Estimated read time: 4-5 minutes
"No shoes, no service" might work for convenience stores, but when it comes to your home, you might want to consider making the opposite a rule and insisting residents and visitors leave their shoes on the porch.
A YouGov study found that American hosts only ask their guests to remove their shoes about 50% of the time. The same study found that 87% of people don't wear shoes in their own homes.
Beyond cultural customs, there are all kinds of reasons to adopt a no shoes-rule at home. Whether for convenience, cleanliness or health, slipping those soles off before entering the house is always a good idea. Here are seven reasons why.
Keep it clean
One of the most obvious advantages of not wearing shoes inside the house is to keep your home a little cleaner. Shoes can track in dirt, mud and other outdoor contaminants, which in turn soil carpets and floors.
In a CNN article, Jill Litt, a professor at the University of Colorado said you can even track in lead dust. If you're in an older area with homes built before 1978, you're at an even greater risk of bringing in the dangerous dust.
By removing shoes at the door, you can significantly reduce the amount of dirt and debris brought into your living space — and maybe even reduce the time you spend cleaning it.
Protect your floors
Many kinds of flooring are susceptible to damage from abrasive particles carried in on the soles of shoes – think small rocks and gravel, gritty sand or even a worn stiletto heel.
Over time, this can lead to scratches, scuffs and wear patterns that diminish the aesthetic appeal of your flooring.
Giant Carpet One says shiny floors are especially prone to scratches, scuffs and dents. Instead of going for a glossy or shiny flooring option, choose a low-sheen finish. It's family-friendly and will hide any scratches or scuffs much better than other options.
Make a stop at your local Giant Carpet One to explore options that will keep your floors looking new for years to come.
Reduce allergens
Your shoes can serve as vehicles for transporting allergens like tree, grass and weed pollen, according to Cleveland Clinic.
If you or your family members are prone to seasonal allergies, you're not looking for more transporters. You can minimize the number and variety of allergens in your home (and improve the overall air quality) by making it a no-shoes space.
Slow the spread of germs
Shoes can harbor a wide array of bacteria and pathogens picked up from various surfaces you encountered outdoors or in public indoor spaces.
According to a study performed by Dr. Charles Gerba of the University of Arizona, the average shoe sole contains 421,000 units of bacteria, including those causing urinary tract infections, meningitis and diarrheal disease.
Gerba found the transfer rate of bacteria from shoes to clean tiles was 90%-99%. Yuck! To keep you and your family safe, take your kicks off at the door.
Promote better foot health
Your feet do a lot for you. Do them a favor by letting them walk freely! Walking barefoot or in socks allows the feet to move more naturally, which can help strengthen the muscles, tendons and ligaments in the feet and ankles.
According to Healthline, walking barefoot can help restore your natural gait, so give those tootsies a chance to feel like themselves again — at least while you're at home.
Visit the flooring experts at Giant Carpet One
Giant Carpet One has knowledgeable experts to help you sort through all the types of flooring out there to find the perfect fit for your home. Visit your local Giant Carpet One to see, touch and feel your new flooring options — from carpet to luxury vinyl, hardwood, tile, and more.
Whatever your budget, you're sure to find something you love that works for all members of your family. For more information or to find a showroom near you, visit Giant Carpet One.
