(ModernSurvival.org) – Many cultures around the world have a practice of removing their shoes when entering a home. While this habit might seem strange to some, it may actually be a good idea — especially when one considers all of the gross places and things shoes encounter daily.

You May Not Want to Know…

Ever been in a really nasty public restroom? All of that muck on the floor ends up on the bottoms of shoes as they pass through. The same thing goes for pet waste. While walking through the grass (or, in some places, just walking down the sidewalk), it’s common to step in animal droppings. When the shoes go home with their owner, all of the fecal matter comes into the house with them.

While the idea of spreading fecal particles throughout the home is pretty bad, it gets worse. Here are a few other microbes that can hitch a ride on shoes and make themselves comfortable in the home.

Clostridium difficile – Also known as C. diff, Clostridium difficile is a bacteria that causes diarrhea, colon inflammation, and more serious health issues.

Escherichia coli – Better known as E. coli, this bacteria is extremely common on the outside of shoes. E. coli can be harmful to health. It causes urinary tract infections, intestinal infections, respiratory illnesses, and even pneumonia.

Pollen – Just like fecal matter and bacteria, pollen can also make its way indoors from the soles of shoes. For those who suffer from seasonal allergies, tracking pollen inside could make them worse.

It’s safe to assume that shoes pick up and carry a wide variety of microbes that are better left away from home. From mold to viruses, shoes will transport these items inside. Once in the house, they can be difficult to remove — especially from the carpet.

Make Some Rules

Some simple changes and rules can keep contaminants from making their way through one’s home. Here are some helpful tips:

• Remove shoes when entering the house. Creating a designated space for them can make this easier.
• Don’t let visitors wear their shoes indoors.
• Keep slippers or an “indoors only” pair of shoes to change into if walking barefoot isn’t comfortable.

A simple change of habit can help keep the home safer from bacteria, viruses, and illness. After taking off shoes, it may be a good idea to use hand sanitizer to ensure any particles that have transferred are eliminated. To see how to create hand sanitizer from scratch (in case it ever becomes hard to find again), check out our article here.

~Here’s to Your Survival!

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