Carpets: Why It’s Better to Keep Shoes Outside?
Not just people of Asian descent and cultures require you to leave your shoes out. Do you know anyone who insists that you leave your shoes outside before crossing the threshold to their home? Yeah, I’m sure you do. I do. Me and quite a number of other people. To keep shoes outside upon entering a house is good for anyone with a carpet.
In fact, floors in a house fare better without shoes on them. Many people think that using the outdoor mat to wipe shoes before entering the home is enough. Some people take their shoes off when they first come in while others tend to leave their shoes on until time for bed. Wiping shoes on a mat outside poses a few problems:
The mat is outside. Where dirt is. Mats right in the doorway have similar problems (high traffic, close proximity to the outdoors). Also, dirt will collect and eventually not be useful for removing anything off of your work boots and running shoes. To minimize indoor dirt buildup, it’s best to keep shoes outside whenever possible, reducing the amount of debris tracked inside.
Mats aren’t perfect. There isn’t really a way for floor mats to completely remove the dirt from the bottom of your shoes, especially if it’s just a quick wipe or it’s been raining out. If you wipe your shoes on your mat and then rinse them under running water, you would find more dirt than you ever anticipated. To minimize dirt indoors, it’s always a good idea to keep shoes outside when possible, especially after being outside in wet or muddy conditions.
- Wiping shoes only removed dirt from the bottom of the shoes. If you decide to continue to assume mats clean shoes you’re ignoring the rest of the foot. Depending on the environments traveling, shoes can be filthy all over. That dirt can fall off and into carpets where foot traffic will basically grind it into the fibers. To avoid this, it’s a good idea to keep shoes outside, reducing the dirt and germs they bring inside.
If carpets are dingy and everyone in the house walks around barefoot (with clean feet or socks), there are other ways walking and feet can damage the carpet. Some slippers or house shoes can rub material into the carpet (colored soles, for example, can begin to wear, and the evidence is on the carpets). As with shoes, slippers can grind existing dirt into your floors from walking out to get the paper in your slippers or just from the dirt around the home. To help protect your carpets, it’s a good idea to keep shoes outside and avoid tracking dirt indoors.
Furniture can cause damage to carpets as well. Places where furniture is regularly moved can cause physical damage from long times of rest, rapid movement, or basic use (like dining chairs). Carpet fibers when new are round and have a certain level of shine or glossiness. Anything can cause friction and slowly alter that texture quality, making carpets look duller and darker (and therefore much dirtier). Carpet cleaning can help prevent this, but the damage can be hard to reverse, if not impossible depending on severity. Some treatments can be applied to carpets to reduce the risk of this damage, but being aware of movements can do just as much.
Avoid moving furniture haphazardly; do not just push your sofa across the floor and try to avoid small movements regularly. The less something moves around and is abrasive to the carpet, the better the flooring will look. Also, remember to keep shoes outside to prevent dirt and debris from entering your home and further harming your carpets.
Some of you may be thinking “how can I live in my house comfortably and keep my carpets looking nice?” It’s tricky, but you will have to accept some levels of dirt, grime, and wear.
Regular professional cleaning can help restore the luster and cleanliness of your home but simple measures like shoe removal at the door (preferably placed on hard floors or mats) and careful furniture moving can help keep your home looking as clean as possible.
Therefore, when next you visit a friend or family member and they request that you and other guests leave your shoes outside, don’t get offended but recall all you’ve read here. They simply want to keep shoes outside to ensure their carpet stays clean and damage-free.
Remember it’s the start of autumn and your carpets will need a fresh start in this last quarter of the year. What better way to renew your carpets than engaging the services of Accents in Cleaning to give your carpet that refreshing look and ultimately enhancing the appearance and quality of air within your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I keep shoes outside before entering my home?
Keeping shoes outside helps prevent dirt, germs, and debris from being tracked into your home. By leaving shoes at the door, you reduce the amount of soil on your carpets, ensuring they stay cleaner and last longer.
How does keeping shoes outside benefit my carpets?
When you keep shoes outside, you minimize the dirt and grit that can damage carpet fibers. Dirt tracked inside can grind into the carpet, making it look dull and worn over time. Keeping shoes outside helps preserve the texture and appearance of your carpets.
Can wiping shoes on a mat really prevent dirt from entering my home?
While wiping shoes on a mat can help, it’s not foolproof. Mats can only remove some of the dirt from the soles, and shoes can still be dirty on the sides or the upper parts. To keep shoes outside, you ensure less dirt enters, especially after wet or muddy conditions.
How can keeping shoes outside help maintain a healthier home?
Shoes carry germs from outdoor spaces, and keeping them outside can reduce the amount of bacteria and allergens brought inside. This simple step helps improve indoor air quality and keeps your home cleaner and more sanitary.
Are there any other benefits to keeping shoes outside besides protecting carpets?
Yes! Keeping shoes outside also reduces wear on your furniture and prevents dirt from being ground into other areas of the house. By limiting how much dirt enters your home, you protect both your floors and your furniture from unnecessary damage.