Autumn walks, crisp leaves and cosy evenings are some of the best things about the season. Muddy footprints all over your hallway? Not so much.

When the weather turns wet, keeping mud outside can feel like a constant battle. But with a few simple changes around your entrance, you can make it much easier to keep your floors clean.

Here are our favourite ways to stay one step ahead of autumn mud.

1. Put a mat outside the door

It sounds simple, but the right mat can make a huge difference.

An outdoor doormat is a great first line of defence when your entrance is exposed to the elements. Its textured surface helps catch dirt from shoes before it gets inside, while its waterproof construction means it can cope with wet weather.

Position it directly outside your main entrance and encourage everyone to give their shoes a good wipe before coming indoors.

2. Add a second mat inside

For particularly muddy households, one mat may not be enough.

Try pairing your outdoor mat with a coir or washable mat inside the doorway. This creates a double-defence system, giving footwear two opportunities to lose dirt and moisture before it reaches your floors.

It's especially useful for families, dog owners and anyone who spends lots of time outdoors.

3. Give muddy shoes somewhere to go

Wet boots shouldn't have to travel through the house.

Keep a boot tray or designated shoe area close to the entrance. This gives everyone an obvious place to leave muddy footwear while it dries.

If you have a utility room, porch or boot room, even better; but you can create a useful shoe station in a surprisingly small space.

4. Keep an old towel by the door

For dog owners, this one is essential.

Keep a towel within easy reach of the entrance for wiping muddy paws after walks. It's much easier to clean a pair of paws at the door than to chase muddy footprints around the house afterwards.

A washable mat inside the entrance can also be useful here, especially during particularly wet weeks.

5. Clean your mat before it gets too dirty

Don't wait for your mat to look completely covered in mud before giving it some attention.

Regular cleaning prevents dirt from building up and keeps your mat working effectively.

For washable mats, regular machine washing makes this particularly easy. Outdoor mats can be rinsed or cleaned according to their care instructions, while coir mats are best shaken or brushed to remove loose dirt.

A quick clean now and then is much less effort than a major autumn clear-up.

You can read our ultimate cleaning guide here. 

6. Sweep your doorstep regularly

Leaves and loose dirt can quickly gather around your entrance during autumn.

Give the area around your door a quick sweep every few days to stop dirt being transferred back onto clean footwear or blown indoors.

It also helps your entrance look neat and welcoming, especially if you have guests coming over.

7. Make a no-shoes rule

If muddy floors are becoming a daily problem, autumn is a good time to introduce a simple no-shoes policy.

Having a dedicated shoe area by the entrance makes this much easier. A basket for slippers or indoor shoes means there's always something ready to put on when muddy boots come off.

8. Choose practical materials

Your entrance needs to work hard, so think about materials as well as appearance.

For high-traffic areas, look for mats that are durable, easy to clean and suited to the conditions they're exposed to.

A stylish mat is lovely, but one that can cope with real life is even better.

A cleaner entrance starts at the doorstep

You don't need to spend hours cleaning your hallway every day to stay on top of autumn mud. A good outdoor mat, a second mat inside, somewhere to leave muddy footwear and a regular cleaning routine can all make a noticeable difference.

So bring on the rainy walks, muddy boots and wet paws.

Muddy season? Sorted.