Mount a boot scraper for entrances where you have (or expect) a lot of mud or snow, and encourage people to use it if they accumulate heavy soil on their shoes.

In wet or heavy traffic areas, make sure that moisture is also contained. Some mats are hybrids, providing both absorbency and scraping functions. Use these instead of a purely absorbent second stage or as the second stage of three if you have a larger entrance or garage or mud room to mat.

Choose outdoor mats that are designed as such, built to take weather and temperature changes. If outdoor mats will be in an uncovered area, choose an open style that will drain out water quickly. Choose indoor mats that won’t damage or discolor the floor underneath and that fit with the style of the room. Choose colors that don’t show dirt. Dark and mottled colors are good choices. Remember, if you choose good doormats, they will collect lots of dirt.

Shake, vacuum, or sweep out loose debris. If the mat is fairly dry, this may be all you need to do. It’s a good first step for wet cleaning. [2] X Research source Check washing instructions for indoor throw rugs. Many can be washed in a machine and line dried. Spray down outdoor mats with a nozzle on a garden hose.