Removing shoes when entering a house is often a cultural practice. It is both a sign of respect and a way to maintain hygiene by preventing dirt from getting indoors. However, besides being a common courtesy or basic etiquette, it is also a practice that helps maintain good health. Wondering how? In this article, we list three reasons why you should take your shoes off before entering a house, and you will be convinced once you give them all a read.
Footwear Carries Harmful Bacteria
While shoes and other footwear are designed to keep our feet safe, they themselves are exposed to several bacteria.
In fact, a 2008 study by Dr Charles Gerba found a large amount of bacteria on both the inside and outside of shoes, with E. coli being one of them, which is often associated with various illnesses like Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) and meningitis. Therefore, when you wear your shoes indoors, they can track bacteria into our homes and other places. However, the study also suggests that simply washing shoes with detergent can significantly reduce the bacteria by over 90%.
Also Read: Role Of Personal Hygiene: From Combating COVID-19 To Keeping You Healthy
Toxins And Chemicals
Unfortunately, wearing shoes indoors can also bring in toxins and chemicals that can be injurious to your health. Shoes can pick up various lawn chemicals, like pesticides and herbicides, which can sometimes cause eye and throat irritation and increase the risk of cancer. Then there is the risk of heavy metals like lead, which can affect the brain, nerves, and other vital organs.
Spread Of Germs
As discussed, different types of footwear can carry germs, or microorganisms, found in the air, water, and soil. While some germs are harmless, even beneficial to an extent, there are those that make people sick. Germs are often a source of infectious diseases, which can spread from person to person or from animals to people. According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Applied Microbiology, up to 80% of shoes can carry pathogens, and 96% of shoe bottoms may contain E. coli, which can spread from faeces.
Hence, coming into contact with the contaminants carried indoors by shoes can lead to the spread of infections, risking everyone's health.
Also Read: Personal Hygiene Home Remedies: The Prerequisite To Better Health
The Alternative
While taking off shoes outdoors is crucial for health and safety, this does not mean you walk barefoot indoors. Research suggests that walking barefoot is a common cause of foot pain and may also increase the risk of falls and injuries, especially in older adults.
The solution is to have a clean pair of slippers indoors so one can switch their dirt-ridden shoes with the alternative footwear. Additionally, it is crucial to clean up after, meaning if someone does wear shoes in your house, you can vacuum rugs and carpets with a HEPA filter vacuum. You can also mop hard floors with warm water and a mild disinfectant. Moreover, you can wash your shoes with hot water and detergent and keep them out to dry, either directly under the sun or in a well-ventilated room.