Plasticisers are substances that make PVC flexible. They're found in the backing of many ordinary doormats. If such a mat sits on a vinyl or poured floor for a long time, those substances can migrate into the floor and leave a discolouration in exactly the shape of the mat — usually yellow, sometimes dark. That mark sits in the top layer of your floor and won't come out with cleaning.

Mainly on vinyl and poured floors; these are synthetic floors that can absorb the plasticisers. It's not an issue with tiles, natural stone or untreated wood. With lacquered parquet and laminate the risk is small but not zero, because the top coat is also a synthetic layer. Not sure about your floor? Send us the type and brand name and we'll take a look.

Look at the underside. A smooth, rubbery PVC backing that feels slightly tacky is the classic example. If the mat smells strongly of plastic, that's also a clue. You can only be certain if the supplier states it explicitly — if nothing is mentioned, don't assume it's free of them.

Usually not. The discolouration sits in the top layer, not on it, so cleaning doesn't help. Sometimes it fades partially if the spot is exposed to light for a while, but don't count on it. Ask your flooring supplier whether the top layer can be restored — with some poured floors that's possible. A plasticiser-free mat at least prevents a second mark from appearing.

Think about what comes in the door, not about your floor — all three are safe for that. If mostly wet shoes come in, choose the moisture-absorbing doormat: it absorbs up to 7 litres of moisture per m². Looking for something for a shed, utility room or as a runner through a hallway? The ribbed doormat is the logical choice. If the mat is in an entrance with a lot of foot traffic, Elite is the only one of the three made for that.

That's what Elite is made for. It falls into usage class 33, the heaviest class for indoor spaces: intended for intensive foot traffic in shops, offices, practices and public buildings. Its fibre stays upright for years in places where an ordinary domestic mat would flatten within a season. The moisture-absorbing doormat and the ribbed doormat are made for homes and lighter-traffic spots.

Yes, all three. They're 4 to 8 mm high and let heat through well. In fact, a plasticiser-free mat is especially wise with underfloor heating, because heat speeds up the process by which plasticisers migrate into the floor. An ordinary mat that's fine for years on a cold floor can leave a ring on a heated floor within a single season.

The ribbed doormat can simply go in the wash. The plasticiser-free moisture-absorbing doormat can too, but preferably by hand — that's gentler on the backing. Keep Elite clean with a vacuum cleaner; its fibre and backing aren't made for washing. Always let a washed mat dry lying flat and never use a tumble dryer.

Yes, all three have an anti-slip backing that provides enough grip on a smooth floor. One warning: don't put a standard anti-slip mat underneath if you have a vinyl or poured floor. Those mats are often made of PVC themselves and so contain exactly the plasticisers you were trying to avoid — bringing the problem back in through the door.

Measure the spot at two points across the width and two points along the length, and use the smallest measurement. Placing the mat in a recess or doormat recess? Measure the inside and subtract a few millimetres from each side, so the mat sits in easily without buckling. Also check that your door can still swing freely over the mat.

Almost always. In use, the moisture-absorbing doormat is around 4 mm, Elite 7 mm and the ribbed doormat 8 mm. If your door sits close above the floor, choose the moisture-absorbing doormat — it's by far the lowest.

Yes, for Elite and the moisture-absorbing doormat: click Shop colour samples for that range. For €5 we'll send you a 10 x 15 cm sample, so you can judge the colour and texture at home next to your own floor.

No. A custom-size mat is cut specially for you and is therefore excluded from the right of withdrawal — we can't sell it on to anyone else. That's why we recommend ordering a colour sample first and carefully re-checking your measurements. Is something wrong with your order, or did the mat arrive damaged? Get in touch and we'll sort it out.

Your mat is cut specially for you. Usually it's at your home within 1–3 working days. If you order several mats or an extra-large size, it can take a day longer — you'll always receive a track-and-trace code as soon as your parcel is on its way.