If you have a pet door, or a pet that goes outside, chances are you've had to deal with tracked in mud and paw prints. If you're tired of cleaning up after your pet has come through the door, consider getting a pet door mat. These mats keep your floors a little cleaner, even when it's wet and rainy outside. Some mats are better than others for cleaning wet paws, however. Here's some information on what makes the best pet door mat, to help keep your home cleaner.
Since pets can do a lot of damage, avoid fluffy or easily crushed mats. Also, mats in colors that will stain easily aren't the best idea. A sturdy, short pile mat with abrasive qualities makes a good pet door mat. Ideally, it should also be washable. That way, whenever your pet door mat needs to be freshened up, you can simply pop it into the washer. Some mats can even be dried in an ordinary tumble dryer, and become more absorbent when you wash them. This makes cleaning up after your pet comes in from the outside a lot easier. If you're worried about messes happening while your pet door mat is in the wash, consider buying a second one to protect your floors from muddy paws while you clean the first.
There are various mat types that will do the job as a pet door mat. Just be sure that you choose one that's absorbent and abrasive enough to handle your pets. Available options include all cotton pet door mats, natural latex pet door mats, and tough synthetics. Every type of pet door mat has its own advantages and downsides, so be sure to choose carefully for your situation.
Regardless of the material you choose, a good grip surface on the bottom is vital to an effective mat in front of the pet door. Mats that slide will soon be found across the room while puppy paws leave their mark on your floors. Heavier weight mats with light studding on the back, or other gripping mechanisms will help keep your pet door mats in front of the door, where they belong. Look for mats that are easy to roll up and transport, despite their weight, so that they can easily be taken to the washer. Mats that work both on carpets and hard floors are a bonus, especially if you move often.
While a good pet door mat may cost a little bit more than the least expensive models, it's important to remember that a higher quality mat will last longer. Pets can be very destructive, and a more durable mat is better at taking this kind of abuse. A good pet door mat will help save your floors and your time.
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