Are Coir Mats Waterproof? What You Need to Know

Coir mats are standard in most households and businesses because they are naturally strong, rustic in appearance, and eco-friendly. Coir Mats are made of the fibers found in coconut husks and are particularly in the great demand as doormats, usually placed outside entrance doors to capture the dirt, litter, and water. Coir is renowned for its longevity and having excellent scraping properties, so it makes the perfect material to use to scrape dirt off footwear prior to entering a dwelling or the construction. 

Types of Mats

There are numerous types of coir mats:

PVC-backed coir mats: They too come with a rubber or vinyl backing to stiffen them and make them less slippery.

Are Coir Mats Waterproof?

No, coir mats are not water-resistant. When wet, the coir becomes fiber that contains water. While it can handle some degree of dampness or humidity, prolonged or continuous exposure to the water will compromise the material.

This is what happens to coir mats when exposed to the water:

Absorption: Coir fibers are wettable. They absorb water when put on them instead of repelling it. That's why coir mats are acceptable for drying shoes but not for perpetually damp spaces.

Drying Time: Coir dries slowly. When left in a wet room with inadequate air circulation, it takes a long time to dry completely, and this promotes the growth of mold and mildew.

Material Degradation: Repeated water exposure, particularly if the mat is not allowed to dry out, weakens the fibers. 

Backing Considerations: PVC-backed coir mats provide some resistance against water from the floor, but the surface still gets waterlogged. Water seeping through the PVC backing can also cause problems like mold on the flooring.

When and Where to Apply Coir Mats

Coir mats are most appropriately applied in indoor or the partially covered areas. 

Covered patios or porches: Coir Door Mats would be perfect here, provided the area is covered with direct rain.

Indoor entryways: Perfect for sweeping dirt and the wetness that gets tracked in from outdoors.

Mudrooms and garages: These areas can benefit from the scrubbing ability without exposing the mat to constant wetness.

Do not Place Coir Mats

• In completely open areas outdoors, particularly in rainy weather.

• In kitchens or bathrooms, water and the spills are most probable.

• On absorbent surfaces such as carpet or the wood flooring, unless an additional moisture barrier is placed below it.

How to Care for and Maintain Coir Mats?

If you still love the natural look and feel of the coir mats but wish them to be more durable, some helpful tips follow:

Keep Them Dry: Place your coir mat in a shaded or partially shaded area. If it is wet, hang it dry at once.

Use a Waterproof Liner or Tray: Placing a waterproof tray under your mat can prevent moisture from your flooring.

End Rotate Mat: Flip your mat over every now and then and change the orientation so water doesn't pool in one area.

Replace if Necessary: Coir mats are not indestructible. Replace them when they get too wet, moldy, or the frayed to heck end.

Other Coir Mats Replacements

If you experience an always-damp space or are working in an area where you're exposed to water regularly, consider one of the following waterproof alternatives to use in the place of the coir mats:

Rubber mats: slip-proof, water-resistant, and long-lasting.

Polypropylene mats: Plastic mats that are resistant to mildew and mold, quick-drying, and can be used in wet environments.

Recycled plastic mats: Weather-resistant without degrading, and they are non-toxic and biodegradable, making them perfect for outdoor use.

Great at cleaning up dirt and rusticizing your entryway, though it is not waterproof and must never be subjected to routine wet conditions. With knowledge of their limitations and a willingness to take simple precautions, you can realize the numerous advantages of the coir Indoor Door Mats without decreasing their lifespan or sacrificing your interior surfaces. However, if your mat will be exposed to plenty of water or rain, there are other options that are more water-resistant than you may consider. The one that is the best for you will genuinely depend on your climate, application, and the cleaning schedule.