Why Facility Floors Need Protection
Disclaimer: Every facility is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all rule for floor equipment or matting. The best recommendation always comes from an on-site walkthrough and a discussion about your operations and needs. This article is a general guide to help you understand why mats matter, how to maintain them, and what seasonal steps you can take to protect your floors.
Floors are one of the most expensive and hardest-working assets in any building. They endure constant foot traffic, dirt, spills, and seasonal debris. Keeping them clean isn’t just about appearances—it directly impacts safety, longevity, and cost savings.
- Reputation and impression: Visitors, students, residents, and staff immediately notice clean floors.
- Safety: Moisture, mud, and dust create slip-and-fall hazards that can lead to injuries and liability claims.
- Cost control: Replacing or refinishing flooring is expensive. Preventative matting reduces wear, extending the life of floors.
Industry studies show that 94% of the soil in a building is tracked in from outside, but 80% of it is walked off within the first 12 feet of carpet or matting. According to data from the ISSA, also known as the Worldwide Cleaning Industry Association, a facility with the average daily foot traffic of 1,000 people will end up with about 24 pounds of soil tracked indoors from shoes within a 20-day span.
That’s why it’s important to have a plan in place to keep your floors clean and avoid any safety risks caused by dirty floors (plus, dirty floors are a negative for facility first impressions).
With the right mats in the right places, you can stop dirt before it spreads and reduce the time and money spent on floor cleaning.
The Importance of a Year-Round Matting System
A well-designed matting program does more than catch dirt. It acts as your first line of defense against seasonal messes that threaten both your flooring and your bottom line.
Outside scraper mats trap large particles, snow, ice melt, and mud before they get indoors.
Indoor carpet mats absorb moisture, remove fine particles, and provide a drying area before shoes reach the main floor.
The more matting you can install at entrances, the more effective your preventative program will be. For maximum impact, aim for at least 12–15 feet of combined matting so that every footstep contributes to cleaning shoes.
Seasonal Challenges and Solutions for Mat Maintenance
Weather changes bring different challenges to your floors. Here’s how to adjust your mat care strategies season by season.
Fall: Leaves, Mud, and Rain
As the weather cools, facilities face mud, leaf debris, and heavy rain.
- Increase vacuuming frequency to capture wet soil before it becomes embedded.
- Extractor cleaning works well for soaked mats that have absorbed rainwater.
- Outdoor scraper mats are essential to capture mud and leaves before they enter.
Tip: Fall is the perfect time to inspect your matting system and add longer mats in high-traffic entrances before winter weather hits.
Winter: Salt, Snow, and Ice Melt
Winter creates the toughest conditions for facility floors. Snow, slush, and ice-melt chemicals can cause crusty salt stains and slippery entrances.
- Soak mats in hot water with a neutralizer solution for 30 minutes to remove salt buildup.
- Use a self-contained extractor to deep clean moisture-laden mats.
- Rotate mats regularly—have clean, dry backups ready to swap in during storms.
- Don’t forget to clean floors underneath mats with a neutral floor cleaner to protect finished surfaces.
Tip: Mats are your best defense against slip-and-fall accidents in winter. Make sure scraper mats are positioned outside every entrance and replaced when saturated.
Spring: Pollen, Rain, and Mud
Spring may feel like a fresh start, but it brings its own challenges—especially pollen and rainwater.
- Extractor cleaning helps remove moisture and allergens.
- Vacuum mats slowly to lift pollen and fine soils trapped deep in carpet fibers.
- Consider adding longer indoor mats during peak rainy weeks.
Tip: Spring is a good time to evaluate the condition of your mats. Replace worn or curled mats to avoid trip hazards and keep your system effective.
Summer: Dust, Sand, and High Traffic
While summer is often drier, facilities see dust, sand, and increased foot traffic from events, programs, or construction.
- Vacuum thoroughly with a beater bar to loosen and remove dust from grooves.
- Flip mats and vacuum the back side to knock soils free.
- Clean mats outdoors with a pressure washer or hose when possible, then hang to dry fully before reinstalling.
Tip: Summer is ideal for scheduling deep cleaning of mats and floors, since many facilities experience lighter traffic during this season.
