The first step to an inviting home is a well-organized entrance. Whether small or large, making your front hall a simple, free-flowing space allows you to fully realize its potential. Likewise, for a bright and inviting entrance, you need a regular deep cleaning of your entrance. Entryways are high traffic areas, and need a bit more attention to keep them pristine. If you want a beautiful entrance, you can try these tips to get your foot in the door.
Get Supplies Ready
Before you get started, make sure you stock up on the proper supplies:
- Vacuum cleaner for cleaning even the nooks and crannies of your carpeting
- Microfiber cloths to gently clean stainless steel and glass, without leaving behind any scratches.
- Broom and dustpan for all dust, fur, and dirt on hardwoods.
- Flat mop or dust mop for dusting your floors.
- Rubber gloves to protect your hands while cleaning.
- Squeegee to cut down on soap scum and mildew build up on tile.
- Cleaning Solutions for those moments when soap won’t do the trick.
Start Outside
The cleaner your walkways are, the easier it will be to stop outside dirt, dust, and other outdoor elements from coming in. A quick sweep will usually do the job, but remember, with each season comes it’s own challenges.
In the fall, take the time to rake away any fallen leaves, and if you live in a cold climate, always make sure to shovel your walkways after each snowfall. We also recommend a good pressure washing to get rid of stubborn grit with deep cleaning musts.
Deep Clean
To turn your front hall into a spotless, sparkling gateway, first clear out all furniture and items. Shake both the indoor and outdoor mats off right at the front yard. Once the mats are done, take the time to dust. Along with furniture, make sure to tackle little details like light fixtures and wall hangings.
Once you’re done, vacuum the floor for any remaining dust and dirt. Finally, mop the area with warm, soapy water to give it a glistening shine. Make sure to spot-clean any scuffs as you wipe down those walls, ceilings, and baseboards. Wait for the floor to dry out completely to reorganize the stuff back into the entryway.
Wash Doors and Windows
For a squeaky clean front entrance, take the time to primp the aluminum cladding of your door with a warm, damp cloth and soap. For stubborn stains, just use a light amount of mineral spirit, and a little wax to help restore their shine.
If you have windows in your entryway, spruce them up with a vinegar-based, ammonia-free cleaner and a soft, lint-free towel.
Cover all nearby furniture with protective custom covers before you start spraying the cleaning solution on to the window panes. After treatment, quickly wipe off the windows in horizontal and vertical swipes. If you notice any streaks, simply rinse the window pane with water and dry it with a different piece of a soft cloth.
Disinfect the Area
Front halls and mudrooms are high-traffic areas, so it’s a good idea to disinfect regularly. For a proper disinfection, just apply some quality sanitizer or an antibacterial spray to any surfaces, then give them a proper wipedown.
Make sure to clean and sanitize high touch surfaces regularly. This includes door handles, light switches, key hooks, and any and all furniture.
Simplify Furniture
No matter how big your front hall is, the less furniture the better. When selecting furniture, design the space so guests can move freely throughout, and doors have ample room to swing. Use small bookcases or cubbies to maximize space without interrupting the flow.
To increase seating in the entryway, try integrating a small bench or ottoman with cushy pillows. If your front door opens up into your living room, set up a table, bench or low bookshelf to create a natural divider between the entrance and living area.
Create a Drop Station
To store all the grab-and-go personal belongings, create a designated area with multiple storage options in one corner of your entryway. Providing a drop station will prevent clutter from guests from taking over the space. Here’s some quick tips to get you started:
- For a perfect way to create a drop station while optimizing vertical space, try mounting overhead cabinets or cubbies with baskets.
- Place a small, clutter-free table near the door to stash handbags, purses, and packages.
- Add a wall shelf or sorter to hold mail clutter like school permission slips, newspapers, magazines, and outgoing mail.
- Install hooks and umbrella stands to hang coats, jackets, dog leashes, and keep umbrellas at the ready.
Stow Away Shoes
If your family loves to pile their shoes by the door, try installing a simple bench and rack to provide an organized space to lay out the loafers. You can maximize the space with some simple organizers, such as wire mesh, wicker baskets or shoe containers. And, to maintain the careful color palette of your entrance’s design, keep the storage furniture perfectly sheathed with matching custom covers.
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