Impressive appearance: 45 years of CWS dirt-trapping mats

© CWS-boco

© CWS-boco

© CWS-boco

They act like the secret heroes of building equipment: modestly lying doormats at heavily frequented spots, but they shape the atmosphere in the building and prove to be true cost savers. For 45 years, CWS mats have been reducing cleaning costs in companies and facilities, protecting floors, ensuring safe footing, and welcoming visitors. The portfolio is broad and meets every wish.

Simple cotton and a latex rubber backing were the materials for the first CWS dirt trap mat in 1970. Today, fibers made from high-twist nylon ensure optimal collection of dirt and moisture. The special pile reliably brushes off dirt. Flattened edges prevent tripping, and numerous studs on the rubber backing keep the mat in a stable position. Especially in the wet and cold season, a mat provides slip resistance.

Reduction of cleaning costs

CWS dirt trap mats are recommended for all regularly frequented areas. They reduce cleaning costs because up to 80 percent of dirt is carried into a building solely by the shoes of visitors and employees. A tested dirt trap mat system, according to the Institute for Industrial Laundry, can absorb around 70 percent of dirt, dust, and moisture.* This relieves cleaning staff and protects valuable floors from premature wear.

One square meter of a CWS dirt trap mat made from high-performance nylon absorbs up to 4.8 liters of dirt and moisture. The rubber base holds the dirt firmly, and the moisture evaporates.

Mats for every wish

When asked about the best-selling mats, Lahbib El-Hadra, Junior Product Manager FloorCare at CWS-boco Germany, responds: "Despite all individualization, the anthracite speckled mat from CWS is the customer favorite. It subtly adapts to all possible rooms and entrance areas. However, for certain companies and sectors, I recommend more eye-catching mats in bright colors. We can fulfill almost any wish here."

Whether mats in creative shapes, with individual colors and prints, robust aluminum profile mats, or joint-friendly anti-fatigue mats for employees: the foot wipes are used everywhere. CWS-boco also regularly launches solutions in this product segment that are developed according to specific customer wishes. For example, the first CWS industrial mat was created to protect storage rooms from external dirt and withstand forklift traffic. The mat is fixed to the floor and automatically retracts to its position using eyelets and rubber expanders as soon as a vehicle drives over it.

Besides their function as a dirt barrier, the CWS logo and shape mats serve as a design element. They are available in very individual shapes, with custom motifs, and a variety of colors. This allows the mat to emphasize corporate design or communicate advertising messages.

Rental service for more sustainability

Within the rental service, the mats are collected, cleaned, and delivered by CWS-boco service drivers. The company prepares around 7.5 million dirt trap mats worldwide each year. The washing of CWS mats is carried out according to a certified environmental management system in accordance with DIN EN ISO 14001.

On the history of dirt trap mats

In the 1950s, the first washable dirt trap mat was developed by a cleaning company in the USA. They found that cleaning staff spent most of their time maintaining the main entrance areas. Cotton mop cloths were used for cleaning, and the owner of the cleaning company came up with the idea of sewing a series of mop cloths together to lay them out in the entrance area. Thus, the first dirt trap mat measuring 20x100 cm was born.

*Source: European Cleaning Journal “Remember to wipe your feet (2004/05)”