Metal Entrance Mat Cleaning

Service Area

We currently offer our cleaning and refurbishing services to the Twin Cities area of Minnesota. To obtain a quote please contact us at 877-242-8821.

Mats Supported

• Pedimat, PediTred, Pedigrid
• BaseMat, BaseTred, BaseGrid
• Perfec Mat, Perfec Roll-up, Perfec Grate
• Others

Cleaning Includes

• Removing Recessed AluminumMat/Grid
• Cleaning Recess
• Cleaning of Carpet Inserts
• Reinstallation of Aluminum Mat/ Grid

Regular Cleaning Tips

Use an industrial broom or vacuum to collect and remove loose dirt and debris. Note: When vacuuming your unit it is important to use a ”wide- head” vacuum tool in order to maximize cleaning power with the varying heights between the aluminum strips and the insert material i.e. heavy-duty carpet, abrasive, vinyl.

Inspect your recessed metal mat daily for chewing gum or other sticky residue and remove before it becomes hardened and compacted into the fibers. There are commercial gum removers available that do an excellent job.

For small wet spills, use a clean cloth or absorbent material to soak up as much of the spill as possible. If a large wet spill occurs or inclement weather causes your mat to retain more moisture than typical, we recommend you use either a wet/dry vac or a carpet extraction machine to effectively dry your mat.

How To Deep Clean

Periodic Cleaning

One of the primary reasons to use a metal mat in a recessed well is to allow the roll-up mat to trap and catch dirt, leaving it to fall between the slots and collect in the recessed area. The recess needs to be cleaned as frequently as necessary to prevent a build-up of dirt and moisture under your roll-up mat/grid.

It is recommended that after vacuuming/sweeping/cleaning the well that you wash or sanitize the recessed well to prevent a build-up of bacteria. A screwdriver can be used to lift the edge of the mats for easy removal.

Before Wet Cleaning...

Before wet cleaning, the mats should be removed from the recessed well and the well should be cleaned. Also, the underside of the mat should be cleaned off at this time.

If mats are lifted or removed and replaced without cleaning recessed well, they will not fit. Dirt build-up will have shifted and leave the well floor uneven and your mat tipping and uneven.

Avoid Rolling Too Tight...

A roll-up mat should be loosely rolled up and carefully removed from the well to maintain its shape and function.

Also, if you have a large heavy aluminum mat, you can roll up half of the mat onto the other half; clean the recessed well and then roll back into cleaned well; repeat the process with the other half of the mat. No heavy lifting required.

Careful with Chemicals...

When wet cleaning vacuum dirt from mat, remove any chewing gum and use a stain remover to treat stained areas. (NEVER use chemicals containing chlorinated hydrocarbons and bleaching/oxidizing agents -- use a carpet-approved stain remover to treat stains.)

While leaving the aluminum mat in its recessed well, you can use a carpet cleaning machine that uses counter rotating brushes or a hot water carpet extractor to clean the mat. A light household-type carpet cleaner product is recommended. Whichever method is used, it is important to ensure surface moisture is extracted before placing the mat in use to avoid untimely soiling.

Pressure Wash or Car Wash....

If your mat is unusually soiled at the end of the winter season or at other times of the year an on-site pressure washer can be used to clean the mats. You can also deep clean your mat by taking your mat or grid to a commercial car wash and use a cleaning wand until mats are clean.

After taking your mat to the car wash or using a pressure washer; stand mats on end to dry or use a wet/dry vac to extract moisture before returning your entrance mat to the sanitized recessed well.

Extend Your Product's Life

Important Reminders

Make sure to follow these simple tips so your entrance mats last a long time.

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your aluminum mats will greatly extend the life of your mat, as well as leave a good impression of your building’s décor and function.

Water is the best method for cleaning your entrance mat. Applying wax or other polishing products to the metal surface of the mats or grids could create a slippery surface and cause slip and fall accidents.

Only use a cleaning solution that is recommended for color-safe carpeting. Mild soaps and light detergents are effective at removing built-up residue and stains.

Only use cleaning products or chemicals that are recommended for use with aluminum metal. Mild acids can be used to neutralize ice-melt and brighten rails.

Always follow the wheel load capacity guidelines for your specific mat or grid. Heavy loads wheeled over them may bend or damage the mats creating a tripping hazard. Heavy loads include cars, boats, forklifts, pallet jacks, etc. Plywood can be placed on top of the matting system for additional protection when moving heavy equipment.

For additional matting questions contact Ronick to assist with your project/maintenance needs.

Call 877-242-8821

The above picture shows a Pedigrid ® that requires cleaning. The traffic pattern is readily observed, where the carpet strips are matted and saturated with ice melter and dirt. In its current state, the mat will not effectively wipe and soil will be tracked into the interior.

The cleaning process begins by removing the Pedigrid ® to gain access to the recess area, which acts as a collecting bin for dirt and salt.

The amount of dirt in the recess can be substantial depending on the amount of traffic, use of ice melter, and length of time between cleanings. In this case a chisel must be used to loosen the built-up of dirt and salt deposits. Odors also are eliminated by cleaning the recess.

Corrosion occurs even on aluminum when not cleaned frequently. This can lead to structural weakening of the mat, resulting in further maintenance issues.

A close-up view of the carpet inserts near the door shows ice melter "caked" onto the carpet fibers.

After cleaning the Pedigrid ® inserts are able to remove and absorb dirt effectively.

The cleaning process eliminated the traffic pattern of dirt and ice melter.

The channels between rails are now clear, allowing more debris to be collected.

How To Clean Anodized Aluminum?

Here are some tips to help cleaning go well.

How do I clean anodized aluminum?

Cleaning anodized aluminum is easy with the right technique. Because anodizing is so hard, you want to use an abrasive cleaning technique with a general soap. Do not use harsh acidic or alkaline cleaners because they may destroy the finish. Use solvents with care as they may stain the finish. Regardless of the technique, be sure to try a test area first. One recommended technique is to use an abrasive cleaning sponge with mild dish washing liquid. Always try a test small area first to prevent a widespread problem. (For more detailed advice, obtain a copy of Care of Aluminum from The Aluminum Association.)

Can anodized aluminum be cleaned with a detergent that has a pH of 10, or would that result in scaling or other surface problems?

Factors such as concentration of the detergent solution, duration of exposure, and temperature will influence the results. If the anodized aluminum is cleaned at room temperature and promptly rinsed with clean water, then there should be no problem. If cleaned at an elevated temperature or with prolonged exposure without rinsing, then the cleaning solution would start to attack the anodic oxide and etch the metal. Mild soap is generally preferable to detergent for routine maintenance cleaning.

Aluminum Anodizers Council

Mat Maintenance

Ronick offers cleaning and refurbishing services to the Minneapolis / St. Paul Twin Cities Metro Area. We have more than 35 years of experience specializing in sales and service for Pedimats, PediTreds, Pedigrids, GridLine entry mat products, and more.