How to Care for Your Hand-Painted Doormat
A hand-painted doormat is more than just something to wipe your feet on. It’s the first impression your home gives to the world.
Whether you’ve chosen a cheeky welcome mat or a custom family name design, a personalised doormat adds character and charm to your entryway.
And, if you’ve picked up your bespoke mat from my Sydney studio or online here in Australia, you’re probably wondering how to keep it looking fresh.
At Vox & Dolly, every doormat is carefully painted by hand, not sprayed or lasered, which means it deserves a little TLC.
The good news?
Caring for your custom doormat is simple, and with just a few easy steps, you’ll keep it looking fabulous for longer.
Here’s your go-to guide on how to care for your hand-painted doormat.
Shake, Don’t Scrub
The number one rule for maintaining your personalised doormat?
Keep it simple.
Your mat is designed to trap dust and dirt, so it’s only natural that it’ll need a refresh from time to time. But you don’t need harsh scrubbing or water to get the job done. Instead wait for any mud or debris to dry completely, then give the mat a firm shake or tap to loosen the dirt. You can also give it a quick once over with the vacuum (no beater bar needed) to remove surface dust and excess coir.
This gentle approach protects the hand-painted design and helps maintain the natural fibres of the coir.
Keep it Shady (Literally)
Coir mats are tough, but even the strongest materials will break down even faster in Australia’s sun.
If your mat is exposed to direct sunlight or wet weather day after day, it’s likely to fade and wear more quickly.
For the longest life, place your mat in a well-covered area, such as a verandah, patio, or entryway that’s shielded from heavy rain or direct sun. This is especially important for hand-painted doormats, as the design will naturally fade over time if exposed to the elements.
Even in Sydney’s mild winters, it’s worth keeping your mat in a dry spot to prevent moisture from soaking into the fibres.
Let it Fade Gracefully
All coir mats, especially hand-painted ones, are designed to wear and fade with use. That’s part of their charm.
A custom doormat from Vox & Dolly is made to be both stylish and functional, but like any well-loved item, a little fading over time is natural.
I use high-quality outdoor paint in my studio to give each mat a strong finish, but because I don’t use spray or laser, my designs, some wear will occur, particularly in high traffic areas.
The fading is gradual and adds character, and many of my customers love the look of their mat as it ages (but in saying that I’ve seen and had mats that are as black as the day I painted them 4 years on!)
Avoid These 3 Things with Your Coir Doormat
To keep your doormat in the best condition, there are a few things I recommend avoiding:
1. No soaking or hosing: Water can cause the coir fibres to swell and break down. A light vacuum or shake is all you need.
2. No harsh chemicals or cleaners: These can damage the natural fibres and the painted design.
3. No constant outdoor exposure: Especially in full sun or rain. These mats are decorative and functional, but not designed for 24/7 outdoor element punishment (to keep them looking their best)
Designed for Australian Homes
I design and paint each doormat right here in my Inner West Sydney studio, and I know the demands of the Australian weather.
That’s why my mats are made with high-quality, natural coir and outdoor paint, and why I recommend shaded placement for the best longevity.
Whether you’re ordering a personalised doormat as a gift, a fun custom mat for your family home, or a simple ‘hello’ for your apartment doorstep, your mat is made with care, and a little care in return goes a long way.
What Comes with Your Order
Every Vox and Dolly doormat comes with an aftercare tag that includes everything you need to know about how to keep your mat looking great.
I want your mat to bring a smile to your face every time you walk through the door, whether that’s next week or next year.
Custom doormats are a beautiful way to show your personality at the doorstep.
With just a bit of simple care, your hand-painted doormat will serve as a warm welcome (and dirt-catcher) for months to come.
If you’re ever unsure about how to care for your mat, or you’re considering a new personalised design for your Australian home, I’m just a message away.