The 7 best tips for tackling winter messes – to keep your home clean and cozy
Professional cleaners and organizers share their top tips to beat seasonal stress and keep your home clean this winter
Fall is in full flourish, and as homes heat up for winter, temperatures outside drop – bringing with them rain, sleet and snow.
It's therefore inevitable that the weather outside gets brought through the door, on boots, jackets, hats and paws, leading to muddy footprints, wet puddles and disorganized entryways.
So, we spoke to professional cleaners for their top cleaning tips on tackling the most common winter messes – to keep your home cozy and clean all season long.
7 expert tips for tackling winter messes in your home
1. Use a high-quality doormat
To stop, or at least reduce, wet, muddy footprints from entering your home, invest in a high-quality doormat begins Ken Doty, COO at The Maids.
'The first thing you'll want to do is set up a high-quality doormat outside your home. This will help remove a good chunk of the winter debris such as mud, rock salt and other sandy components that are often found on the streets in major cities.'
Doty recommends a mat with stiff bristles to effectively remove materials from your boots and shoes. If you don't have a porch, place your mat inside your home in your entryway. Just be sure to regularly clean and dry it thoroughly to prevent mold and mildew which could spread throughout your home, as doormats are understandably one of the dirtiest places in an entryway.
Logan Taylor, cleaning expert at Dazzle Cleaning Company also recommends layering your doormats for added protection. 'This is a great way to prevent snow, salt, and dirt from being tracked into your home,' he says. 'Start with an outdoor mat for wiping off large debris, followed by a rubber mat for absorbing moisture, and finally a washable indoor mat for catching any remaining residue.'
Rated 4.8 stars
This stylish doormat is made of commercial-grade materials for durability, in heat, rain, sleet and snow. It's also built for spills, with a water dam border that keeps up to 1 gallon of water off your floors.
Top rated
This doormat is great to add a unique flair to your porch or entryway. It's made of vinyl-backed coconut fiber, and can be swept clean.
Top rated
This doormat is available in two beautiful colorways, and is intended for use in a sheltered outdoor area, such as a porch.
2. Use a shoe rack to cleanly store wet boots
As your winter boots are used all season long, it's important to invest in adequate storage for them, to keep them (and your home) clean and dry.
'Winter messes are a real challenge,' says Tommy Mello, home improvement expert and founder and CEO of A1 Garage Door Services. 'One of the first things I always do is set up a boot organizer in the entryway. It's such a simple addition, but it makes a world of difference in keeping everything neat and dry.
Mello recommends the Honey-Can-Do Boot and Shoe Organizer available at Amazon, as, 'it's sturdy and has enough tiers for multiple pairs, making sure there's no excuse for anyone to leave wet boots lying around.' It works with nearly all types of boots, and features a durable steel frame that will last for years to come, making it a must-have for small entryways and bootrooms. For extra protection again puddles, Mello suggests pairing your rack with the WirthCo 40098 Multi-Use Mat available at Amazon. 'It’s a game-changer because it catches all the slush and dirt, keeping the mess contained to one area,' he says. 'This one’s tough, easy to clean, and does the job without fuss.'
Cleaning expert Taylor also recommends using a portable boot dryer, such as the XCMAN Portable Shoe Dryers and Boot Dryer available at Amazon, particularly if you wear yours daily.
'As I have seen, many people just throw their wet boots in the closet or by the door, which can lead to a musty smell and potentially damage the shoes,' he says. 'Instead, invest in a portable boot dryer that will quickly dry out your boots and eliminate any odors. Look for ones with multiple drying racks so you can dry multiple pairs at once.'
3. Wipe muddy pet paws clean
I have four dogs, so know all too well how difficult it can be to keep a home free of wet, muddy paw prints during winter. The trick that works best for me is to wipe your pet's paws clean with a cloth or towel as soon as you enter the home, before letting them off the lead, so you won't need to worry about getting mud out of your carpet.
'If you have a dog, wipe their paws off as soon as they enter the house to ensure they don't track mud or grime throughout your entire house,' says cleaning expert Doty.
I personally love using the Bone Dry Pet Grooming Towel available at Amazon, which is made of ultra-soft microfiber. It won't irritate your dog's skin, it's ultra-absorbent, and it's machine-washable, making it perfect for a pet-friendly home.
4. Keep a steam-cleaner accessible
home improvement expert Tommy Mello says, 'I make sure to have a steam cleaner ready to tackle those inevitable muddy footprints that sneak past. The Bissell Power Fresh Steam Mop is my go-to – it’s easy to maneuver and sanitizes the floors as you go, which is a big plus when you have people tracking in all kinds of winter grime.'
Steam cleaners can be used to clean wood and carpet, and will eliminate 99.9% of germs without the need for harsh chemicals. You can also clean floors efficiently with a steam mop.
Rated 5 stars by 73% of shoppers
This mop has three settings for high, medium and low steam, with a smart set digital steam control. Featuring swivel steering and a 23 foot power cord, the steam cleaner is ready to power through tough messes in only 30 seconds.
5. Remove salt residue
With gritting salt lining the streets to protect against slipping in sludge and snow, it's inevitable that some residue will get carried in on shoes and outerwear, and need cleaning off your floors.
'Salt residue can damage floors over time. I mix up a quick solution of white vinegar and warm water to wipe down any affected areas before it causes lasting damage,' says home improvement expert, Tommy Mello. 'It’s simple, effective, and keeps everything looking like new.'
To clean with vinegar, simply mix 1/2 cup of vinegar per gallon of warm water, and wipe using a mop, such as the number one bestselling O-Cedar EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop available at Amazon, or microfiber cloth (available at Walmart). Then, simply leave to dry – the vinegar smell will dissipate as it does so.
6. Use hooks to dry outerwear
For wet coats, hats and scarves, putting up hooks in your entryway or boot room is the easiest way to keep wet and damp from being carried around your home.
'You should find a safe space to store your wet winter clothing alongside your wet footwear,' says cleaning expert Ken Doty. 'Hooks are your best bet for proper drying, and there should be enough space to let air properly circulate.'
Top rated
This ceramic and cast iron hook is perfect to add a stylish, timeless touch to your entryway. It is also available in a black colorway.
Top rated
This hook is made of brass mounted on acacia wood, for a rustic look that compliments any decor. It is also available as a coat rack, featuring four hooks.
Top rated
This gorgeous brass hook rack comes with hanging hardware included, for easy installation. Shoppers describe it as unique and great quality, rating it 5 stars.
7. Invest in proper snow tools
Finally, invest in proper tools for tackling snow during the colder months.
'Shovels for your outside steps and sidewalk will become your best friends,' says cleaning expert Ken Doty, particularly for removing snow from a driveway. We recommend the bestselling Snow Joe Shovelution Strain-Reducing Snow Shovel available at Amazon, which is durable and comfortable to use, with a spring-assisted handle for easy lifting leverage.
These tools can be kept in your entryway cupboard, or by your back door. Make sure you know which places you shouldn't clear snow before getting started.
While tackling common winter indoor messes inside your home, there are a number of home maintenance mistakes you should never make in winter – to avoid damage, damp, mold, and a whole host of other issues.
Not only will these be time-consuming to fix, they may also wind up being very costly. Always contact a professional if you're unsure on how to proceed with any drainage, cleaning, or insulation issues during the colder months.
Sign up to the Homes & Gardens newsletter
Design expertise in your inbox – from inspiring decorating ideas and beautiful celebrity homes to practical gardening advice and shopping round-ups.
Ottilie is new to Homes & Gardens, having recently finished a Master's in Magazine Journalism at City, University of London. She produces content for the Solved section on the website, focusing on clever tips and tricks to keep your home beautiful, organized and clean. She also has an undergraduate degree in English Literature and History of Art from the University of Edinburgh, where she developed a love for inspiring interiors and architecture.
-
The 8 most common fire risks in your home – and how to prevent them
These eight fire risks are easily fixed and will save a lot of heartbreak in the future
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
Best ground cover plants to hide tree roots – expert-approved options to mask unsightly areas with greenery
These tough ground cover plants will hide buttress roots with striking foliage and flowers
By Thomas Rutter Published
-
These 6 surprising things are clogging your drains – here's how the experts deal with blockages
Don't let blocked drains drain your energy – eliminate these six common culprits
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
-
How to do laundry with sensitive skin – 9 essentials that ward off flare-ups
Sensitive skin doesn't have to be a sensitive topic. These nine laundry essentials make tough cycles a little simpler
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
How often should you clean a couch? Experts suggest it is more often than you think
Freshening up a couch is more than just a spring cleaning affair, experts warn
By Chiana Dickson Published
-
5 satisfying steps to clean teak outdoor furniture – for mid-summer refreshes and seasonal storage
Our expert-approved guide to cleaning and storing away after summer
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
-
3 surefire ways to steam clothes without a traditional steamer – and they only take minutes
All the benefits, none of the fuss or extra spend
By Punteha van Terheyden Published
-
I tried Stanley Tucci’s unusual method for cleaning a chopping board – and it's actually brilliant
Simple yet effective, Tucci's surprising method restored my old wooden chopping board to near new
By Ottilie Blackhall Published
-
How to clean drywall dust without damaging your vacuum – pros share their most effective tricks
Our experts share the best and safest ways to clean drywall dust
By Dan Fauzi Published
-
How to get hair dye out of carpet – 6 steps to the rescue
Hair dye stains are tough to tackle, but here's how the pros nail this clean-up on carpet
By Chiana Dickson Published