The everyday household item is often overlooked in cleaning routines (Image: Getty)
A common household item present in nearly every home has been identified as a hotspot for mould, mildew and trapped allergens — yet most people aren’t cleaning it frequently enough.
This everyday household item is often overlooked in cleaning routines, even though it’s a high-traffic item used on a daily basis in homes across the nation.
Built to soak up moisture and collect dirt, rugs, mats and runners are being sidelined in household cleaning schedules nationwide, even though they’re amongst the most frequently-used items in any residence — and a breeding ground for mould.
New research compiled from the Homeware Buyers Index by rug and mat manufacturer Kleen-Tex Home reveals that 62% of consumers fail to wash their mats or runners at least monthly — the advised frequency to stop dirt and moisture accumulation. The fresh data indicates a third of Brits admit to washing them only every five months on average — suggesting many haven’t been cleaned since summer. Furthermore, 1 in 10 individuals state they clean mats and rugs merely once annually — or even less frequently.
With winter ushering in heating systems, wet footwear, muddy paws, and inadequate ventilation, experts caution this could create ideal conditions for mould proliferation in properties.
Read more: UK homes with mould urged to never make ‘dry’ wipe mistake
Read more: Hidden kitchen spot that’s ‘perfect for mould’ needs to be cleaned ‘immediately’
Most people admit they don’t clean this household item as often as they should (Image: Getty)
Michelle Byrne, Product Marketing Manager at Kleen-Tex Home, shares: « People tend to associate mould with obvious damp patches on walls or windows, but some of the most common mould hotspots are actually hidden in your soft furnishings – especially those right by the front door. »
The main function of mats, runners and rugs is to trap dirt and moisture, and they’re walked on multiple times a day, often with damp shoes or muddy paws. If they aren’t cleaned frequently, they can quietly become the ideal breeding ground for trapped moisture, mildew, mould spores and other hygienic nightmares.
Michelle adds: « Our Homeware Buyers Index has found that 62% of UK consumers aren’t washing their mats or runners the recommended amount of at least once a month, even though these are among the highest‑traffic, most dirt‑prone textiles in the home. In fact, a third of consumers admitted they haven’t washed their mats or runners for five months – meaning that in many households, these dirt-trapping items haven’t been washed since the summer. »
According to Michelle, the disconnect between how much dirt and moisture these floor coverings accumulate and how infrequently they’re laundered creates ideal conditions for mould growth, particularly during colder winter months when homes receive less ventilation and outdoor dampness is being brought inside.
The expert adds: « The health impact of this can actually be significant. It’s no secret that mould exposure can irritate airways, trigger allergies, and worsen asthma symptoms, especially for children, older people and anyone with respiratory sensitivities. The simplest way to reduce this risk is to treat mats and rugs like other washable textiles. »
Mats, rugs, and runners are hotspots for mould (Image: Getty)
The cleaning experts’ advice is simple: « We recommend cleaning them monthly where possible, and always dry them thoroughly. A quick routine change in the areas you walk through most can make a real difference to home hygiene and air quality. »
The Homeware Buyers Index also highlights a striking disparity with other household items. For instance, 55% of Brits launder their bedding weekly, whilst a third wash cushion covers once a week. However, rugs and mats, despite experiencing more daily contact, frequently come bottom of the priority list.
To assist households in cleaning more efficiently this winter, the experts at Kleen-Tex have outlined five quick tasks:
Top five tips to prevent mould in your mats and rugs
Shake before you vacuum
Mats should be shaken outdoors weekly to remove dirt that vacuuming alone might overlook.
Vacuum weekly
Particularly in doorways and hallways, this minimises build-up and allergens.
Wash at 40°C+ every month
This helps eliminate bacteria, remove trapped dirt, and reduce odours or mildew.
Tackle stains fast
Blot with mild detergent, don’t rub – it forces grime deeper into fibres.
Dry thoroughly
Damp mats is equal to the perfect mould habitat. Fully air dry, or tumble on low if suitable.
For the latest money saving tips, shopping and consumer news, go to the new Everything Money website.
