Fingertip Rubber Entrance Mats

MAINTENANCE TIPS

Proper maintenance ensures your Fingertip Rubber Entrance Mats deliver years of reliable outdoor performance.

Daily Maintenance

Shake-Out Procedure

Remove Fingertip Rubber Entrance Mats from their location daily in high-traffic areas.

Shake vigorously to dislodge loose dirt, leaves, debris, and surface moisture trapped between bristles. Perform this task at least 25 feet from the entrance to prevent re-contamination of cleaned areas.

In moderate-traffic locations, shake out 2-3 times weekly.

Quick Spot Cleaning

Use a stiff push broom to sweep debris from the mat surface between shake-outs.

Work the broom bristles between the fingertip structures to lift trapped dirt. This quick maintenance prevents excessive accumulation that reduces scraping effectiveness.

Weekly Deep Cleaning

Hose-Off Method

Take mats to an outdoor cleaning area with water access.

Use a standard garden hose with spray nozzle to flush dirt from between the rubber bristles. Work systematically across the entire mat surface, directing water flow to push debris out from the fingertip structures.

For heavily soiled mats, flip upside down and hose the backing first to dislodge embedded dirt.

Then flip right-side up and clean the bristle surface thoroughly.

Pressure Washing

For stubborn dirt accumulation, use a pressure washer maintaining 12-18 inch distance.

Work in systematic passes across the mat surface. The high-pressure water penetrates deep into the fingertip structure to remove compacted debris that standard hosing misses.

Avoid excessive pressure directly on bristles to prevent damage.

Monthly Maintenance

Extraction Cleaning

For Fingertip Rubber Entrance Mats in extremely dirty environments, monthly extraction cleaning restores like-new appearance.

Apply mild detergent diluted in warm water. Use a stiff deck brush to scrub between bristles, working the solution deep into the structure. Rinse thoroughly with high-pressure water until all soap residue is removed.

Complete Drying

After wet cleaning, stand mats on edge in well-ventilated area or direct sunlight.

The rubber construction typically dries within 3-5 hours in good conditions. Never return wet mats to service—moisture attracts dirt and reduces scraping performance.

Use fans or air movers to accelerate drying in humid conditions.

Seasonal Considerations

Winter Care

In snowy climates, increase cleaning frequency to weekly during heavy snowfall periods.

De-icing salts can accumulate between bristles. Rinse mats with fresh water weekly to prevent salt buildup that could cause white residue or material degradation.

The flexible rubber bristles remain effective in sub-zero temperatures.

Spring Deep Clean

After winter, conduct thorough cleaning to remove accumulated road salt, sand, and winter debris.

This prepares mats for the rainy spring season when drainage performance becomes critical. Check for any bristle damage from winter conditions.

Summer Maintenance

In extreme heat, rubber may temporarily soften slightly.

This is normal and does not affect performance. Ensure mats are positioned on level surfaces to prevent distortion during hot weather.

Fall Preparation

Before leaf season, increase shake-out frequency to prevent organic matter accumulation.

Wet leaves can compact between bristles and reduce scraping effectiveness if not removed promptly.

Cleaning Products

Recommended:

• Mild dish soap or pH-neutral cleaner
• Warm water for enhanced cleaning
• Degreasing cleaners for oil/grease exposure
• Standard household cleaners safe for rubber

Avoid:

• Petroleum-based solvents
• Harsh acids or alkaline cleaners
• Bleach or chlorine products
• Chemicals not rated for rubber surfaces

Inspection Schedule

Conduct monthly inspections checking for:

• Bristle wear or damage in high-traffic areas
• Beveled edge integrity and stability
• Excessive dirt accumulation between bristles
• Mat shifting or movement during use
• Overall structural condition

Rotate Fingertip Rubber Entrance Mats 180 degrees quarterly to equalize wear patterns and extend service life beyond 7 years in many applications.