It always feels like the second you get your floors all clean and shiny, someone tracks in mud or drops a PB&J on it. (Or is that just me?) Fortunately, there are some smart, pro-recommended strategies you can use to minimize the mess and prevent set-in stains.
Related: The Best Way to Clean Any Type of Floor
01 of 06
Take Off Your Shoes—and Wipe Muddy Paws
Puppy paws and outdoor shoes can track in a lot of mud and ick—so instituting a strict no-shoes policy will go a long way toward keeping your floors cleaner. And unless you’re better at getting your dogs to wear shoes outdoors than we’ve been with our guys, you might want to find a way to get the worst of the grime off their feet before it hits your floors and rugs. “A quick wipe with a damp cloth or pet paw mat after walks makes a big difference,” says Alicia Sokolowski, president and CEO of the cleaning products company AspenClean.
Related: 5 Reasons You Should Never Wear Your Outdoor Shoes Inside Your Home
02 of 06
Pop Down Mats at Every Entry
Ideally, you want something both inside and outdoors at each entry point to give you more opportunity to keep dirt off your floors. “Choose sturdy doormats outside—to knock off debris—and washable rugs inside, to catch finer dirt,” Sokolowski says.
03 of 06
Be Proactive About Addressing Messes
Take it from me: It’s much easier to clean up spills and spots when they’re fresh than when they’ve been ground in and left to dry. (A smashed blueberry took so much scrubbing to get off my hardwood floors that it traumatizes me to this day!) You have to be especially careful to address stains early with rugs, for obvious reasons, but other floor types can also be damaged by spills and stains—especially if moisture is left to sit. “To prevent warping or staining of the hardwood, ensure that you clean up any spills promptly,” Sokolowski says.
04 of 06
Cover Up High Traffic Areas
Use washable runners or rugs in areas that see a lot of foot traffic to help protect your floor. “They trap dirt before it spreads, and are easier to wash than mopping every day,” Sokolowski says.
I just added a washable runner to the area of my kitchen where all the magic happens, and it’s been a game-changer!
05 of 06
Keep Food in Designated Areas
While you may be more worried about the outdoor dirt coming in—some of the mess is definitely coming from inside the house. And the culprit? Messy eaters and their crumbs. “Keeping food in the kitchen or dining area prevents crumbs everywhere else,” Sokolowski says. Guilty as charged on this one—but I may be willing to give up my binge-watching snacks if it means fewer crumbs to sweep up the next day.
06 of 06
Make Time for Maintenance
Maintaining your floors can help you keep them looking shinier and cleaner longer. That means sealing grout, stone, or wood floors as needed to help them repel stains, Sokolowski says. And while it may seem like you’re saving a lot of time by waiting to vacuum or mop on chore day, she recommends shorter cleaning sessions throughout the week. “It’s easier and much faster to do daily quick cleanups than to wait and get overwhelmed with an extensive deep clean,” she says. “Waiting too long lets debris accumulate, turning a short routine into a much bigger job.” With a daily run through, you give dirt and grime less time to dig in and scratch the surfaces of your flooring, and you make giving your home a clean sweep so much faster.
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