Your entryway welcomes guests into your home and is the first area that greets you when you return from work at the end of the day. Unfortunately, it’s also a notorious entry point for dirt and allergens, which enter through the front door and spread around the house from shoes and socks. This is especially true during the cold Milwaukee winter, when road salt, snow, and wet conditions make extra mud into the house unavoidable. So, what are the best cleaning hacks to keep this part of your home from being an eyesore and a hotbed for nasty bugs?
Ideally, hiring professional house cleaners to deep clean your home, including the entryway, is the most efficient way to stay mess-free. However, you can also do many strategies to make entryway cleaning more manageable without using fancy cleaning equipment. In this article, we’ll share our favorite home cleaning hacks for tackling dirt, grime, and clutter in the busiest part of your home.
Cleaning Hacks for Hallways and Entryways
1. Stop the mess before it starts.
To control the spread of dirt and debris, equip every entryway in your home with an indoor mat and an outdoor mat. Ask everyone in your household to shake and wipe their footwear off outside (on an outdoor mat) to prevent excess dirt from entering the home, and everyone should learn how to keep a house clean. Once inside, household members should immediately remove their shoes or boots while standing on an indoor mat.
One of the most effective home cleaning hacks would be to purchase large indoor-outdoor mats made of durable, snow-proof material, like coir or rubber. If possible, opt for dark-colored mats rather than light ones, as dark colors are stain-resistant and capable of hiding dirt. Place small stools near each entrance to make it easy for family members of all ages to sit down and remove their footwear without stepping off the mat.
2. Simplify storage
When they get home, many people don’t think twice about dropping their jacket, gloves, or scarf on the nearest chair or table. Every time you do this, however, you immediately transfer dirt indoors – that’s why it’s important to have multiple storage options for outerwear near each entrance.
Another must-add item to add to this list of cleaning hacks to keep your entryways (and your home) clean and organized, install a multi-tier shoe shelf, a boot tray, a storage box for accessories, and an over-the-door coat rack near each entrance, so your family can quickly put items in their proper place. Let wet outwear dry on the coat rack before placing it in the closet (to prevent drips and mold growth), and place snowy boots in boot trays designed to trap water and mud.
To prevent entryway storage areas from becoming cluttered, remove out-of-season items and store them in another location. When cold weather hits, for example, consider placing sunglasses, summer hats, and sandals in plastic bins that you can easily slip under your bed. Likewise, when you declutter your home during spring cleaning, remember to remove shoes and outwear you’re no longer using. Generally, if you haven’t worn an item all year, it should be discarded or donated.
3. Shake doormats off outside.
At the end of each day, carefully pick up your indoor mats, carry them outside, and vigorously shake them to expel trapped dirt. This habit will keep your home cleaner and reduce wear on your vacuum by removing small pebbles, sand, and other potentially damaging debris.
4. Vacuum and mop hallways and entryways at least once per day.
After you shake off your indoor mats, thoroughly vacuum each hallway and entryway in your home. Then, use a damp microfiber mop to pick up leftover dust and grime. (Note that you should always vacuum entrance areas before mopping them. Otherwise, you may inadvertently dissolve road salt crystals with your wet mop – and no one wants to spread road salt residue across their floors!)
5. If you have a dog, use pet gates to reduce mess.
Most dogs love playing in the snow and mud and don’t think twice about tracking it back inside. Install a pet gate near each entrance to limit mess while still allowing your dog to enjoy the great outdoors. Use these gates to keep your dog confined to one area while you wipe off his paws and fur. (Make sure you clean the floor immediately afterward, too.)
6. Keep outdoor walkways as clean as possible.
The cleaner your walkways are, the easier it will be to avoid tracking snow and dirt inside. In the winter, promptly shovel your walkways after each snowfall, then sweep away any remaining snow. In the summer, use a broom or leaf and litter vacuum to remove debris before spraying walkways with a hose. Once the concrete is wet, use a stiff brush to work out stubborn grit and stains. When you’re done, rinse the area again with the hose.
7. Deep clean your entryways once a week.
To keep your entryways looking bright and inviting, it’s important to deep clean them every weekend. First, remove and wash your outerwear (including your shoes and boots). Then, sprinkle baking soda in your closet and let it sit for at least two hours. While the baking soda sits, wipe down doors, windows, and shelves, and dust the walls and ceiling. After two hours, vacuum your entryways, closets, and hallways thoroughly. Finally, mop the floors with warm, soapy water. When the floors have dried, put your clean shoes and outwear back in their proper locations.
Call the Home Cleaning Experts of BetterClean!
Tackling extra mess indoors while dealing with snow, ice, and freezing temperatures outside can be exhausting. If you’d like to skip housework this winter – and spend your time relaxing in a clean and cozy home instead – why not treat yourself to our affordable cleaning services? That’s hands down one of the best cleaning hacks ever! No matter how busy your hallways and entryways are, our licensed, bonded maids in Milwaukee will keep them fresh, clean, and welcoming.
