Entryways and hallways are the first spaces anyone sees when entering your home. They are high-traffic zones that set the tone for the entire house, yet they’re often neglected when it comes to cleaning.
Dirt from shoes, bags, and daily activity accumulates quickly, and clutter can build without you even realizing it.
Keeping these transitional areas clean, organized, and welcoming doesn’t require a lot of time—it just needs a strategy. In this guide, you’ll learn how to deep clean and maintain both entryways and hallways to keep your home looking fresh, organized, and guest-ready.
Why These Spaces Matter More Than You Think
Entryways are the first impression of your home. Whether it’s for guests, deliveries, or your own daily return from work, the state of this space affects how you feel walking in. A messy or dirty entry can cause stress and make the rest of the house feel chaotic, even if it’s clean.
Hallways often collect dust, fingerprints, scuff marks, and forgotten items. They connect every room in your home and deserve the same attention you give to more prominent living spaces.
Tools and Supplies You’ll Need
Cleaning these spaces is quick and simple when you have the right tools.
Microfiber cloths
All-purpose cleaner
Glass cleaner
Broom or vacuum
Mop or floor cleaner
Scrub sponge or magic eraser
Basket or bin for clutter
Wall hooks or organizers
Doormat or entry rug
Storage containers (for shoes, keys, bags)
With everything ready, you can clean efficiently from top to bottom.
Step 1: Remove Everything
Start by clearing the area entirely. Move shoes, bags, coats, packages, and anything else that usually lives in the entry or hallway.
Empty any drawers or shelves so you can clean surfaces completely
Sort items into keep, toss, or relocate piles
Decluttering first helps reveal dirt and creates space for deep cleaning
This is also a good time to evaluate what actually belongs in this space.
Step 2: Dust and Clean Walls and Fixtures
These areas tend to get scuffed and dusty without you noticing.
Use a microfiber cloth or duster to wipe down baseboards, crown molding, and wall edges
Wipe light switches, outlet covers, and thermostat panels with disinfecting wipes
Use a magic eraser to remove shoe scuffs or fingerprints from walls
Dust or clean any artwork, family photos, or frames
Clean light fixtures, entry lamps, and bulb covers to brighten the area
Dust and clean the tops of door frames and any shelving
This attention to detail instantly makes the space feel newer and brighter.
Step 3: Clean Doors, Windows, and Mirrors
Entry doors collect dirt from hands, weather, and pets.
Wipe the front and back of the entry door with an all-purpose cleaner
Clean the doorknob, lock, and doorbell area with disinfectant
Wash any windows or glass panels in doors using glass cleaner
Wipe down sidelights, mirrors, or any decorative glass features
Clean door mats or replace them if worn out
First impressions matter—this step refreshes the entire feel of the entrance.
Step 4: Clean Floors and Rugs
Floors in these areas take a beating, especially if you wear shoes indoors.
Sweep or vacuum floors thoroughly, getting into corners and edges
Vacuum or shake out rugs and mats—wash them if they’re machine-safe
Mop hard floors with a mild cleaner, paying special attention to mud or water stains
Scrub grout if you have tile, or use a steam mop for deep cleaning
Check for scratches or damage on wood and repair if needed
If you have a hallway runner, roll it up and clean the floor underneath
Clean floors bring instant polish and remove dust and allergens from the entry.
Step 5: Organize and Simplify
Now that everything is clean, return only the essentials to the space.
Use trays, baskets, or bins to corral keys, wallets, and sunglasses
Install hooks for coats, backpacks, or umbrellas
Use a shoe rack or designated bin to avoid cluttered floors
Keep only one pair of shoes per person in the entry—store the rest in closets
Place a catch-all bowl or organizer near the door for incoming mail
Mount a small shelf or cabinet for hidden storage if space allows
Less is more in narrow spaces—simplicity keeps the area functional and calm.
Step 6: Maintain Your Entryway
Once everything is clean and organized, daily and weekly habits help it stay that way.
Daily tasks:
Put shoes and bags away as soon as you get home
Tidy up mail, keys, and small items at the end of the day
Wipe up visible dirt or water spots on floors or walls
Weekly tasks:
Vacuum or sweep the floor
Shake out or wash the rug
Dust surfaces and wipe the door handle
Empty any baskets or trays that collect clutter
Clean mirrors or glass for a clear, polished look
Consistency ensures you never have to deep clean from scratch again.
Tips for Small Entryways
Small entries benefit from creative solutions to keep clutter out of the rest of the home.
Use vertical storage—hooks, wall-mounted shelves, or over-door organizers
Choose a slim shoe rack or bench with hidden storage
Install a floating shelf or narrow table for drop-zone essentials
Hang a mirror to reflect light and make the space feel bigger
Use matching baskets or bins to create a uniform, tidy appearance
Small spaces need just as much care—maybe more—because mess builds fast.
Tips for Long or Narrow Hallways
Hallways are more functional than decorative, but they still need attention.
Avoid over-decorating—too many items make the space feel tight
Use low-profile lighting to brighten without clutter
Install wall-mounted coat hooks if storage is limited elsewhere
Vacuum regularly to catch dust that settles on edges and baseboards
Keep floors clear to maintain safe and open pathways
A clean, open hallway supports better traffic flow through your home.
Adding Style to Clean Spaces
Once the space is clean and organized, a few simple touches can make it feel more personal and polished.
Place a small potted plant on a hallway shelf or near the door
Hang a simple framed print, photo, or quote that sets a positive tone
Add a fresh scent with a diffuser, essential oil spray, or natural sachet
Swap out seasonal decor for a subtle refresh throughout the year
Style follows function—don’t add more than you need, but do make it feel like home.
Final Thoughts: Start and End the Day with a Clean Welcome
The entryway is the first and last thing you see each day. A clean, organized, and well-maintained space invites calm, sets the tone for the rest of your home, and makes everyday tasks easier to manage.
Start small. Clear out clutter, clean the floor, and install one or two simple storage solutions. From there, build daily and weekly habits that support a home that feels intentional and welcoming.
Márcio Luzardo is the creator of Dromiya, a site dedicated to practical home care and everyday living tips. Passionate about simplicity, organization, and smart routines, he shares clear, useful content to help people take better care of their homes with less stress and more confidence.
His goal is to make your daily life easier—one clean room, one helpful tip at a time.