Winter Entrance Matting Essentials: A Checklist for Small Businesses

Winter brings snow, slush, and salt... and most of it ends up inside your business through entryways. Up to 80% of dirt and moisture comes in on shoes, making floors slippery, messy, and expensive to maintain. The right entrance matting can save you money, reduce slip risks, and keep your space looking professional.

Here’s your quick checklist to get it right:

1. Use Enough Matting

Short mats don’t cut it. Aim for 10–15 feet of coverage, so customers take multiple steps before reaching your main floors. This helps trap dirt and moisture effectively.

2. Choose the Right Mats

One mat type isn’t enough in winter. Use a layered system:

• Scraper mats outside to remove heavy debris like snow and salt.
• Scraper/wiper mats inside the entrance to absorb moisture.
• Drying mats further inside for fine dirt and water.
  

3. Avoid Common Mistakes

• Wrong size: Mats should match your doorway width and traffic flow.
• Poor maintenance: Dirty mats stop working
  

4. Keep Mats Clean

Small businesses don’t need industrial equipment. Try these easy tips:

• Daily: Shake out mats or vacuum with a regular upright vacuum.
• Weekly: Spot clean with mild detergent and warm water.
• Seasonal: Launder smaller mats or use a wet/dry shop vac for deep cleaning.
  

5. Make It Look Good

Clean mats improve first impressions. Consider mats in colours that complement your space or even branded mats for a professional touch.

A well-planned matting strategy is one of the simplest ways to keep your floors clean, safe, and welcoming throughout the winter. By choosing the right mats and maintaining them properly, you’ll reduce slip risks, protect your flooring, and make a great first impression.

Want to take it a step further? Check out our previous blog on how to build a complete winter matting program.

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