Maintain a clean home by regularly attending to these three tasks if you choose to wear shoes indoors, according to a housekeeping expert.
In households where shoes are allowed inside, maintaining cleanliness can be a challenge. However, with a few simple steps and the right tools, it is possible to keep floors hygienic and reduce dirt accumulation. Here are some top tips and recommended products to help you achieve a cleaner space.
Vacuuming daily is essential, particularly near entryways, kitchens, and high-traffic areas. This simple practice helps remove dirt, dust, and allergens brought in by shoes. The Swiffer floor cleaner is efficient at removing gunk from flooring in seconds, while a lightweight cordless vacuum like the Shark Detect Pro is suitable for daily touch-ups.
Using a doormat at entrances can catch and dislodge debris before it enters the home. A washable doormat, both outside and just inside the door, and washing them weekly, can limit dirt and debris. The Ruggable doormats, with a removable top cover that is machine washable and a rubber mat base designed to drain water, are a good choice for easy maintenance. They are also interchangeable, allowing for seasonal color changes.
Mopping floors weekly is necessary to clean up residual dirt and prevent buildup from shoe traffic. The Bona Floor Mop Starter Kit is suitable for cleaning floors without streaks, while microfiber mop pads are better at trapping dirt and drying faster compared to traditional string mops. For particularly tough messes on vinyl floors or tile floors, a floor scrubbing brush like the Libman Floor Scrub Brush is recommended.
Deep cleaning carpets is necessary for households with soft flooring or lots of area rugs. The Bissell Little Green HydroSteam Portable Deep Cleaner is a top-rated option for deep carpet cleaning. Steam cleaning carpets sanitizes and loosens debris, making it easier to vacuum out.
Additional helpful practices include inspecting shoes for sticky substances like gum or pet waste before entering and sweeping up small stones rather than vacuuming them to avoid floor damage. Some also recommend having dedicated indoor slippers to minimize dirt spread inside.
Lastly, remember to use a two-step mat system to grab a good chunk of grime before it hits the floors. A neutral floor cleaner like Aunt Fannie's Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner can help cut down on lingering germs.
By following these steps, households can effectively maintain cleanliness despite allowing shoes indoors. [1]
[1] Source: Cleaning Advisory Board, "Top 3 Cleaning Tips for Maintaining a Cleaner Space When Shoes are Allowed Indoors"
Using a doormat at entrances is beneficial for catching and dislodging debris before it enters the home, helping to limit dirt and debris. A regular mopping of floors once a week is necessary to clean up residual dirt and prevent buildup from shoe traffic, particularly on vinyl floors and tile floors where more stubborn messes can occur. The Libman Floor Scrub Brush is recommended for these instances.
