Why People Should Avoid Wearing Shoes In The House
July 17, 2019
source: She Finds
I don’t know about you, but I always take off my shoes the second I walk in the door. Whether I’m at my house or someone else’s, I simply don’t feel comfortable wearing shoes in the house. After all, who wants to track in dirt and mud when the floors have just been vacuumed? Certainly not me.
Aside from wanting to keep your floors clean, researchers are saying there’s another reason you should refrain from wearing shoes in the house. “If you wear shoes for more than a month, 93% will have fecal bacteria on the bottom of them,” explains Dr. Charles Gerba, professor of microbiology and environmental sciences at the University of Arizona. This bacteria stems from things like pet waste on the ground outside and from the floor of public restrooms.
Another thing researchers have found on the bottom of shoes? E. coli. “Shoes make microorganisms fairly mobile, and you’re tracking that all around (the house),” adds Gerba. He also explains that the cracks and crevices on the bottom of shoes make it easier for bacteria to hang around for prolonged periods of time.
If you suffer from seasonal allergies, you should definitely be removing your shoes before walking into the house. Shoes can also carry mold, pollen, and other allergens. Although hard floors are somewhat easy to clean, when shoes make contact with carpet, bacteria can stick around for a lot longer and is far more difficult to get rid of.
There’s probably going to be a few instances where you need to rush into your home and don’t have time to remove your shoes. However, it’s probably best in general to take off your shoes when you walk through the front door. Your floors (and your health) will thank you!