Place Footmats at Entrances

What happens in this clip

Begin by selecting appropriate footmats. Unroll or unfold the chosen footmat and carefully place it flush with the floor at the main entrance of your home, just inside the doorway. Ensure it lies flat to prevent tripping hazards and effectively captures debris from footwear as people enter. This simple habit significantly reduces the amount of dust and dirt brought into your living spaces.

Goal: Place footmats at the main entrances of your home to trap dirt and dust from shoes, preventing them from being tracked inside.

What's used

Materials

• Footmat

About the full video

This project outlines several habits to maintain a dust-free home and reduce allergens. It focuses on preventative measures like using footmats at entrances and in high-traffic areas, implementing shoe racks to store footwear outside living spaces, and opting for minimal decor to simplify cleaning and minimize dust accumulation.

Step 2 of 5: Apply Temporary Mats or Runners

Lay down heavy-duty, waterproof mats or runners in the primary entry area. For stairs, consider using individual stair treads or a long runner that covers the width of the steps. Ensure the mats lie flat and do not create tripping hazards. Choose materials that are easy to clean and can withstand heavy foot traffic and moisture.

Open this step in the guide

Every video in How to Protect Stairs and Entry Floors from Winter Salt and Slush

1. Step 1: Clean Entryway and Stairs

   • 0:30–2:29 Clean the Entryway Floor
   • 3:48–4:50 Sweep Stairs and Entryway
   • 0:25–0:39 Mop Entryway and Hallway Floors

2. Step 2: Apply Temporary Mats or Runners

   • 0:04–0:09 Place Footmats at Entrances (this video)
   • 0:09–0:16 Install Footmats in High-Traffic Areas
   • 7:27–8:00 Strategically Place Entryway Rugs and Mats

3. Step 3: Install Peel-and-Stick Floor Protection

   • 0:09–0:15 Install New Stair Treads
   • 1:09–2:26 Install First Rounded Stair Tread
   • 0:02–0:06 Apply Anti-Slip Strip

4. Step 4: Apply a Protective Coating or Sealant

   • 1:13–1:15 Apply Protective Sealer
   • 8:31–9:28 Applying Water-Based Sealer and Acrylic Floor Finish
   • 1:11–1:14 Apply Protective Sealer

5. Step 5: Maintain Protective Measures

   • 1:55–2:11 Establish a Mat Maintenance Routine
   • 1:40–1:55 Deploy and Secure Floor Safety Mats
   • 0:58–1:29 Vacuum Loose Debris