How To Make The Most Of A Small Hallway: 5 Tips To Keep Your Shoe Rack Clean And Organized

If you have a small hallway, simple open shoe racks are some of the most functional and space-efficient shoe storage solutions you can think of. Yet, one of the possible challenges you will have to cope with is keeping your shoe rack clean and organized, especially if you live in a cold and humid climate with rainy falls and springs, when it gets muddy outside. To help you deal with this pressing question, here are some easy tips:

Sort your shoes according to season

One of the most important tips to keep your shoe rack clean and organized is storing them according to season. Get two separate shoe racks for your hallway  and wardrobe. Sort the shoes you are not going to wear for the upcoming two or three months in a wardrobe or a closet; it’s also important to clean and deodorize them carefully before you put them away.

Keep the shoes you use more often within easy reach

Find a place in your shoe rack where your most frequently worn shoes can be accessed most easily and make sure you always place them there. Store your fall and winter shoes in the lowest shelf of your shoe rack – this will ensure they won’t get other shoes accidentally dirty (make sure you have a good functional doormat by your entrance door, just in case, and wipe your shoes clean before you enter).

Clean your shoe rack regularly

No matter how tidy you are, regular clean ups are one of the most efficient tips to keep your shoe rack clean and organized. Stainless steel shoe racks are the most easy to clean; shoe rack maintenance gets more complicated, though, if it’s made of MDF or solid wood. Such shoe racks are best cleaned with soap and water, and, in case you have to deal with tougher stains, a mix of olive oil and vinegar.

Deodorize your shoe racks

Even open shoe racks  can get quite smelly, especially wooden or MDF ones – these materials tend to absorb scents. To get rid of smell, wash you shoe racks with a mix of vinegar and water – you may add lemon juice, or some scented oils for more pleasant smell. Make it a regular habit – do it when you clean your shoe rack and prepare new shoes for the next season.

Get rid of old shoes

Finally, when it comes to tips to keep your shoe rack clean and organized, we cannot but mention the importance of regularly getting rid of old shoes that no longer can be worn. Old shoes stored forever create unnecessary clutter and turn your hallway into a mess. And if you have pairs of shoes that are still new, but you are not sure if you will ever wear them, donate them to charity, or swap shoes with a friend. In any case, it’s a good idea to go through your shoes and get rid of old ones at least once in a while, to keep your shoe collection organized and time-relevant.