With all of the smog and pollution concerns swirling around, people tend to forget just how dirty the inside of their homes can get. A cedar wood doormat doesn't just look great; it can also mean less visits to the doctor. In addition to keeping out dirt, mud and sand, a doormat also helps reduce dust and microscopic contaminants from entering the home.



According to the EPA, the insides of people's homes are actually on average more polluted than the outside, often by as much as 2-5 times as polluted. If you think that's scary, consider this. Americans tend to stay indoors 90% of the time, compared to other countries. As a result, asthma has increased by 600% over the last 3 decades due in large part to indoor air pollution. But it's not just asthma that a cedar wood doormat can help to protect against and alleviate symptoms from the following: allergies, lung disorders, cancer and more are all affected by and exacerbated by air contaminants. Up to 85% of these are brought in from outdoors. An elevated level of indoor pollutants is even said to contribute to birth defects and neurological problems.

So what's exactly in this dust and grime? Aside from higher levels of lead, dust contains viruses, bacteria, animal waste, insect parts, mold spores, dust mites and their feces, pollen, pesticides, paint particles, construction debris and asbestos. Once inside, it's easy for dust to become embedded in floors and carpets. Also, because of a lack of circulation, toxic airborne particles will remain. Homes are built nowadays to keep the outdoors tightly sealed and at bay, but as a result anything inside the house is also contained and will thrive because there is no wind to blow things away or rain to wash it clean.

A cedar wood doormat is useful over other types because they dry easily from a unique slatted design and won't trap in moisture and other matter. Fibrous materials like coir and palmyra are not as durable as wood, do not dry as quickly and become havens for germs. In fact, sometimes fiber mats have the opposite effect and will kick up and track in any trapped dust that was in it. Cedar, on the other hand, remains clean, and because the wood is naturally strong and resistant to cracking and rotting, there isn't a worry of something growing on or in it.

As an added precaution, there are a few extra steps you can take to ensure nothing unwanted is coming in with your visitors. Spray down your cedar wood doormat weekly with a disinfectant like Lysol. Also, try to have everyone leave their shoes at the door when they enter (hey, it works for the Japanese). Finally, do not place grocery bags or anything else on doormats that will later be placed on counter tops or in areas where people.

The truth of the matter is that germs are everywhere. Some are harmless, some are not, but being a germaphobe is limiting and difficult to keep up. That being said, a certain level of cleanliness is expected, especially in households with young children and pets. A cedar wood doormat then is one subtle touch that will look great while keeping you a little bit safer.