A staple item found in virtually every British home is being flagged as a significant and overlooked source of mould, allergens, and hygiene issues. According to fresh research, the humble doormat, rug, or runner is often neglected in cleaning routines, despite being a primary trap for dirt and moisture.
The Shocking Cleaning Gap
New data from the Homeware Buyers Index, conducted by rug manufacturer Kleen-Tex Home, exposes a major cleaning oversight. The study found that a staggering 62% of UK consumers do not wash their mats or runners at least once a month, which is the minimum recommended frequency to prevent dangerous build-up.
Delving deeper, the figures are more alarming. A full third of Brits admitted they clean these items only once every five months on average, suggesting many haven't been washed since summer. Perhaps most concerning is that one in ten people confess to cleaning their mats just once a year or even less frequently.
Why This Creates a Winter Mould Crisis
Experts warn that this neglect, combined with winter conditions, creates a perfect storm for mould growth. Michelle Byrne, Product Marketing Manager at Kleen-Tex Home, explains that while people associate mould with walls, hotspots are often hidden in soft furnishings by the front door.
"The primary purpose of mats is to capture dirt and moisture, and they endure multiple footfalls daily, frequently from wet footwear or muddy pets," says Byrne. "Without regular cleaning, they silently transform into perfect environments for accumulated dampness, mildew, and mould spores."
Winter exacerbates the problem with heating systems, wet weather, and reduced ventilation, allowing tracked-in moisture to fester. The health implications are serious, as mould exposure can irritate airways, trigger allergies, and worsen asthma, particularly for vulnerable groups like children and the elderly.
How to Protect Your Home and Health
The cleaning guidance from professionals is clear: treat floor coverings like other washable textiles. Kleen-Tex Home recommends a monthly wash at 40°C or higher, followed by thorough drying. To help households, they have outlined five key tips to prevent mould in mats and rugs.
Shake Before You Vacuum: Take mats outside weekly to dislodge deeply embedded dirt that vacuuming misses.
Vacuum Weekly: Pay special attention to high-traffic doorways and hallways to minimise allergen build-up.
Wash Monthly at 40°C+: This temperature helps eliminate bacteria, remove trapped grime, and reduce odours or mildew.
Tackle Stains Immediately: Blot spills with a mild detergent; rubbing forces grime deeper into the fibres.
Dry Thoroughly: A damp mat is a mould habitat. Ensure it is completely air-dried or tumble-dried on a low setting if suitable.
The research highlights a stark contrast in cleaning priorities. While 55% of Britons launder their bedding weekly, mats and rugs—which see more daily contact—consistently fall to the bottom of the list. A simple routine change, focusing on the areas you walk through most, can make a substantial difference to home hygiene and air quality.
