HOW TO MAKE “NO SHOES IN THE HOUSE” A RULE (WITHOUT FEELING RUDE)
Have you ever visited a neighbour or friend who insisted that you take off your shoes upon entering their home? It may seem like an unnecessary request, but it's actually for a good reason. In this blog, we'll explore the reasons why it's a good idea to avoid wearing shoes beyond the front door of your home. By doing so, you can minimize the spread of germs and dirt, and also protect your flooring from wear and tear.
Reduce Germs
Did you know that the exterior of your shoes may be harboring over 420,000 bacteria? Despite our best efforts, it's nearly impossible to avoid coming into contact with these microbes. However, you can take steps to reduce the spread of germs in your home by simply removing your shoes upon entering. Studies have shown that shoes worn for over a month are likely to have fecal bacteria on the soles, with a 93% chance of contamination. Without removing your shoes at the door, these bacteria can easily spread to every surface they come into contact with, which is especially concerning if you have young children crawling on the floor. Establishing a routine of removing your shoes before entering your living space is an effective way to keep your home clean and minimize the spread of harmful bacteria. Additionally, it's essential to wash your hands after handling your shoes, including tying and untieing laces, as they can also harbor germs. By adopting these simple practices, you can maintain a healthier, cleaner environment for yourself and your loved ones.
Minimize Dirt
Say goodbye to the broom and put away the vacuum cleaner! By simply taking off your shoes at the entrance of your home, you can significantly reduce the amount of dirt, grime, and other unwanted debris that ends up being tracked and spread throughout your living space. This means less cleaning for you to do! Especially during the rainy or snowy months when muddy shoes can create a mess that requires extra attention. While dirt itself may not be a health hazard, it's always a good idea to minimize it as much as possible, especially if you have little ones crawling around on the floor. By leaving your shoes at the door, you'll be creating a cleaner, safer environment for your family to play and relax in. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy your home without worrying about constantly cleaning up after outdoor messes.
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.
How to Organize Your Shoes
By now, you’re probably convinced that leaving your shoes at the front door is a smart move for many reasons, including reducing germs, minimizing dirt, and extending the lifespan of your flooring. But once you’ve made the decision to banish your shoes from your living space, you might be wondering how to keep them organized and easily accessible. Sure, you could invest in a fancy shoe rack or even a walk-in closet, but there are plenty of other creative solutions out there. For example, have you ever thought about repurposing old plastic milk crates into shoe storage? Or what about crafting a DIY shoe rack using PVC pipes? These are just a couple of trendy ideas to get you started. And once you’ve got your shoe storage under control, you might be inspired to tackle other organization projects around your home. If you need help getting started, consider calling in the ultra-friendly cleaning experts at Fresh Nest. Their top-notch cleaning services will have your entire home looking its best in no time!