What is a Coir Doormat?
A coir doormat is a residential entrance mat that is often used as décor; however, it also brings a certain degree of functionality to help keep your entryway safe from outside dirt, mud and moisture. Coir mats are generally seen at residential entryways due to their colorful designs or welcoming messages. Its main function is to decorate the area around an entrance, but its fibers are also able to effectively trap dirt and moisture that clings to your shoes. Coir entrance mats are available in the standard size of 18 inches by 30 inches and the slightly larger, double-door size of 24 inches by 57 inches to ensure that there is a coconut fiber doormat for even larger residential entrances. Available in designs ranging from bright and elaborate images to minimalistic patterns and script, coco doormats are a staple piece of décor for home entryways that will also help keep family and guest safe from accidents that may lead to injury.
Can You Use Coir Mats Outside?
Coir mats should be used outside due to its ability to withstand abrasive and degrading outdoor conditions. Despite their popularity as entrance décor, a coconut fiber doormat is built to last in the outdoors without degrading or losing its abilities. A coconut fiber doormat is designed to last indefinitely outdoors even in the face of harsh environmental factors including UV rays, ozone and precipitation allowing it to effectively scrape dirt and debris from shoes. Natural coir fiber is inherently impervious to the damaging effects of changing weather patterns, direct sunlight and moisture due to the hot and humid conditions coir fiber is harvested from. Additionally, its moisture-resistance allows coir fiber to effectively absorb moisture without the worry of organic byproducts such as mold and mildew from forming. The natural coir fiber of these mats is also resilient enough to spring back into its original form even after constant foot traffic and damaging environmental factors.
1. What is a Coir Mat Made of?
Coir mats are made of the durable fibers found in the husks of coconuts. Coir coconut fiber has been in use since the ancient times to make rope due to its natural durability and strength. Originating from Southern India and Sri Lanka, natural coir fiber is an organic and eco-friendly material that is also affordable. The production of a coconut fiber doormat produces minimal non-biodegradable waste which, in turn, benefits the environment by contributing to an overall reduction in waste that cannot be naturally broken down by nature. Other times, coir mats are available with a natural, recycled or reclaimed vinyl backside to help create a sturdy and non-slip surface for you to effectively wipe your feet on. Additionally, boot/shoe scrapers made up of coir fiber wrapped around metal frames are available for the specific purpose of thoroughly scraping off dirt and debris with ease.
1(a). Coconut Fiber Doormats
A coconut fiber doormat is designed to be an aesthetically pleasing statement piece for your home’s décor while also absorbing moisture and trapping dirt. These doormats are composed of natural coir fiber that is woven into the shape of a mat and depict beautiful images of nature or minimalistic script and patterns that are hand-painted by artisans. Because coir mats are generally used as décor, they are available in designs ranging from themed and elaborate images to minimalistic and simple patterns and messages. The durable fibers also help keep dirt and debris outside by providing a rough surface to effectively scrape your shoes on. Additionally, natural coir mats offer superior moisture absorbing abilities to avoid slips and falls and are sometimes available with a PVC or rubber backing to prevent moisture from seeping through the coir fiber and onto its underside.
1(b). Coir Rubber Doormats
Coir rubber doormats are made of coir fiber with a natural, recycled or reclaimed rubber backing. These coir mats offer an elegant and traditional aesthetic with their ornate cast iron designs intertwined within the coconut fibers while offering a sturdy and non-slip surface to wipe your shoes on. The rubber backing of coir entrance mats helps keep them in place so you do not have to worry about the mat shifting or slipping while in use and offers a non-slip surface for you to wipe your shoes on due to rubber’s naturally high coefficient of friction. Recycled and reclaimed variations of rubber are designed to be resistant to damaging factors, including direct sunlight and excess moisture, and will not fade or weather when left outdoors. These characteristics of rubber allow coir rubber doormats to be used outdoors in wet conditions without it losing its traction or scraping abilities. Additionally, some cast iron designs on coir mats create small gaps within the swirls and twists that act as drainage holes. This prevents moisture from pooling on the mat and keeping it from effectively absorbing moisture.
1(c). Coir Boot/Shoe Scrapers and Mats
Coir boot/shoe scrapers include scraper mats and three-dimensional decorative scraper figures. Scraper coir mats and figures are made up of coir fiber wrapped around a metal or rubber frame. The rough texture of the fiber traps dirt and debris keeping it from trailing indoors and creating hazards. Scraper coir mats have patterns or designs woven onto a rectangular, half-moon or elliptical shaped frame. Scraper figures are available in three-dimensional shapes, including animal figures as well as simple box-type scrapers, that offer an easier method of scraping shoes. The three-dimensional shape of scraper figures allows you to easily wipe the sides and tops of your shoes with relative ease compared to a flat surface. Additionally, the metal or rubber framing of both scraper coir mats and three-dimensional scraper figures offers a strong and base for you to wipe your shoes on.
How Do You Clean a Natural Coir Doormat?
A natural coir doormat can be cleaned simply by shaking it out, beating it or by using a brush or vacuum. Coco doormats are durable enough to withstand even the most abrasive cleaning methods that use common household cleaning appliances such as brooms, brushes and vacuums. Because natural doormats use a non-adhesive installation method, it makes for a mobile entrance mat that is easier to pick up and shake out. Scraper coir mats and figures can be cleaned by brushing off trapped dirt and debris. Furthermore, it is recommended to occasionally dampen these natural doormats with some fresh water to give it even longer life.
Coir mats combine design and aesthetics with eco-friendly and long-lasting protection against environmental factors and hazards such as dirt and moisture on the interior floor. Generally used as décor, coir entrance mats are available in elaborate and minimalistic designs to fit any home’s aesthetic. Beyond their aesthetic value, natural doormats are excellent dirt and moisture trappers. Specially crafted scraper mats and three-dimensional scraper figures are also available for those needing heavy-duty scraping. The durability and moisture-resistance of the coir fiber allows these mats to efficiently trap dirt and absorb moisture without the formation of mold and mildew. Any dirt-scraping coconut fiber doormat will provide a smart and cost-effective way to keep your areas nice and clean.
