Should You Take Your Shoes Off In Your Home? Here’s What Microbiologists Say
We have all had that awkward moment at the front door. You walk into a friend's house and frantically look around to see if there is a pile of shoes. To take them off or leave them on is the ultimate polite guest’s problem. I used to just go with the flow, but lately, I have been wondering what actually comes into your house on the bottom of our sneakers. It turns out, the science is pretty fascinating.
What The Scientists Say
If you ask a microbiologist what is on your shoes, the answer might make you cringe a little bit. Studies show that the soles of our footwear are covered in millions of bacteria. This includes things like bacteria from animal waste on the sidewalk, along with trace amounts of chemicals and fertilizers from the grass. Every step we take outside picks up a ton of germs that we then track straight onto our living room rugs.
But Will It Actually Make You Sick?
Hearing about all those germs sounds completely terrifying at first. But the experts actually bring some very comforting news to the table. For the average healthy adult, the bacteria on the floor is very unlikely to make you sick. Most of those germs stay on the ground, and unless you are eating your dinner directly off the floorboards, your immune system is perfectly capable of handling it. It is more of a gross factor than a true danger.
When You Really Should Go Shoeless
There are definitely a few situations where leaving shoes at the door becomes much more important. If you have babies or toddlers crawling around on the floor, you naturally want to keep that surface as clean as possible. They put their hands in their mouths constantly. The same rule applies if someone in your home has severe allergies or a compromised immune system. In those cases, keeping outside pollen and street dirt away is totally necessary and you should take your shoes off.
The Hidden Cost Of Wearing Shoes Inside
Aside from the microscopic germs, there is a very practical reason to ditch your shoes at the door. Wearing heavy boots and sneakers inside creates so much extra work for you. The dirt and small rocks trapped in the treads of your shoes will scratch up hardwood floors over time and stain your nice carpets. Taking them off simply means you spend less of your weekend vacuuming and mopping. It is an incredibly easy way to protect your home.
Making The Transition Easy For Guests
It can feel incredibly awkward to ask your guests to remove their shoes. You never want to make anyone feel uncomfortable in your home. A great trick is to simply create a clear drop zone right by the front door. If people see a neat row of shoes or a nice basket waiting there, they usually get the hint without you having to say a word. Offering them some cozy guest slippers is a lovely touch too.
Finding What Works
At the end of the day, there is no universal law about if you should or shouldn’t wear shoes indoors. It really just comes down to what makes you feel the most comfortable and relaxed in your own space. If you love wearing your supportive sneakers while you cook, you should absolutely do that. But maybe you just keep a special pair of indoor shoes for walking around the house. It is all about finding a simple routine that works best for you.
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We spend so much energy trying to make our homes feel like a safe and clean sanctuary from the busy world outside. Whether you are strictly a socks only house or you prefer to keep your shoes on, the most important thing is that your space works for your lifestyle. Just leave the muddy boots at the door. Nobody wants to be scrubbing mud stains out of their carpet.
Bliss Donahue-Power
