7 Entryway Spots to Clean Before Company for the Best First Impression

Welcome Mats

The first thing your guests encounter upon arrival is often the welcome mat. Whether it be on the porch or just inside, your welcome mat makes a first and lasting impression and should be clean and dirt-free. “A mat that’s covered in grime does not send a positive impression to one’s guests,” notes etiquette expert Jo Hayes. 

Hayes recommends taking mats out to the lawn and beating them with a broom or using a vacuum. Alternately, outdoor mats can be hosed down and left to dry in the sun, while indoor mats can often be thrown in the washing machine if the care label permits. It’s worth it to have your welcome mats clean and fresh in order to set a tidy tone for anyone who crosses the threshold to your home.

Front Door and Hardware

A shiny door handle and spotless door are clear signs of what lies beyond, and so should be regularly cleaned and maintained. Luxury event producer Vanessa Gordon advises wiping down the front door, knobs, and any glass panels, as fingerprints and smudges show instantly in daylight. “Also check where people tend to grab and open the door with their bare hands, creating dark marks, especially on white doors,” she says. Any smudges should be cleaned ASAP so that your front door remains pristine.

Entryway Tables

Entryway tables are notorious for becoming a catch-all for keys, mail, AirPods, stray change, business cards ... you get the idea. We’re often in a rush to unburden ourselves of all the items we happen to bring in from the outside world—and the entryway table is the obvious spot. The trick is to remember to declutter it before that scene of detritus becomes the norm.

Hayes recommends ensuring that your entryway table is consistently clean and clutter-free. "This means removing mail, keys, [and] anything that shouldn’t be there," she says. If your table includes a drawer, this can be a handy temporary storage spot for your regular items—easily retrievable, but out of sight. Gordon also recommends adding a small vase or candle to your tabletop for an extra-polished welcome.

Lighting and Scent

The lighting and smell of your entryway contribute significantly to the feeling of your home. An overhead glare can be as jarring to a guest as too dark of a space. Ideally, your entryway should be adequately lit without being overwhelming. Consider trading in your bright bulbs for dimmed lighting or even a pretty candle on the entryway table. 

Scent is another thing to consider that will make an immediate impression on your visitors. “Smell is so powerful,” says Hayes. “A pleasant smell can, in an instant, give the guest a positive impression of you and your home, while an unpleasant smell can create a negative impression.” Still, Hayes urges moderation, as certain strong scents can be overwhelming to guests. Scentless candles still exude warmth and a welcoming atmosphere and are always a safe bet.

Outerwear, Shoes, and Bags

Gordon notes that piled coats and shoes scattered about make a place seem cluttered and feel chaotic. "If there is a bench seat, make sure it is completely clear so that people can easily sit down, remove shoes, etc.," she says. "I always recommend storing coats in a separate closet or investing in a coat rack in a separate room to store and hang coats and outerwear." 

If you already have a coat or bag rack near your front door, Hayes recommends making sure that it is not overly crowded. “It can make the entryway feel supremely cluttered and dark,” she notes. The same goes for shoe stands. “If it is an 'open' stand, ensure shoes are placed in a tidy manner…and regularly clean the actual stand and underneath the stand to remove any dirt, grime, etc."

Floors and Rugs

It’s especially easy to ignore the state of our entryway floors and rugs as we traipse in and out of our homes. But our guests will notice what we do not. “Entryway floors collect dust and debris faster than anywhere else,” notes Gordon. “Vacuum or shake out rugs weekly, and spot clean as needed.” For tile or wood entryway floors, regular sweeping and mopping should do the trick. A quick sweep before the arrival of guests is never a bad idea.

Mirrors and Framed Art

Mirrors in entryways are commonplace, as they add depth to the space and can provide a quick outfit check before leaving the house. You can be sure that your guests will use yours for the latter. “Guests often adjust their hair or outfit as they arrive and throughout the party,” notes Gordon. Thus, you will want to make sure that your entryway mirror is free of dust and streaks.

The same rule applies to framed art. You may not notice the smudges that have accumulated or the dust along the frame—but your guests might.