Sticky Mats vs. Shoe Covers: Which Keeps Jobsites Cleaner?
Keeping a jobsite clean isn’t just about appearances—it’s about safety, efficiency, and client satisfaction. Two tools often used are sticky mats and shoe covers. But which one works better?
What Are Sticky Mats?
Sticky mats (aka tacky mats) are adhesive-backed pads placed at the entrance of a room or work area. Each step peels dust, debris, and particles from workers’ boots.
Pros:
- Easy and fast—no need to stop or gear up
- Captures dirt from dozens of steps
- Ideal for high-traffic construction zones
Cons:
- Only works at fixed entry points
Solution: Plasticover Sticky Mat Bases let you anchor your mat to a solid base so it can be moved around as needed—ideal for temporary or shifting access points. - May not stop moisture or thick mud
What About Shoe Covers?
Some contractors use disposable shoe covers—especially in homes or cleanroom environments.
Pros:
- Provides 100% sole coverage
- Reduces direct contact with finished flooring
Cons:
- Time-consuming to put on/off
- Tears easily on rough surfaces
- Can become slippery on hard flooring
While some pros use shoe covers, we find most remodelers and trades prefer sticky mats for their speed and simplicity. That’s why we focus exclusively on high-performance mats that do the job right.
When to Use Each
| Scenario | Best Option |
|---|---|
| Fast-paced jobsite, dirty boots | Sticky Mats |
| Delicate interior walkthrough | Shoe Covers |
| Entry zones to protected areas | Sticky Mats |
| Clean homes or offices | Either (short visits) |
Pro Tip: For maximum cleanliness, pair a sticky mat at the door with floor protection film on the floor. It’s fast, effective, and affordable.
Why Pros Choose Plasticover Sticky Mats
- ✅ 30-layer pads with numbered pull tabs
- ✅ Heavy-duty adhesive for maximum pickup
- ✅ Backing that grips without sliding
- ✅ Easy to peel + fast to replace
- ✅ Optional mobile base for repositionable protection
Our sticky mats are designed to work as hard as you do—no flimsy sheets, no shifting pads, no downtime.
Keep the Dirt Off the Floor
Visit our sticky mats page to order mats that stick with you through the dirtiest jobs.
