All seasons are beautiful in their own way, from leaves dropping during the fall to mounds of snow during the winter. However, you don't want to track all that outside debris inside your home. Strategies like enacting a shoes-off policy, adding easy-to-clean rugs and doormats, and investing in hands-free boot removers can prevent germs and dirt from creeping inside your home. Here are five smart ways home experts prevent mud, dirt, snow, and grass from trekking indoors.
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"As a mother of two, I am no stranger to muddy shoes in the house. This is why early on I adopted a 'Shoes Off' rule that my kids follow," says Laura Reynoso, a T.J.Maxx & Marshalls home expert. "They come inside, put their shoes in a designated 'shoe basket,' and then continue with what they planned to do." Woven baskets stash the shoes, while simultaneously adding to the decor of the mudroom. Also consider the Rack'Em Racks Boot and Wader Extractor: a hands-free shoe remover.
"Since we can't escape all forms of dirt, I've found that adding a runner or rug right by the door is the ideal solution for catching some of the mess before it makes it into the house," advises Reynoso. An easy-to-clean option is to use an indoor-outdoor rug, like this patterned Geo Area Rug.
"Look for entryway or runner rug options with a high-low surface rib design," adds Christa Endler, an interior furniture merchant at Home Depot. "This will help to trap dirt and moisture in the recessed channels below shoe-level to keep grime outside."
Never underestimate a good doormat. "I keep a doormat in front of my door for anyone walking into the house," says Endler. "They're an easy and reliable necessity and they can even act as holiday decor . . . and be swapped out every season." In your entryway closet, stash a sturdy broom, like the Bulldozer Super Stiff Angle Broom to sweep dirt and debris from the entrance.
Considering a new house or thinking about renovating your existing entryway? "The flooring in your mudroom or entryway should withstand water, dirt, and excess debris and be easy to clean," says Endler. "Durability and visual appeal are important factors to consider when choosing the best flooring type for your entryway. There are a variety of tile and vinyl options that will complement your existing interior themes while offering the strength and moisture-resistance you need." Tile and high-quality vinyl are waterproof and will provide protection.
Most people enter their homes either through the front door or through a garage entrance—if you use the latter, it's easy to create a makeshift mudroom. "Create a garage mudroom for a bit more space to move around than an attached mudroom," suggests Endler. "Lay down large area rugs to keep the dirt out of your house." Endler also recommends installing sufficient shelving so bags can be stored out of the way, yet in an accessible spot. Locker-style storage offers individualized spaces for DIY supplies, sports equipment, and outerwear.
If you enter your home through the front door, a hall tree works wonders for controlling mess and clutter. "It has cubbies with bins and baskets for scarves, hooks for hanging bags, easy-access shoe shelves and hidden storage behind its shuttered doors," says Endler.