You mayclean your house like a pro, but keeping it clean when others visit can be challenging.

Is it rude to ask?

Here’s what you’re gonna wanna know about shoes in the house.

What Contaminants Do Shoes Bring Into Your House?

“Think about the cycle of transmission,” she says.

“Do you have kids crawling around, or do you sit on the floor yourself?”

If you’re like most people, you want to stay one step ahead during cold and flu season.

But here are the contaminants you’ll be dealing with regardless.

Bacteria

One University of Arizona study found many harmful bacteria on the inside and outside of shoes.

“Shoes are a common vehicle for bringing major contaminants into the home.”

And the University of Arizona study didn’t just find E. coli on the outside of shoes.

Allergens

Bacteria isn’t the only thing you might be bringing inside on your footwear.

Regarding the health hazard involved, Reynolds has some bad news.

“Contaminants on the floor don’t always just stay there,” she says.

The icing on this disgusting cake?

Bacteria and viruses don’t die quickly.

“Definitely long enough for you to come into contact with them.”

You should be vacuuming weekly andcleaning routinely.

On the other hand, sanitizers are certified to kill only bacteria (but may kill some viruses).

“The labeling is very clear,” she says.

“That industry has done a good job of making things clear for consumers.”

On the other hand, others might find removing shoes completely natural.

Some people are uncomfortable taking their shoes off, period.

“Don’t track the germs through the entire house.”

That way, the only time potential contaminants will be brought into the house is when you have company.

Actually, she doesn’t.

“To be honest, I don’t ask others to remove shoes,” she says.

“Most people don’t want to walk around your house barefoot.”

Some visitors might even have physical ailments that make walking around barefoot difficult or painful.

Reynolds' simple solution for reducing contaminants on her floor and in her air?

“As a hostess, I just remember to clean up afterward.”

She points out that each flooring surface has pros and cons regarding germs.

But you should be cautious not to sweep too vigorously, which can kick up particulates.

“From hard floors, things get resuspended into air easier,” she says.

Staff C.Study Reveals High Bacteria Levels on Footwear.CIRI - Cleaning Industry Research Institute.

Published May 3, 2008.

NM-Tracking - Seasonal Allergies.New Mexico Environmental Public Health Tracking.

Lead Poisoning Adults & Lead Poisoning- NYC Health.

ATSDR.Lead (Pb) Toxicity: Where is Lead Found?

Environmental Education.Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR).

Published February 9, 2021.