How to dry out a flooded recessed mat

A step-by-step guide to fixing your flooded mat recess.

The weather situation in Australia right now is pretty dire, and you might have had an issue with flooding, depending on where you live. Where flash floods have affected your building, your entrance mat has most likely taken a battering.

A flooded mat recess is a massive pain – there is no way around that fact. But, we are here to help you dry out your recessed entrance mat and get your building looking spick and span.

So, here is how to dry out a flooded recessed entrance mat.

Step 1: Gather your supplies

A mat repair is only as good as its tools, so make sure you have yours ready.

You will need:

• Safety Glasses: don’t be tempted to skip these, infection and injury in the eye can be painful, and that is the best case-scenario.
• Gloves: for obvious reasons (you don’t want dirty hands.
• Dust mask: to protect your lungs.
• Pliers: to grip that slippery mat.
• Flathead screwdriver or chisel: in case you need some leverage.
• Mop: to clean the recess.
• Wet and dry vacuum: a vital instrument for removing flood water from any area.
• Broom: To do the final sweep.
• Dustpan: to collect your rubbish.

Step 2: Remove the mat from the recess

Take the wet mat out of the recess completely. There is no way to dry your mat while it is still in the recess. If the mat has swollen from the moisture you may need to lever it out with a flat head screwdriver or chisel.

Remember to make note of the mat’s position to ensure you can fit it back perfectly once it’s dry. We like to take a photo on our phone just in case we forget, but that step is optional.

Step 3: Vacuum the excess moisture using a wet and dry vacuum

Next, you need to use a wet vacuum to remove as much water as possible. Don’t use a normal vacuum – it needs to be one specifically for water. Many of our customers learned this the hard way!

Remove as much water as you can at this stage because it will shorten the time needed for the next drying stage considerably.

Step 4:  Lay the mat to allow it to dry (avoid direct sunlight if the mat isn’t UV stable)

Lay the mat out flat somewhere warm and dry. If your mat has been treated with UV-resistant coating, then direct sunlight is ideal for this step. If not, somewhere in the shade on a hot day would be the next best option.

If there is rain or moisture in the air, place the mat in an airing cupboard or another dry inside area for the most effective drying.

Step 5: Vacuum the recess to remove excess moisture

Once your mat is laid out, take the water vacuum to the recess you took it from. Placing your dry mat back in a wet recess would be counterproductive, so make sure all components are dry first. Use the vacuum to remove as much water as possible, as this will again make the next steps quicker.

Step 6: Mop the recess dry

To make sure the recess is completely dry, get out a good old-fashioned mop. This should absorb the remainder of the surface water and any dirt that the vacuum missed. We usually go in with a dry mop for maximum water absorption.

Step 7: Leave it to dry

If only you could pick the recess up and lay it out like the mat, but this step’s a little harder. We find that industrial fans work well if the entranceway is not in direct sunlight, but warm and dry is your best option here.

It’s common to feel impatient, but make sure your wait until the recess is completely dry. Just a small section of moisture can create irreparable damage to your mat.

If the recess is in a public area, you will need to take measures to make it safe for traffic. If people will be walking over the empty recess, cover it with a breathable temporary carpet to form a ramp.

Step 8: Place it back together

The time between this step and the previous ones will depend on the type of carpet you have as well as the climate you are in.

Check the mat is completely dry before you place it back in too, as any excess water could cause mould. Also, wipe any excess moisture off the mat’s backing and place it back into the recess.

If the mat has swollen, which is especially likely with coir mats, you may need to take extra re-installation steps. Find out more about how to install a recessed entrance mat, or give us a call to take advantage of our installation service.

How to fix a flooded entrance mat recess

Flooded mat recesses can be a nightmare, but follow these steps to get the problem fixed as quickly as possible. If it all sounds too difficult, or if you don’t have the time, give us a call and our matxperts will be happy to help you out.

If you are thinking about getting a recessed entrance mat, don’t let the thought of it flooding put you off. There are loads of reasons that a recessed mat is better than a loose laid one, check out this post to find out when recessed mats are best.