | |
| Wash Cycle | Gentle or Delicate | Recommended for most mats to protect materials and backing. |
| Drying Heat | High Heat (if label allows) | Recommended in reference for killing bacteria. Crucially, check label. |
| Air Dry or Low/No Heat (more common recommendation) | Prevents damage to rubber/vinyl backing and some fibers. |
Ultimately, the exact setting for washing your doormat depends entirely on the material it is made from and the manufacturer's instructions found on the care label. While a high heat setting is beneficial for sanitization according to the reference, checking the label is the non-negotiable first step to ensure you wash your doormat correctly and safely.
