A mudroom offers a space to clean everyone up after messy outdoor activities.
Keeping the inside of your home clean, dry and mud-free during bad weather - especially if you add kids and pets into the mix - can be a near impossible task. A mudroom is a transitional space where you can towel off the dog, remove muddy boots, hang the dripping wet coats and remove the filthy soccer kit before continuing into the home. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Determine a location for the mudroom. Ideally, it should be accessible directly from outside and feature a second door that leads into the home. Creating a covered area outside the back door, expanding an existing utility room, or converting a corner of the garage are a few options. If you're creating a new space for the mudroom, aim for dimensions of between 6-feet square and 7-feet by 9-feet. You will need extra space if you plan to store the washer and dryer there.
2. Choose a waterproof and easy-to-clean floor. Flagstone, tiles and vinyl are all suitable for easy and quick cleanup. If the room will have very heavy use - from multiple dogs, for example - consider installing a floor drain. Concrete is another option, but it requires proper sealing to prevent staining and soaking up water.
3. Consider tiling the whole mudroom so you can wash down the walls easily. Alternatively, give it tile from the floor up to chair rail height. When selecting wall covering for the mudroom, use bathroom paint as this will withstand high levels of moisture. Satin, eggshell, semi-gloss and gloss paints are all easier to wipe clean than matte finishes. Neutral colors, such as lighter shades of beige, taupe and tan, will prevent the room from feeling too dark without showing every bit of dirt.
4. List the items you want to include in the mudroom. Depending on the available space, adding laundry equipment allows you to throw muddy and wet clothes directly into the washer and dryer. A sink lets you clean muddy boots and paws straight away, and storing recycling containers in the mudroom keeps them neatly out of the way.
5. Plan for the type of storage you require. Hooks on the wall for coats, leashes and collars allow you to hang items to drip dry. Shoe racks keep the room neat and organized while allowing boots to dry properly. Shelving lets you to store soccer kit, outdoor wear, dog clothing and bedding, dog bowls and food, garden gear and toys. Open wire and mesh shelving means you can store items wet that will dry quickly.
Tags: into home, muddy boots, washer dryer