Friendly Advice

Q: What’s your best keep-clean tip for mud season?

I place newspapers on the floor to catch all the plops of mud and residue. Once the boots are on a drying mat, I roll up the newspapers and throw them out. It’s an easy, inexpensive fix on rainy days. JOY DETERDING CAMBRIDGE, NEBRASKA

I ordered a clear vinyl runner for the hallway with floor mats on either end to trap dirt. Another tip is to let the mud dry and then get it with an electric carpet sweeper. Finally, we keep “paw towels” by the front and back doors and try to catch our dog before she runs back into the house for her treat. SHELBY OPPERMANN MECHANICSVILLE, MARYLAND

Make note of any low spots in your yard that tend to pool up when it rains. Use a shovel to remove the grass, then fill with a mix of sand and soil before replacing the grass. Also, fill in any bare or thin patches, since those tend to be muddy spots as well. JENNIFER MILAKOVIC-NELSON CAMPTON HILLS, ILLINOIS

We use recycled rubber mulch in our landscaping to control the red clay and mud during rainy season. We also place rubber boot trays by the doors. WENDY QUATTLEBAUM McDONOUGH, GEORGIA

For the car, I use inexpensive carpet that absorbs mud and dirt and can be washed. In the house, we use wool horse blankets for rugs. They wash and dry well—I wish I’d known this trick years ago. CHERYL STUNKEL TUSCARORA, MARYLAND

What’s the most unforgettable valentine you’ve received? What are your tips for making the holiday memorable or fun for friends and loved ones? Visit us at countrywomanmagazine.com/submit to share.