How to Keep Your Mudroom Spotless all Winter Long
It’s that season again! The time of year when our floors get put to the test, as do our cleaning supplies. Due to all of the snow, sleet, rain, mud, and everything that gets tracked into our homes, we want to share a few organizational tricks that we use to keep our mudrooms clean and organized all winter long.
Use Quality Mats
There is a reason we say not just “a mat”, but two! Choose an indoor mat that can be thrown into the washer paired with a durable one that can be hosed or brushed down. We can’t get enough of the Waterhog Mats from LL Bean for your more durable option. The first mat helps trap the dirt and debris, and the second is used to catch any moisture that can trail into the rest of the room. There is nothing worse than tracking in salt on your gorgeous floors. We recommended adding a boot scraper next to the outdoor mat as a bonus!
A Functional Shoe Rack
During the colder months, our shoes tend to grow in size. Boots take up more space to store, so using a shoe rack rather than a shoe bin or basket can work to keep the mudroom clean. We recommend setting trays under the racks to catch any melting snow or excess salt and debris! While great for summer, shoe baskets tend to trap odors and are difficult to clean. We all know that winter is messy! Organizing your boots on racks allows them to dry more quickly, and proves to be a cleaner solution overall.
Our favorite shoe rack for winter is from Open Spaces. It is made of steel so it is super durable and easy to clean!
Hooks & Baskets
Though we can’t suggest baskets for your shoes, we are full believers in them when it comes to holding your scarves, mittens, hats, and fresh socks! Hanging a basket off of a strong hook can get it off the ground, allowing you to use the floor space for your shoe racks. Use a few more strong hooks to hang things like coats, umbrellas, dog leashes, grocery tote bags, anything that you need to grab for a successful outing. Once those boots are laced up, there is no leaving the mudroom to grab forgotten car keys, so make sure to leave thoughtful spots for all your grab-and-go items!
A Storage Bench
Because we are attempting to hang most of our items, this frees up floor space for a sturdy bench that includes storage. If you can’t find a bench you like that has cubbies or drawers, try putting that shoe rack under your bench to best utilize the space. A bench is a great landing spot for items while we go through the process of hanging, and organizing our winter gear. It’s great to have your bench resting on the indoor mat, as this can be a one-and-done space for removing your boots and ensuring that no tracked mud or debris ever leaves your mudroom and into the main house.
Shelves
If your mudroom allows the wall space for shelves, we see no reason to resist! Shelves are great for holding larger bins that can store winter clothing and accessories when not in use. If you have children, assign them each a shelf to store their sports gear and outside toys. This is also a great spot to keep a tub of cleaning wipes as a quick and easy solution for the inevitable mess.
A Diffuser
If you find that your space is starting to smell a bit musty, a great way to combat the odor is by using a diffuser with your favorite essential oil. It’s such a nice way to be greeted into your home, rather than the smell of muddy boots and your son’s hockey gear. We recommend peppermint, geranium, or eucalyptus oil for your diffuser during the winter. Set this in a corner space, or on a shelf where it won’t get knocked over, and switch it on every so often to freshen up the air in your mudroom. We love Vitruvi diffusers. They are gorgeous and fit seamlessly with your interior design style.
Your mudroom is the first space you step into when entering your home, so why not make it just as welcoming and comfortable as the rest of your home? We hope these solutions help you organize and rethink the way you approach this winter season and all that comes with it. If you are looking to redesign your mudroom, click here to get in touch with our team. Our designers would love to help you bring effortless design and functionality to your home.