How to properly clean and maintain your annex floor matting

Today, we are going to talk about the best practices for maintaining annex floor matting. If it is something that you don’t yet use in your camping set-up, the benefits can be incredible. 

You can create an even more comfortable and cosy camp with annex floor matting. On top of this, it is a great tool for keeping out the dirt, so it doesn’t end up in your camper van. However, if you’re going to invest, preventing damage to your annex floor matting is very important. This article will give you the tips and tricks to ensure you get your money’s worth and your annex floor matting will last.

Knowing your matting

You can choose from a couple of types of matting, so it is good to know the pros and cons of each. Before we start, let’s give you a brief of what is out there. 

• Synthetic mesh matting – This is the best sort of matting if you are looking for something easy to maintain. It is extremely lightweight, quick to pack away, and you will be able to shake off most of the dirt (on a dry day). In addition, it is pretty durable, and you can keep it neat by pegging it down. However, the thinness can be uncomfortable underfoot and doesn’t offer much protection from stones or hard surfaces. It can also act as a trip hazard and be a little expensive.  
• Rubber matting – This is by far the cosiest option as it will be soft to walk on and offer much more protection. It is easy to sweep clean, stays in place and is very strong. It is also a more affordable option. The biggest letdowns of rubber matting can be the weight and storage space, and it doesn’t fair well when it gets wet. 

-Top tip: Whichever one you go for, make sure it is the right size. It should always fit within the size of your awning. This will ensure your matting is exposed to less of the elements, making it easier to maintain and giving you much more for your money.

The best practices for maintaining annex floor matting

1. Don’t ignore the underneath – regularly checking if the underneath of your matting is clean will ensure a long life, especially if you are using rubber mats. If you’re camping for a while, then it might be good to make sure there isn’t a build-up of moisture every one or two weeks.

2. Lay them out right – When you are laying them out, try and make sure the ground is as clean as it can be. If they have been rolled up for a while, lay them out in the sunlight until they are flat again. Where possible, keep them inside the entrance to make sure the moisture doesn’t get to them too much.

3. Daily clean – as much of a drag as it might be, make sure you sweep or vacuum them daily. The more you get into this habit, the longer they will last, and you won’t have to give them a deep clean too often.

4. Drying – When drying your annex floor matting, ensure it is laid out flat, and refrain from using it again until it is completely dry. When you need to move it to dry it out, it is much better to roll it rather than fold it. 

5. Repair and replace – if any of your matting is damaged or frayed, make sure you repair or replace that part. If you can keep on top of this, you won’t have to rush out to buy another anytime soon.

How to clean annex floor matting

When your trip is over, it can be tempting to shove everything away and keep it out of sight until the next trip. Unfortunately, this can lead to nasty surprises and new expenses the following trip. If you want your annex floor matting to last, here are some great tips for cleaning it down after each trip.

A soft brush broom can do the trick if dry but always check for moisture underneath. It is recommended to give it a hosing and dry it correctly after each use. For any stains, scrub with warm soapy water, but make sure not to scrub too hard because this can also damage the matting. 

If you check over your annex floor matting after each use, it can last a lifetime. 

Best brands of annex floor matting

If you’re looking to buy annex floor matting, then we have some of the best recommendations. A great brand is Coast, which provides a Travelite and premium option in many colours and styles. Coast matting is some of the best affordable annex floor matting on the market. However, if you want to push the boat out and purchase matting that will outlast all other brands, you can’t go wrong with Enduromat. 

Want to see more?

As well as knowing how to clean annex floor matting, we also boast a fantastic selection of products. If you are considering purchasing annex floor matting for your RV or campervan or need a replacement, RV Parts Express has an extensive selection and some great quality products to choose from. If this article has left you wanting to know more, then feel free to talk to our experienced team. We can guide you and show you where to go for anything you need to kit out your camping set-up. Get in touch today.