Should You Take Off Your Shoes in Your Home? Experts Share Why

Whether or not to wear shoes inside has always been a hot debate. Some enjoy wearing shoes in their homes for comfort and convenience, while others choose to remove them immediately. Citing a knack for hygiene or a penchant for keeping floors clean, those who are fans of a «no shoes in the house» policy have a variety of valid reasons, especially personal preference and cultural practice.

According to experts, there are many more benefits to taking off your shoes after you step through the door than you might think.

cerro_photography / Getty Images

It’s no secret that wearing shoes that have been outside can track in dirt and mud, making a home generally dirtier. Eliana Coca, the owner of E.C. House Cleaning, says there is a noticeable difference in indoor cleanliness between homes that adopt a no-shoes policy and those that don’t.

Taking shoes off inside is “a simple step that can have profound effects on the overall well-being of households, as evidenced by the tangible differences in cleanliness levels my team and I have observed in homes following this practice compared to those that don't," Coca says.

No-shoe policies can keep floors cleaner for longer, protecting certain types of fragile flooring like hardwood, laminate, and carpets.

If you're on the fence about letting shoes into your home, it is helpful to know that it's not just a home's cleanliness that outdoor shoes can impact. Outdoor shoes can track in messes both seen and unseen. For city dwellers, this can be especially true. Sidewalks are home to some pretty yucky stuff, including dog poo, spit, and assorted trash. It is best not to track any of those substances into your sanctuary.

Removing shoes before entering a home significantly reduces the