The Obvious Spot You're Neglecting When It Comes To Dust In The Home

Oftentimes, we spend hours chasing every speck of dust in our homes. We polish our furniture till it gleams and light a candle that smells like fresh linen dreams. But somehow, dust still finds its way in. It's only natural to assume that the ceiling fan or curtains are betraying us. After all, they're common dust collectors. But the real culprit is often the neglected entryway you step into daily. And really, how could it not be? It has seen it all, from pet paws fresh from the yard to that one time you dragged in half the garden after watering the plants. So, while a well-designed entrance will greet you politely, it also welcomes in a collection of dust and dirt that will only spread throughout the house if you don't keep it contained.

You'd be surprised to know that roughly 30% to 40% of the contaminants inside your home hitch a ride straight from outdoors. That means every shoe that crosses the threshold brings some of that dirt and who knows what else. A good doorway mat will trap most of the incoming dirt, allowing you to quickly remove it as part of your cleaning schedule. Getting rid of it is important because there are hidden hazards of built-up dust in your home, as it may cause respiratory issues and certain allergic reactions. If you really want to keep your home cleaner for longer, it's time to consider a few simple and smart uses of doorway mats.

A great way to manage dust around the entryway is to double up your mats. Consider placing one doormat outside your entrance and another just inside it. The first one will catch the big stuff, including mud and mystery crumbs. The second one will deal with finer invaders, like pollen, pet dander, and dust. If you really want this system to shine, make it a house rule that everyone (including kids, guests, and, yes, even you) wipes their feet on the first mat and puts their footwear on a nearby shoe storage shelf.

The Environmental Protection Agency even recommends creating a suitable entryway system by choosing the right outdoor mat materials. For example, if you live in a snowy area, opt for tougher scraper mats. They'll handle coarse debris that generally sticks to boots. For those of you in rainy regions, consider investing in absorbent mats, because they soak up moisture and prevent that telltale trail of wet footprints. Finally, residents of muddy areas would need a mix of both — with scraper mats outside to loosen the thick stuff and absorbent ones to catch what's left. Each mat type tackles the specific mess your environment throws at it. Last but not least, give your doorway mats a good shake weekly. Follow it up with a monthly vacuum to extend the life of your doormat and keep it working in tip-top condition.