Autumn is a beautiful time of year, but it can be hard on your doorstep. Rainy mornings, muddy boots, wet paws and leaves being dragged indoors can quickly turn a clean hallway into a muddy one.

The good news? A well-prepared doorstep can make a surprisingly big difference!

From choosing the right doormat to creating a simple two-mat system, here’s how to get your entrance ready for the season ahead.

Start with the right doormat

Your doormat is the first line of defence between the outdoors and your home, so choosing the right one for your entrance is a great place to start. 
For autumn, look for a mat that is designed to cope with the conditions your doorstep sees most.

Outdoor mats are ideal for entrances exposed to rain and muddy foot traffic. Their textured surface helps catch dirt from shoes before it makes its way inside, while their waterproof material makes them easy to clean.

For a more traditional entrance, a coir doormat is a classic choice. Made from natural coconut fibre, coir has a naturally coarse texture that helps brush dirt from the soles of shoes.

And if you want something particularly easy to live with, washable indoor mats are a practical option for the inside of your doorway. When muddy season inevitably arrives, you can simply pop them in the washing machine.

Try the double-defence approach

Why rely on one mat when you can use two? Pairing an outdoor mat with an indoor coir or washable mat creates a simple double-defence system for busy entrances.

The outdoor mat tackles the worst of the dirt, mud and moisture as people come inside. The second mat gives shoes another opportunity to shed anything that remains before they reach your hallway. It’s particularly useful if you have:

• Dogs that love muddy walks
• Children coming in from the garden
• A busy family entrance
• Lots of outdoor space around your home
• A doorway that gets wet during rain showers

Don't forget the doorstep itself

Your mat isn't the only thing that needs attention. 

During Autumn, leaves, mud and grit can quickly build up around your entrance. Give your doorstep a regular sweep to stop loose dirt being walked back onto your mat and into your home.

If your entrance is particularly exposed, check that water can drain away easily rather than pooling around your doorway. A few minutes of maintenance now can save you plenty of cleaning later.

Make cleaning part of your autumn routine

Different mats need different types of care, so always follow the cleaning instructions for your particular mat.

Outdoor mats can generally be given a quick clean when they start looking grubby, while washable mats can be cleaned more thoroughly when needed.

Coir mats should be regularly shaken or brushed to remove loose dirt. Avoid soaking natural coir, as excess moisture can damage the fibres and backing.

The trick is not to wait until your mat is completely covered in mud. A quick clean every now and then is much easier than tackling a season's worth of dirt all at once.

For a full, more in-depth cleaning guide, click here. 

Create a place for muddy shoes

If you have the space, give muddy footwear a designated spot near the entrance.

A boot tray, basket or simply a hard-wearing area beside the door can help keep wet shoes contained while they dry. Encourage everyone in the household to remove particularly muddy footwear before walking further into the house.

And, of course, having a good doormat directly inside the door gives shoes one last chance to leave their outdoor adventures behind.

Keep muddy paws at the door

Autumn walks are brilliant for you and your dogs, but not always for your floors.

Keep an old towel near the entrance so muddy paws can be wiped before your dog heads inside. Pairing this with a hard-wearing outdoor mat can help remove dirt before it gets anywhere near the hallway.

For homes with particularly muddy four-legged residents, washable mats are another useful option because they can be cleaned whenever necessary.

Make it look good, too

Practical doesn't have to mean boring. Your doorstep is the first part of your home that guests see, so autumn-proofing is also a great opportunity to give your entrance a seasonal refresh.

Choose a doormat that complements your front door, add a planter or two, and introduce natural textures to create a welcoming entrance.

You don't need to completely redecorate. Sometimes a new mat and a few simple seasonal touches are enough to make the whole entrance feel refreshed.

Ready for muddy season?

A little preparation can make autumn much easier to manage. Choose a mat suited to your entrance, consider using two mats for extra protection, keep muddy footwear contained and give your doorstep a regular clean.

Because when the weather turns wet and the paths turn muddy, it's much nicer to be prepared.

Muddy season? Sorted.