First impressions matter. Wet, gritty entries don’t just look bad. They increase slip risk, increase your cleaning bills, and wear out your floors faster. The good news: most entrance matting problems are simple to fix. Use this guide to spot the common mistakes and what to do instead.

1. Relying on loose mats only

The problem: Portable mats shift, curl, and bunch. They trap less dirt and create trip points.

Fix: Use recessed modular matting that sits flush with surrounding floors. Frames should be secure. The system should combine scraping and absorption, so grit and moisture stop at the door.

Quick check: If you can kick it out of place, it’s the wrong solution.

Further reading: Check out our guide to the 3-Zones of Entrance Matting.

2. Not enough walk - off length

The problem: Short mats look tidy but don’t remove enough grit or water.

Fix: Aim for 3 to 6 metres of effective walk-off where space allows. Design in zones: scrape at the threshold, absorb inside the lobby.

Quick check: Count your steps. If it’s fewer than about 5 to 8 strides, extend it.

3. One - size-fits-all product

The problem: Using the same mat everywhere ignores different risks.

Fix: Match the product to the location and traffic. Main entries need heavier-duty recessed systems. Staff doors and loading entries may need scraper grates outside and absorber inside. Ramps and stairs must meet slip-resistance expectations with compliant nosings.

Quick check: Walk each entry on a rainy day. If it tracks water inside, upgrade the zone mix.

4. Raised edges and lips

The problem: Anything raised slightly to the base floor path can catch a foot or trolley.

Fix: Recess where possible. Use rigid frames, tidy transitions, and no curls. Check accessibility guidance for thresholds.

Quick check: Run a flat shoe and a trolley over edges. If either snags, fix it.

5. Ignoring secondary entrances

The problem: Side doors, staff entries, and car park links often bypass the main matting.

Fix: Treat every entry as a control point. Smaller recessed sections or well-secured modules keep grit out before it reaches corridors and lifts.

Quick check: Follow the dirt trail. If a corridor near a side door is always dirty, add a control there.

6. No maintenance rhythm

The problem: Even the best matting fails if it isn’t cleaned and inspected.

Fix: Set a simple schedule. Daily vacuum. Prompt spill response. Extra cleans after rain. Wet extraction or deep clean at planned intervals. Record it.

Quick check: Lift a section. If the backing and well are full of fine grit, increase frequency.

7. No wet weather plan

The problem: Rain arrives. Everyone scrambles for caution signs.

Fix: Monitor forecasts in season. Stage temporary walk-off where needed. Use umbrella bag stands or drip bins. Have air movers ready for heavy conditions.

Quick check: If your first action is to call the cleaner, the plan is missi.

8. Poor drainage and approach

The problem: Water pools at the threshold or flows towards the door.

Fix: Clear gutters and grates. Ensure falls move water away from the entrance. Keep external scraper areas free of leaves, sand, and litter.

Quick check: After a shower, look for puddles near the door. Fix the cause, not just the puddle.

9. No documentation

The problem: You’re controlling risks, but can’t prove it at inspection time.

Fix: Keep a simple pack: risk assessment, product datasheets, any test evidence, photos, cleaning and inspection logs, incident records, and staff training notes.

Quick check: Could you email proof within 10 minutes? If not, organise your pack.

10. Skipping the ROI

The problem: Decisions get stuck because costs aren’t quantified.

Fix: Use a Dirt & Moisture Ingress Cost Estimator to show cleaning labour, extra floor wear, and incident costs without proper matting. Then compare with the upgrade.

Quick check: If you can’t show savings on one A4 page, simplify the numbers.

Handy Resources

Slip Prevention Checklist: A one-page audit you can share with cleaners and front-of-house.
WHS Compliance Guide: How matting supports your duties and inspection readiness.

Ready to fix your entrance the simple way?

Book a Free Entrance Assessment. We’ll map your entries, recommend the right system, and set a cleaning plan so you’re safe, clean, and inspection-ready.
Because first impressions mat-ter.