How to Clean a Mud Room

A mud room is a passage or hall located between the entryway and the rest of the house that usually acts as a storage area for outdoor gear such as shoes, boots, coats, hats, ski equipment, bikes, skates, roller blades, etc. The mud room does not have to be hidden behind closets, if it is maintained properly. And even if you do not wish to display it, it still needs to be routinely cleaned.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Storage boxes
• Scrubbers
• Hooks
• Heavy duty cleaner
• Rust cleaner
• Cabbies
• Vacuum
• Used rug or old sheets

1. Find a used rug or a couple of old sheets, possibly stored in your basement or attic, and spread it on the floor near your mudroom. This is to prevent soiling your floor or carpet area. You will still need to vacuum or sweep that area and adjacent room, most likely living room or kitchen, but this way you can at least lessen the effect.

2. Remove everything stuffed in the mud room and pile it on the rug or sheets spread on the ground. One by one, take all the items outside if they are too muddy or dirty and clean them.

3. Clean the inside of the mud room, including cabinet or closet walls, ceiling, and corners. Use a heavy duty cleaner to scrape off the dirt and mud stuck on the closet walls.

4. Use rust cleaner to clean the rust on hooks and hangers.

5. Vacuum the area.

6. Add new hooks if the old ones are barely hanging. Replace with new hangers and more hooks if needed.

7. Add storage shelves and cubbies to store boots and shoes.

8. Make seasonal changes and store items that are not needed securely.

9. Store the items back in their designated places.

10. Put down a rug or non-slip mat to avoid slipping.

Tips & Warnings

• Add a bench with lift-up top to sit while you remove your dirty shoes. The top can be lifted to reveal a storage area underneath where you can store hats, scarves and gloves.
• Use water and dirt-resistant flooring such as vinyl and tile to ensure easy cleaning.