Part of green cleaning is figuring out ways to reduce the cleaning burden in your home so you don’t need toxic products in the first place. Call it a pre-emptive strike, if you will, against spring's muddy shoes, dripping umbrellas, and wet raincoats.

If you’re lucky enough to have a spacious mudroom, using the space wisely will help control dirt and clutter throughout your home. If you don’t have a mudroom, setting up a corner of an entryway or hallway can be just as effective.

Follow these easy steps to contain the mud and everything else you bring in with you and you’ll keep your home cleaner longer in every season.

1. The no shoe rule. Use a shoe rack or recycle some baking sheets as easy-to-clean shoe trays. Hang a sign to let everyone know your home is a shoe-free zone. It may seem awkward at first, but be consistent and your guests will remember to wear their best socks when they come to your place. Or you can go the extra mile and offer a basket of slippers in a few different sizes.

2. A place for everything. Consider all the things you bring in and out of your home and create a space for them. Install hooks to hang jackets, bags and leashes. Use smaller hooks for keys and a bowl or a tray for sunglasses. Provide baskets for mail and seasonal gear like rain hats and sun visors.

3. Easy cleaning. The key to an effective mudroom is to make it easy to clean. If you let it go too long, the dirt builds up and you’ll end up tracking it all in anyway. Be sure to put away last season's jackets and gear to reduce the clutter and make removing bins and shoe racks easy when it’s time to clean the room.

Creating an organized and easy-to-clean space to contain the mud will reduce your need for toxic cleaning products by making your home virtually self-cleaning. That means you’ll have more time to play in the puddles instead of mopping them up.