Clean Up Your Act: 7 Cheap Ways to Stop Dirt at the Door

Have you ever stopped to think about all the muck that gets moved into your house every time you, your friends, or that weird next door neighbor crosses your threshold? We’re talking about  the germs that have attached themselves to the bottom of your adorbs shoes; the mysterious gunk which was mixed into the pile of leaves your dog just rolled in; and you did just use the bathroom at that sketchy bar so, yeah, whatever grimy matter was in there—you brought that home with you, too. Eww. But here’s the good news: you don’t need to become some kind of Swiffer-wielding clean freak. One EPA study found that simply using a doormat and not wearing shoes inside reduced dirt, dust, lead and other chemicals from gaining entry by 60 percent But no worries. We’ve got some simple and pretty stylin’ ways to keep the gross outside where it belongs.

1. Go to the Mat

Photo: For Me, For You

The first line of defense in You vs. Dirt is the welcome mat (or unwelcome as the case may be). Make sure that the one you choose has a coarse surface. If this one is too cheeky, try something that’s so purely utilitarian that it’s actually gorgeous.

Made of bristles (so functional!) and hailing from Sweden (natch), you can pick one up at DWR.

For more doormats check out this extremely thorough Remodelista roundup.

2. Cleanse Your Sole(s)

For snow and mud, you need to employ a more hardcore tool to get the gunk off.

You can find boot scrapers in almost every animal form imaginable. But this hedgehog is adorable without being twee.

3. Pause and Wipe Those Paws

PHOTO: Dog Milk

Who knows what Spot stepped in? Keep pet wipes in a basket right by the door along with a few small towels.

4. Rack ‘Em Up

The Brits have the right idea—not even allowing Wellies in the house. You can buy a simple country style boot rack—but this would also be super easy to DIY.

5. Make a Mudroom (Even if You Don’t Have the Space)

Photo: A Beautiful Mess

Creating a dedicated space to put your outside garb before you walk into your living area is why everyone covets a mudroom. But even a hallway can act as a transition space. Forgo the bookshelf and make one crate into a bench to sit on while taking off your shoes.

6. Take a Stand on Coats

Photo: Time of the Aquarius

It’s not just your shoes that are dirt magnets—dust and even lead get attached to your outerwear. Even if you don’t have an excuse for a mudroom proper, you can still have a coatrack at your front door. Love the simple lines from this Ikea standby.

7. Slide on the Slippers

Now that you’ve left your shoes at the door, you’re obvs going to do the classy thing and slide on a pair of these cozy slippers. Or even better, provide a basket of alluring footwear for your guests, you can be one of those “please take off your shoes” households—especially if you provide them with enticing choices. Like these for example.

PHOTO: Found Image

Or make a version of these yourself.

Isn’t your house feeling cleaner already? Take a deep breath. Now with all the time you’re going to save not scrubbing down your house, you can go organize your closets!