A Real Shoe-Off: Keeping Your Home Clean By Leaving Shoes At The Door

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By Mia Bolaris-Forget

When it comes to dirt in the house, especially on the brand new rug or Italian (kitchen or bathroom) tile most of us walk a fine line as we daily drag dirt into our homes that has wedged it’s way into our lives by making its home in the bottom of our shoes.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I love fuzzy socks and slippers as much as the next gal, and in the warm days (and nights) of summer, there’s nothing like the heated tile or the warmth of your shag (rug) on the bottom of your bare feet. But, whether I’m getting ready for work, heading out for some fun, having some company over, or simply wanting to look good for my guy, part of the allure of the ensemble is the shoe. After all a nice pencil skirt and fitted jacket just doesn’t have the same appeal in flat, frumpy, fuzzy slippers, and who ever heard of a man in a power suit and socks. Something again, is missing, and once again it’s likely, that often uncomfortable, yet “essential” accessory, the shoes.

On the other hand, the idea of mopping and/or vacuuming at least once a day, especially after a long hard day (at work) or après a sensational soiree (you may have worked hard at preparing and organizing) just isn’t as appealing. And, with some of these haute couture homes, (with master baths as large as my living room), the task seems endless.

So, for many home-owners, trading off fashion sense for sensible alternatives to keeping their tiles and floors in tip-top shape is quickly becoming a growing trend, already “infiltrating” Europe and our neighbors up North, yet once I’m still not necessarily sure or convinced of.

In an effort to keep floors and tiles scuff and dirt free, shoes are left at the door and family, friends and guests roam around in bare or stockinged feet (a really good reason to keep socks clean and get rid of those with holes). While most accept the idea that their foot gear stays at the door, leading many to put little thought or effort in what they choose as foot apparel, since no one is really going to see it anyway, others (perhaps the more modest), prefer to have their feet comfortably covered, toting with them a pair of house shoes of slippers. Then, there’s always the option of placing a basket full of footwear by the entrance for people to take advantage of, if they so choose.

Long Island Home & Lifestyle Articles > A Real Shoe-Off: Keeping Your Home Clean By Leaving Shoes At The Door