The WaterHog Mat Care Guide
New Mat Owner Questions
My new WaterHog mat just arrived! But it won't lay flat; is it defective?
Great question! No, this is a very common occurence due to the nature of rubber. Here are a few tips and tricks to ensure your WaterHog mat lays flat.
- Sometimes all your mat needs to do is relax! Bring it indoors and allow it to warm up to room temperature, or place rubber-side up in direct sunlight for approx 10-20 minutes, then execute the reverse roll method shown below.
- Use caution if placing in direct sunlight; it will get hot if exposed for too long.
My mat has a strong rubber smell when I opened my box - will this go away?
Another great question. It is normal for a new mat to have a slight odor to it (much like new tennis shoes). This is due to the "off-gassing" of rubber, and will typically go away in a day or two after being out of the box.
I feel like I need to constantly clean my WaterHog mats because of dirt and debris showing; is this normal?
Honestly, yes, and it's a good thing. This means your WaterHog floor mat is working! It's doing its job by trapping and containing all the wet, dirty, and gross things that would otherwise be tracked across your home.
We'd recommend doing this every few weeks.
I have new floors, do I need to wait before putting my WaterHog mat down?
Great question. All new floors should be completely cured before placement of any floor covering, including rugs and mats.
Your installer may have further recommendations as well to ensure the safety and well-being of your floors.
How often should I pick up, and clean my mat?
Believe it or not, it's a good idea to pick up your mats from time to time, and let your floors get some fresh air.
Regardless of your floor type, it's good practice to pick up your floor mat every few weeks in order to clean not just your mat, but also the flooring underneath your mat.
Always make sure your mat and floors are completely dry before placing your WaterHog mat on your floors.
WaterHog Cleaning Instructions & Tips
What's the best way to clean my WaterHog doormat?
Well it depends on the what and how much. See below for specifics.
What's the best way to clean my WaterHog mat from dust, dirt, leaves, and sand?
The tried and true method is to take your mat into the yard or similar and simply shake vigorously until the bulk of the debris is gone. You can also sweep or use your household vacuum as it will not hurt your WaterHog mat.
We've been experiencing a lot of wet weather, and there's been a lot mud and muck tracked on my mat. How do I clean?
The best way to clean the mud and muck is to shake the loose debris first, and then rinse your mat thoroughly with a simple garden hose.
Always allow your mat to air dry completely before putting back in place.
I have some pretty stubborn stains that I'm having trouble with, how do I get them out?
Things like red clay and wine can be problematic and will stain most fabrics and textiles, but have no fear! Follow the same steps as above, but after an initial rinse, apply an adequate amount of your favorite spot remover (no bleach though!) or mild detergent. Take a soft bristled brush or rag to rub the solution in, and wait about 10-15 minutes and thoroughly rinse again. Allow to air dry before replacing.
Check out the video below for a real life stain removal in action!
What about using a stronger cleaning solution, like bleach?
Steer clear from using bleach. Harsh chemicals like bleach can adversely affect the materials found in your WaterHog mat.
It probably goes without saying, but we're going to anyway. It is also important to keep your WaterHog mat clear from any petroleum based products as they will negatively affect the rubber backing.
Can I use a pressure washer on my WaterHog mat?
Oh yeah, and this is where our competition runs. Just follow these basic rules and your WaterHog doormat will look brand new!
- Apply mild detergent prior to pressure washing
- Use a 40° nozzle (white)
- Do not exceed 2000 psi
- Keep the nozzle 12 inches or further away from the surface you are cleaning.
- Allow to air dry completely.
