The 7 best tips for tackling winter messes – to keep your home clean and cozy

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.'

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.

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.'

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.