Extend The Life Of Your Doormat With This Simple Yet Genius Hack

Doormats are an underappreciated piece of decor. While their primary function is to clean the underside of footwear crossing the threshold and prevent dust from coming inside your home, they can add flair to your abode. But since these sentries remain unprotected from the outside elements and are subject to sunlight, rain, mud, and dust daily, your custom doormat will eventually succumb to the pressures and won't last long. Luckily, you can extend the life of your doormat with a simple yet genius hack. Enter Flex Seal clear spray.

Generally, a Flex Seal is used to plug in leaks and holes, as this rubberized spray forms a protective barrier and prevents moisture and air from seeping through. Capitalizing on this property, you can use this transparent and waterproof spray to seal your painted-on or store-bought doormat and prolong its lifespan. So, grab your doormat, an old cloth, and the can of Flex Spray clear to get started. In case you don't have the spray bottle handy, get one from your local hardware store or purchase a 14-ounce bottle from Home Depot for around $15.

Once you've gathered the supplies, open all the windows and doors in a room and lay down the old cloth under your doormat to protect the flooring from errant sprays. If you don't have a well-ventilated room, move outdoors since you don't want to breathe the chemicals present in the spray. You can also wear a mask and gloves for maximum protection. After you're ready, give the Flex Seal clear spray bottle a good shake since you don't want it to shoot out globs.

Now, hold the bottle around 8 to 12 inches away from your doormat and spray a thin layer uniformly. You can either move in an upward-down motion or cover the mat from one edge to the other. Don't move haphazardly, as that could leave some places with more coating than others. Keep shaking the can between sprays or anytime you notice it spewing white liquid instead of transparent if you don't want it to leave behind a white film on your doormat. When you're done, leave the mat undisturbed for a day or two to allow the sealant to soak in the mat and dry completely. Once dry, spray one to two more rubberized layers similarly. Let it dry for at least 24 to 48 hours to form an impenetrable barrier that'll keep it from fading or looking old after a while.