Most of us hear the term “mudroom” and think of the place where our winter boots go to sit until the slush finally dries up and goes wherever it goes – but they can actually be a lot more helpful than you think, especially right now in the midst of coronavirus.
Many diseases, including COVID-19, are typically spread on surfaces, and while the science is still out on exactly how long it lasts, there’s been an increase in people who are (rightfully) concerned about bringing stuff into their house that may have been exposed to a virus.
This is where the mudroom comes in!
Mudroom Design During COVID-19
Referred to by several design experts as “disinfection spaces”, a lot of interior designers predict that the mudroom will become a center of prominence and focus as people seek to find ways to keep their homes more hygienic and (preferably) free of disease.
The thinking behind it goes something like this: as the first part of your house that any residents, visitors, or incoming packages will see, it stands to reason that you’d want to be able to keep stuff there to help prevent germs and the like from coming farther into the house. Proper use of your mudroom can stop unwelcome guests (and dirt) from getting tracked into your house, and can help potentially keep your family safer.
One of the biggest ways it can keep your family safe from infection is by storing mail, packages, and incoming items. Even if the people handling your mail and groceries are taking every precaution they can, you still could use an extra layer of protection when it comes to your family. Set up some end tables and mail organizers to store things like packages, letters, and groceries that aren’t immediately temperature-sensitive so they can sit safely for a few hours while anything that was on them dies off. (When possible, try to wipe down both these surfaces and anything stored on them with bleach wipes or disinfectant wipes to help maintain the sanitary nature of any storage you’re keeping out here.)
It can also go a long way for storing coats and masks. No matter how careful you are, your mask and your clothing tends to be the first line of defense against anything you might encounter germs-wise, so containing them to one designated area for storage (and occasional washing, one hopes) with coat hooks and shoe racks can go a long way.
But what if you don’t have a mudroom? You can still achieve a similar effect by using entryway furniture in an area close to your front door that allows you to store items and disinfect them before they come farther into your house. Ideally you’ll be a little more vigilant about wiping things down with more open space like this, but extra entryway storage never hurt anyone.
Hopefully with these tips, your home can stay that much more safe – and a little more organized than it used to be!