The Ultimate Guide to Caring for and Maintaining Your Coir Mat

The Coir Mats are natural floor and door coverings made from coconut fibers or coir. Coir fibers come from the outer shell, or husk, of coconut. These fibers are durable, water-resistant, and provide a soft yet sturdy material for doormats and area rugs. 

Understanding Coir Mats

Coir mats are natural floor and door coverings made from coconut fibers or coir. Coir fibers come from the outer shell, or husk, of coconut. These fibers are durable, water-resistant, and provide a soft yet sturdy material for doormats and area rugs. Some key facts about coir mats:

Coir fibers begin as the coarse, bristly brown material found between the hard inner shell (endocarp) and the outer coat (exocarp) of a coconut. After harvesting, these fibers are extracted through a retting process where the husks are soaked and dried in open pits to decompose the non-fiber components like lignin. This releases the individual fibers which are then scrubbed, dried, and softened through mechanical processes before being spun or woven into various textile products.

Benefits of Coir Mats

Coir mats provide several key benefits:

Absorbs Water Well - The hollow cavities and crevasses in coir fibers allow them to absorb up to 20 times their weight in water and moisture. This makes coir mats invaluable for trapping wet dirt, mud and snow from shoes near exterior entrances.

Durable and Long-Lasting - Coir is an exceptionally strong natural fiber, resistant to mold, mildew and weathering. With proper care, coir mats can last for many years unlike synthetic mats which may degrade faster.

Environmentally-Friendly - Coir is a byproduct of the coconut harvesting industry. Using coir fibers prevents waste while providing floor coverings from a100% sustainable and biodegradable resource.

Insulating Properties - The air pockets trapped between coir fibers provide some insulating ability to help keep floors a bit warmer in colder climates or seasons.

Can be Custom Cut - Many thicker coir mats are offered in jumbo rolls that can be cut to measure for unique spaces, avoiding excess material waste.

Hypoallergenic - Coir contains no chemicals or latex, making it a natural option suitable for users with sensitivities. Mildew-resistant also.

Establishing a Regular Cleaning Routine

Cleaning and maintenance routine is important to maximize the lifespan of Coir Door Mats and keep them performing at their best. Here are some cleaning tips:

Vacuum Frequently - Use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum at least once a week to remove trapped dirt and debris from the fibers. This helps prevent grinding grit into the mat over time.

Spot Clean as Needed - For any spills or stubborn stains, blot (don't rub) promptly with a clean cloth or sponge using a mild soap and water mixture. Rinse and allow to air dry completely.

Rotate Placement - Every few months, rotate coir mats that are in high-traffic areas 180 degrees or place them in a lower traffic spot for a while, so fibers restore their resiliency evenly across the whole mat surface.

Deep Cleaning - At least twice annually or more often for heavily used mats, deep clean by scrubbing the entire mat using a stiff brush and vinegar or specialized coir cleaner. Rinse thoroughly and let air dry in direct sunlight if possible.

Wipe Underneath Regularly - Use a damp mop on hard floor surfaces beneath indoor coir mats monthly to prevent dirt buildup that could transfer back onto the mat over time.

Storage Considerations - For multi-seasonal use, be sure mats are completely dried before folding and storing. Maintaining a regular care schedule ensures coir mats will continue capturing dirt effectively for years.