MICROBIOLOGIST WEIGHS IN ON NO-SHOE HOUSEHOLDS

• The debate over removing shoes indoors persists, with TikTok searches for 'no shoe household' increasing by 39 per cent in the past month alone.
• Microbiologist Dr Primrose Freestone notes that shoes can deposit various pollutants, including bacteria like coliform and E coli, but these are generally not a health hazard unless individuals have inflammatory lung conditions.
• Freestone also highlights the 'hygiene hypothesis', suggesting early exposure to microbes can train immune systems and potentially prevent conditions like asthma and allergies.
• Flooring expert Alex Heslop explains that outdoor shoes introduce abrasive particles, mud, and moisture, which can dull finishes, scratch surfaces, stain carpets, and reduce the lifespan of flooring.
• Both experts agree that removing shoes helps maintain cleaner floors, particularly carpets, which are harder to clean thoroughly and can trap pollutants more easily than hard surfaces; however, Freestone says she feels it’s up to the visitor to decide.

IN FULL

Experts answer the age-old question: Should you remove shoes in the house?

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2025-09-23T14:57:18Z