Not every doormat is the same. Some are tough dirt eaters, others are soft sole pampering. One mat soaks up water like a sponge, while the other prefers to stay dry. But how do you know which doormat suits your situation?
We list the five most popular materials for doormats – so that you will soon know exactly what should be in front of your door.
1. Polyamide (nylon): the all-rounder
For the busy entrance where mud doesn't stand a chance.
Polyamide is a high-performance fibre. These mats are strong, resilient and absorb dirt and moisture well. They retain their shape and colour, even after thousands of steps.
Advantages: extremely wear-resistant, good dirt and moisture absorption, colourfast
Disadvantages: slightly more expensive, but you get top quality in return
Perfect for: shops, offices, families with kids or dogs – heavy traffic zones
2. Polyester: the budget-friendly beauty
For those who mainly want it to look nice.
Polyester mats are easy on the wallet and the eye. They are colourfast and feel soft. They are ideal for decorative use or areas where people don't walk in and out all day long.
Advantages: cheap, colourfast, soft
Disadvantages: less durable, not the best dirt fighter
Perfect for: Bedrooms, Low traffic interior entrances
3. Polypropylene (PP): the dirt scraper
For outdoor use and rough feet.
Polypropylene mats scrape dirt off your soles like they enjoy it. They’re rot-proof, mildew-resistant, and great for the outdoors. But… they’re not so fond of water.
Advantages: good resistance to external moisture, strong, rot-free
Disadvantages: does not absorb water itself - so no sponge effect
Perfect for: outdoor mats, carports, garages
4. Cotton: the thirsty indoor mat
For when it's wet outside and you don't want it inside.
Cotton doormats are moisture absorbers. They absorb water quickly – ideal on rainy days. They also feel nice and soft, but wear out a little faster than their synthetic brothers.
Advantages: excellent moisture absorption, natural material
Disadvantages: wears out faster, dries slower
Perfect for: indoor use at front or back door
5. Coconut fiber: the natural classic
For style with a stiff bite.
Coconut mats look robust and natural. The fibres are coarse and scrape dirt fanatically from your shoes. But coconut does not like rain - and if it gets wet, it will crumble.
Advantages: natural, strong scraping power, characteristic look
Disadvantages: not suitable for outdoor use in the rain, loses fibres with heavy use
Perfect for: covered entrances, indoor use with charisma
Conclusion: which mat do you put down?
It all depends on where you put the mat and how much traffic that spot gets. Looking for an outdoor mat? Go for polypropylene or coconut (if covered). Is moisture the problem? Then cotton is your friend. Do you just want a mat that can do it all? Then polyamide is the undisputed champion.
Would you rather have personal advice? Contact us via chat. That way you will never come home feeling exhausted again.