Tips to Keep Mud and Dirt From Tracking Inside

Here's a common complaint: My kids bring the outside in and there's dirt in the house! How do I keep my carpets and floors clean?

This isn't an issue just with kids but pets as well and anyone who isn't diligent about wiping their feet on a mat outside. The way it's done in Hawaii is everyone removes their "slippas" at the door and nobody walks inside with shoes on. This is a Hawaiian/Japanese cultural habit with obvious benefits that has spread to the mainland. I've got quite a few friends in New York City that also adhere to this rule and wish that their guests would do the same.

If you'd like to try the shoe removal technique in your home then make sure all shoes are first wiped on the mat and that there is an easy-to-use shoe shelf or receptacle at each door. This is the number one solution for keeping mud and dirt outside but for some families it's just not going to happen.

If the shoes have to stay on then consider where the mud and dirt is coming from. Proper landscaping and irrigation will help a yard dry quickly after a rain and not allow water to settle in dirt spots. Walkways should be routinely swept and lawns should be maintained so that mud and dirt patches don't appear.

Some homes are built with mudrooms, small entry ways that are typically tiled. Taking advantage of these rooms and setting up an area to remove dirty shoes and put on "house" shoes is another solution. This room is also the perfect place to store coats, umbrellas and sports equipment.

It's difficult to keep a dog's feet clean but as I mentioned above, keeping a yard properly maintained will help a lot. My family also keeps a rag near the door in an easy to reach place that is used to wipe our dogs' feet before they come into the house after a dirty walk. If the rag is easy to access then you'll use it.

When all else fails, and dirt creeps in, look into stain-resistant carpet brands, like Stainmaster, and easy-to-clean flooring options.