Why it works
Each step on a good mat removes some of the dirt and water from shoes. A mat that only takes one or two steps lets most of it through to the floors beyond.
How long it needs to be
Industry advice is generally that an entrance matting system should be long enough for several steps, often quoted as at least four to six metres, combining a coarse scraper mat outside or in the lobby with a finer wiper mat inside.
Keep it clean
A saturated or dirty mat stops working. Vacuum mats on every clean, and clean or swap them more often in winter.
The payoff
Less dirt means less wear on carpets and hard floors, fewer slips at entrances and less time spent cleaning further into the building. See our guide to carpet cleaning methods.