In many cultures, taking your shoes off before entering a home is customary. However, these traditions aside, leaving footwear at the door is good practice for anyone to follow. Not only does going barefoot make house cleaning easier, but it also creates a more sanitary environment and reduces the need for costly floor repairs. The following guide gives additional insight into the dangers of wearing shoes in the house. 

Health Risks

The grooves in the soles of your shoes are the perfect place for dirt, debris, and bacteria to collect as you walk outdoors, creating a breeding ground for germs. Contaminants can also come from areas that host an array of harmful organisms, such as restaurants and public restrooms.

More than 400,000 microbial cells can accumulate on the outside of footwear after two weeks. Some of the most common types of bacteria that linger on shoe bottoms include E. coli, C. diff, and staph. When tracked into your home, these particles contaminate the floors and pose a serious health risk to your family. 

Shoes can also pick up toxins when you walk through grassy areas and parking lots where chemicals, such as fertilizer, weed killer, antifreeze, and gasoline, are often present. Trekking these contaminants through your house releases them into the air for your family to breathe in. 

Floor Damage 

Wearing shoes inside can wreak havoc on your floors as well. Rough soles will break down carpet fibers prematurely, leaving worn paths in spots exposed to heavy foot traffic. Hardwood and tile floors, on the other hand, are prone to scratches and other markings caused by dirt and sand particles tracked inside. Every time someone steps on them with their shoes, they grind the contaminants into the surface, marring the finish. Sticking to a consistent house cleaning routine and ensuring shoes are removed before entering the living space will help sustain your flooring investment. 

Preserve your floors and maintain a healthier living environment with help from Maid Brigade of Rockville. Located in Gaithersburg, MD, this company has provided quality house cleaning services since 1994, which is why they hold an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau®. They use effective techniques and products to leave your home sparkling and refreshed. Call (301) 424-6243 to schedule an appointment, or visit them online to learn more about their offerings.