Germs, Dirt, Damage: Say No to Wearing Shoes in the House

We all have that one neighbor or friend, the moment you enter their home you hear - “Take Off Your Shoes. Please!”. And like the gracious guest you are, you may oblige. But you have to wonder...is it all really necessary? After all, they’re just shoes! Well, as it turns out, not only does wearing shoes inside your home bring in those pesky, outdoor germs, but it also tracks in unwanted dirt and can cause damage to your flooring. In this article, we’ll review the reasons why you shouldn't wear shoes past your front door.

Reduce Germs

Did you know there are possibly over 420,000 bacteria living on the outside of your shoes? And as much as we try, we can’t avoid them completely. But you can help reduce the spread of germs in your home by taking off your shoes when you walk inside. Research has shown that the outside of your shoes can be a carrier for a variety of microbes like viruses and bacteria. Many people are unaware that when wearing shoes for more than a month, there is a better than 93% chance those shoes will have some form of fecal bacteria on the bottom of them. And if you aren’t checking your shoes at the front door, those microbes can rub off on any surface they come in contact with throughout your home. If you have small children crawling around the house, that makes this fact even more concerning.

So, if your goal is to keep your living area as clean as possible, it’s a good idea to establish a routine that includes taking off shoes at the front door. This alone will help reduce the spread of a variety of different germs and potentially harmful bacteria. And, here is a little bit of extra advice a lot of people don’t consider. When you put on, take off, or tie and untie your shoes, always wash your hands after. Just like your shoes, your laces can pick up germs and bacteria that can be transferred to your hands just by touching your shoes and shoelaces.

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Minimize Dirt

Drop the broom and put away the vacuum! By leaving your shoes at the front door, you’re minimizing the amount of dirt, grime, and other debris that gets tracked and deposited throughout your house. This means you’ll spend less time cleaning up! Especially during the summer and winter months when rain, sleet, or snow can create a muddy situation that requires additional cleaning. Although dirt isn’t necessarily a health risk on its own, you’ll probably want to keep it to a minimum if you have small children who like to play on the floor.

Save Your Floors

Not only could your shoes cause illness and unnecessary messes, but they can also subject your flooring to additional wear and tear. The soles of your shoes are usually harsher on floors than your bare feet, which can cause damage to both carpet and hardwood flooring and reduce their lifespan. If you have carpet, wearing shoes can cause the carpet fibers to break down and wear prematurely - making it more likely you’ll have to replace it sooner. And if you have hardwood floors, some footwear can cause unnecessary scratches, scuffs, and even dents - especially if you wear high heels! The pressure of the pointed heel can create dents in your hardwood floor that can be difficult to repair without professional help.

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How to Organize Your Shoes

Reducing germs, minimizing dirt, and extending the life of your flooring are all great reasons to leave your shoes by the door. But when you can get the benefit of all three, it seems like a no-brainer. Now that you know the importance of taking off your shoes while inside your home, you may be wondering how to keep all those shoes organized. While having a premade shoe rack or a walk-in closet situated right by the front door is ideal, there are also many other creative ways you can organize your footwear. Repurposing plastic milk crates or creating a shoe rack out of PVC pipes are just a few of the trendy options you can consider.

Now that you have all your shoes in order, you might be inspired to clean and organize the rest of your home. If you need help, the ultra-friendly cleaning experts at Molly Maid are ready with cleaning services that will have your entire home looking its best! Call or get a free online estimate today!