Why A Sunken Door Mat Is A Practical Design For Your Home

Let's be honest. A lot of us don't give much thought to our doormats until we trip over a curled-up corner or track mud halfway through the house. Now, we know some DIY tricks can keep your rug's corners from curling up, and there are household ingredients that can help remove muddy footprints. But what if there was a better way? A sunken mat is a practical design as it can keep your home clean, safe, and stylish without the constant battle of straightening a slipping rug. 

Unlike traditional mats that slide around like they've got a mind of their own, a recessed mat sits flush with your floor, creating a seamless transition from outside to in. This design prevents the mat from moving when stepped on, reducing tripping hazards while keeping debris contained. It also means the door can open and close easily without the mat getting wedged under it. These mats are especially useful in high-traffic areas where traditional mats would get displaced easily. Some of these mats have horizontal strips of metal, usually aluminum, installed along with the carpet material. They are called recessed grill mats because the metal inserts act as sturdy scrapers, removing dirt and moisture from shoes. This makes these mats incredibly effective in rainy or snowy climates. Sunken mats can be installed on the inside or outside of your door, and they come in many designs so this practical mat choice won't be limiting your style at all.

Aside from the fact that they are a safer and more aesthetically pleasing mat option, sunken or fitted door mats also make cleaning easier. Dirt and moisture stay trapped within the recessed area where they can easily be vacuumed up rather than being tracked further inside. This also means less abrasive dirt grinding into your floors over time. With fewer particles scratching and wearing down the surface, your flooring maintains its finish and lasts longer. You'll also save time, effort, and money since less dirt means less frequent cleaning and maintenance. Finally, these kinds of mats also give guests the perception of intentional design. Installing a recessed mat requires you to literally carve out space in your floor, and this purposeful modification transforms a basic necessity into a design statement.

Unfortunately, this intentional design translates to higher installation costs because the installation process is usually more involved than simply laying down a traditional door mat. Depending on the material of your flooring, cutting a recessed space may require professional help. There's also the issue of limited flexibility because once installed, the mat's size and shape are fixed, meaning you can't easily swap it out for a different style or size without modifications. Also, if for any reason your mat is unable to dry or drain out the moisture from shoes that gets caught in it, you're looking at a possible mold or mildew problem.

As stated earlier, these mats are easy to clean because all the dirt gets collected in one place. Just make sure to vacuum the top of the mat daily to remove any loose dirt. In terms of how to best clean your doormat when it gets stained, you generally want to use warm water and dish soap. But you should know that cleaning methods will vary depending on your mat's material, so we'd advise you to follow the manufacturer's instructions. You should vacuum and clean the recess well at least once a month, and weekly during wet seasons.

Always clean the underside of the mat when you clean the recess well, and ensure that both the well and the mat are sanitized to prevent bacteria buildup. If your mat is the kind that has metal grills, it's never a good idea to use any type of polishing wax on them because that will make the surface slippery and can cause falls and accidents. Do not take water spills lightly, as moisture can collect in the recess well and lead to mold growth. Small spills can easily be wiped away. If it's raining or snowy, the amount of water tracked in would be more, so a wet/dry vacuum would be an effective choice. After cleaning, ensure the mat and well are completely dry before replacing the sunken doormat in the recess; this will keep it from shifting out of place, and prevent the growth of mildew.