It could be the snowy sludge of the past few weeks or the trodden-in mud of the summer months, but it really doesn't take long for our shoes to make our entryway floors filthy.
But there's a simple (yet handsome) fix: this stylish boot tray at Amazon, which catches dirt and moisture in a waterproof container, and takes just seconds to clean. Sure, it's not a brand new invention, but it's a chic take on the usual plastic offerings.
Your floors will stay spotless, your entryway will look less cluttered, your socks will stay dry, and your vacuum might even last longer, without you having to vacuum up wet debris endlessly.
Catching all the sludge, dirt, rocks, and outside mess that clings to our shoes – this galvanized steel boot tray is a simple and inexpensive way to stop your floors from becoming dirty every day, while protecting them and your vacuum from long-term damage. It's fully waterproof, and you can wipe it down without needing to vigorously scrub. I think it might even make your entryway more beautiful.
This simple boot tray is all that's needed to contain all of the outdoor mud and sludge that we track inside daily. Rather than stepping it into our entryways, spreading germs around, and dirtying our precious floors, all of that debris and moisture stays within a self-contained, waterproof tray – and it takes only seconds to clean.
It takes less time and effort to keep your entryway clean this way, compared to vacuuming and mopping more than you need to.
Galvanized steel is a more durable and waterproof material than plastic, and while we aren't understating the value of a doormat, that alone won't protect your floor from moisture, as it continues to seep through and remain on the floor until cleaned.
If your entryway is already cluttered, you may not have thought about bringing another addition into the mix. But professional cleaners and interior designers repeatedly tell us that a clutter-free entryway includes elements like a launch pad for daily essentials, so it makes sense that keeping dirty shoes in their dedicated spot is one of the essential things that people with clean entryways always do.
Having places for storage – rather than shoes dotted around with mud falling off them – is essential for a calmer, more considered look. And if the aesthetic isn't quite what you had in mind for your home, this piece comes in more finishes.
Not only will this mean you can enjoy the benefit of a cleaner, less cluttered entryway – you will also be protecting your floors. Accumulated dirt and moisture damages floors over time, especially delicate surfaces such as hardwood, so exposing these surfaces to it again and again will only deteriorate the quality, finish, and lifespan of your precious flooring.
I test the best vacuums for a living, and a big part of that involves speaking to appliance engineers and homeowners about the common faults that vacuum cleaners face.
Incorrectly vacuuming up moisture (like the moisture in wet dirt) is a major cause of vacuum breakages, and by confining it to one rubber tray, you're not only protecting your floors – you're preserving your vacuum's lifespan, avoiding more costly repairs down the line.
This boot tray is available at Amazon, in a range of different finishes.
What Else to Shop?
Not into brass? We love this warm copper finish.
Given up on your family ever using a boot tray? Read my Shark MessMaster review.
The BLACK+DECKER steam mop is a rapidl, non-toxic way to banish dirt
Next, learn how to clean a floor without streaks.
