10/31/2026
The hardest-working thing in the house tonight will be the doormat.
Much of what ends up in carpet comes in on shoes, and a lot of it can be stopped in the first few steps. That’s the idea behind the two-mat setup you’ll find at the door of any busy building.
Outside, a coarse, bristly scraper mat. It knocks off leaves, grit and whatever the lawn has to offer.
Inside, an absorbent mat long enough for a full stride, so both feet land on it. It catches the fine dust and damp the first mat missed.
This morning is the time to set them up. Shake both mats out well away from the door, or vacuum them front and back. Sweep the porch and the steps. Wipe the threshold and the bottom of the door, where the kick marks gather.
Then keep a small broom just inside, out of sight, for a quick pass halfway through the evening, when the leaves start collecting.
By tomorrow morning, the floors inside will show the difference.
Have a wonderful Halloween.
