Illustration for the article titled Actually, wearing your shoes indoors isn't all that dirtyPhoto: AnnaTamila (Shutterstock)

It is common in countries around the world Take off your shoes before entering the house. Some households do this for practical reasons, while others take off their shoes religious reasons. In the United States, conversations about shoes around the house are often on. bound Bacteria and dirt. While it’s a legitimate concern, your shoes probably aren’t as dirty or germy as you think they are.

How seedy are your shoes?

The simple fact that your shoes are walking on the floor means that they are taking in dirt and bacteria from the outside into your home. LiveScience found studies showing evidence for E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus (a microbe that can sometimes cause skin and blood infections). Since then, these bacteria have been found to sound alarming, but the chances that you will actually get them are pretty slim. Clinical pharmacist and professor Kevin Garey told Live Science: “[f]or a healthy person, bacteria on shoes are unlikely to present any or minimal risk, “as a typical footprint simply does not contain the thousands of microbes of the same strain that would be required to make someone sick.

Other common residues on shoes include pesticides and herbicides, or chemicals like tar and other building materials. According to Healthline, “[t]These chemicals have associated health risks as minor as skin or eye irritation and as serious as cancer. ”Again, bringing traces of these substances with your shoes is unlikely to increase your risk of developing any type of disease get sick.

But take these shoes off if you want – or if your host asks

It is good to know that your shoes are unlikely to transmit disease to you or your family. But for some there is still a strong desire to take off their shoes before entering a house. Leaving your shoes outside reduces the amount of it Dirt and dust in your house, which makes cleaning a lot easier. Some floors are prone to scuffing and nicks, so removing shoes can reduce the extra wear and tear.

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And as mentioned earlier, taking off shoes is part of certain cultures and upbringing, so be polite. If a household makes it clear that shoes are not allowed, don’t push the issue: it’s perfectly fine to have a shoe-free household.