This Unsightly Mistake Is The First Thing People Notice At Your Entryway

While at home, you likely spend the majority of your time in a common area, such as the family room. It also makes sense that you spend most of your cleaning and remodeling efforts in these common spaces. However, these aren't the first places guests see when they step inside your home or upon reaching the outside of your home. Instead, they're most likely to look at your entryway first, specifically your front door. If your front door isn't taken care of, it can eventually lead to a worn-out appearance that might leave a negative first impression on your guests and passersby.

Since the entryway has historically been a place to greet guests, a tired-looking door may make your home look dated, which can be especially challenging if you plan to put it on the market soon. When guests see a peeling, rusty, scratched, or even dented front door, it's easy to see how they might get the idea that you don't care about the upkeep of your home in general, even if this is far from the truth. Luckily, you can easily fix this problem with regular cleanings, maintenance, and optional décor.

The problem of a dated, worn-looking front door is a relatively easy and inexpensive fix. Regularly inspect the door (both inside and out) to see if it could use a little TLC. If your door has windows, be sure to clean them frequently to remove fingerprints and debris. You can also wipe down the rest of the door with a damp microfiber cloth and dish soap to remove dirt, pollen, and dust. The best way to clean your front door can also depend on its material. Overall, though, doing a quick cleaning can go a long way in keeping your front door up to date. Aside from cleaning the door, consider replacing dated hardware and broken hinges to transform its overall appearance. You'll also want to paint or stain your door every few years, or whenever it's damaged from weather exposure, peeling, or scratches.

After you give your door a much-needed cleanup, consider accents that can keep your overall entry area looking its best. Decorations can add to the overall curb appeal of your front door, for example, but only if they're in season and in good shape. In other words, you don't want to be the neighbor who constantly forgets about their holiday wreaths for several months after the season is over. The doormat is another opportunity for making your front door area look clean and well-kempt, but be sure you replace it as soon as it looks worn or can no longer trap dirt like it should. You may even be able to transform your front door with vintage accent pieces, too.