Steam Cleaning vs. Traditional Cleaning for Floor Mats: Which Works Best?
Maintaining clean and welcoming floors is crucial for every business, no matter the sector. Floor mats are often the first thing your visitors see and walk on, making them essential for creating positive first impressions and keeping your premises clean. But when it comes to cleaning floor mats effectively, should you opt for steam cleaning or stick with traditional floor mat cleaners?
In this guide, we’ll (quite literally!) take it to the mat to find out which method is best over different surfaces – steam cleaning or traditional methods. We’ll explore the pros and cons and answer common questions such as: “Can I use a hard floor steam cleaner on mats?” and identify the best cleaner for your rubber floor mats.
Whether you’re looking for an automatic floor mat cleaner or want advice on the most effective manual methods, in the battle of which is better – we’ve got you covered.
Steam cleaning: how effective is it?
Steam cleaning has become increasingly popular for floor mat maintenance due to its ability to disinfect surfaces without harsh chemicals. But is it the right choice for all types of floor mats?
Pros of steam cleaning:
• Chemical-free cleaning: Ideal for businesses looking to reduce chemical use while ensuring a hygienic environment.
• Kills germs and bacteria: Steam’s high temperatures effectively sanitise floor mats, reducing the risk of cross-contamination and illness.
• Removes deep-seated dirt: The high-pressure steam penetrates deep into fibres, effectively lifting out stubborn dirt and stains that traditional cleaning might miss.
Cons of steam cleaning:
• Not suitable for all mats: While steam works wonders on fabric and carpeted mats, some mats – particularly certain types of rubber – may not respond well to extreme heat.
• Drying time: Steam cleaning can leave mats damp for longer periods, potentially creating slip hazards if mats aren’t allowed sufficient drying time.
Can I use a hard floor steam cleaner on mats?
A common question that businesses ask is, “Can I use a hard floor steam cleaner on mats?” The answer largely depends on your mat’s material. For fabric or carpeted mats, a hard floor steam cleaner is usually safe and effective. However, when it comes to rubber mats, caution is advised. Some rubber mats are susceptible to damage from prolonged exposure to heat and moisture. Always check manufacturer instructions or consult an expert before steam cleaning rubber floor mats.
Traditional cleaning methods – tried and tested
Traditional floor mat cleaners, such as manual cleaning with brushes, detergents, or professional extraction machines, remain popular for good reasons.
Pros of traditional cleaning:
• Versatility: Suitable for almost all types of floor mats, including rubber, fabric, and carpeted mats.
• Effective for quick cleans: Ideal for routine daily or weekly cleaning, especially in high-traffic areas.
• Less risk of damage: Traditional cleaning methods are gentler, reducing the risk of damaging sensitive or specialised mats.
Cons of traditional cleaning:
• Chemical usage: Often involves detergents or chemicals, which might not align with a business’s environmental goals.
• Labour intensive: Manual cleaning takes more time and effort, potentially disrupting your business operations during cleaning routines.
Choosing the best cleaner for rubber floor mats
If your business uses rubber floor mats, choosing the right cleaner is essential. Rubber mats require specific cleaning agents to avoid damage and maintain durability.
Generally, a mild detergent mixed with warm water is the best cleaner for rubber floor mats. Avoid harsh chemicals, solvents, or highly acidic cleaners, as these can deteriorate the rubber and shorten the lifespan of your mats.
Automatic floor mat cleaner – efficient and hassle-free
For busy businesses, an automatic floor mat cleaner can be a game-changer. These machines quickly and effectively clean mats using a combination of brushes, detergent, and water extraction.
Benefits of using an automatic floor mat cleaner:
• Efficiency and speed: Mats are cleaned and dried in a fraction of the time manual cleaning takes, minimising disruption.
• Consistent results: Automated machines deliver uniform cleaning quality across all mats, ensuring a consistently professional appearance.
• Convenience: Reduces manual labour, freeing your staff to focus on other essential tasks.
While automatic floor mat cleaners offer considerable benefits, they can require initial investment and ongoing maintenance. However, businesses with high footfall, such as retail outlets, gyms, and hospitality venues, often find these machines invaluable.
Which method works best for your business?
Ultimately, choosing between steam cleaning and traditional methods depends on your business’s specific needs:
• High traffic environments (retail, hospitality): Consider investing in an automatic floor mat cleaner or regular traditional cleaning schedules.
• Healthcare facilities: Steam cleaning’s sanitising capability can significantly enhance hygiene.
• Offices and smaller businesses: Traditional manual cleaning with appropriate products may provide the most cost-effective solution.
A balanced approach often works best, combining daily or weekly traditional cleaning with periodic deep steam cleaning for thorough sanitisation.
How phs can support your business with floor mat cleaning
At phs, we understand the importance of clean, welcoming premises. We offer comprehensive floor mat services, tailored to suit businesses of all types and sizes. Our experts can guide you on selecting the most appropriate cleaning methods, equipment, and schedules to ensure maximum cleanliness and minimum hassle.
We provide a range of high-quality floor mat cleaning solutions, including:
• Professional floor mat cleaning services: Regular maintenance and deep cleaning tailored to your business’s foot traffic and hygiene standards.
• Automatic floor mat cleaners: Reliable, efficient machinery ideal for busy, high-footfall businesses seeking consistent, top-quality results.
• Expert advice on cleaning products: Recommendations for the best cleaner for rubber floor mats and other specialist mats, ensuring compliance and durability.
With phs on your side, maintaining impeccable workplace hygiene is straightforward. Our experienced teams handle every aspect of mat care—from supply and installation to cleaning and replacement—leaving you free to focus on running your business.
Keeping your mats clean – we’ve got you covered
When it comes to floor mat cleaning, both steam cleaning and traditional methods have their merits. Steam cleaning excels at sanitisation and deep dirt removal, while traditional methods offer versatility and gentleness suitable for all mat types. For rubber mats specifically, choosing the right cleaner is vital—usually mild detergents or specialist products work best. Automatic floor mat cleaners offer unmatched efficiency for busy environments.
At phs, we support businesses in making informed choices about their floor mat cleaning. From advice on equipment to professional cleaning services, we’re here to ensure your business maintains high hygiene standards and always makes a great first impression. Speak to one of our experts to learn more about how we can help your business stay clean, welcoming, and compliant.
