How to Heat Mats in a Basement

Mats are useful from a safety standpoint because they help prevent slip-and-fall accidents when floors are wet and slippery. One challenge with the mats is that they need to dry or they start smelling and growing mold over time. Floor mats have a more difficult time drying in colder or more humid environments, and basements are a common problem for this. Heating the mats in the basement helps them dry faster and prevents mold infestation.

Things You'll Need

Outdoor thermometer (optional)
Clothesline
Chair or table

Space heater
Hair dryer

Instructions

- 1
  Move the mats into the warmest area of the basement. You'll know which area because of the difference in temperature on your skin or by using an outdoor thermometer. Put the mats near a window to get sunlight if the basement has windows and the sun is out.
- 2
  Hang the mats up into the air so both sides can be heated evenly. A clothesline is the best solution for this, but if you don't have one, use an old chair or table to prop the mat up so airflow gets to it and it doesn't lay flat.
- 3
  Turn up the furnace or bring a space heater into the room. Either option increases the temperature in the basement and helps eliminate moisture.
- 4
  Plug in a hair dryer and run it over the coldest or dampest sections of the mats. The hair dryer heats small areas at a faster rate to eliminate moisture.

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