The great indoor shoe debste

Sputnik

6 years ago

Any good ideas out there of how best to get visitors to your home not to track dirt through your home?

Featured Answer

Gabby Wong

5 years ago

Just saw this online... maybe it's what you need!

https://www.aldi.co.uk/lose-the-shoes-coir-mat/p/050161210211904

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Comments (26)

minnie101
6 years ago
I'm not suggesting they wear them but a basket of slippers ( or even just shoes) by the front door should drop a big hint, if not pause for a second before properly inviting them in! I've got hard floors so cleaning isn't an issue but I must admit I've asked people to take heels off before as it damages the floor, flat shoes I can live with tbh although if I had carpets I might feel differently.
Patrina
6 years ago
I think it's your home your rules. I have a mat by the front door, a comfortable tufted bench for them to sit and take their shoes off, with shoe storage underneath my guests never think twice about removing their shoes and my floors stay clean.
Sputnik
Original Author
6 years ago
That's a great idea, Patrina, my hall's smaller so getting a seat + storage in will be a challenge.
Daisy England
6 years ago
I think it's just how people are reared. Some people traipse into their own homes without a second thought with shoes and boots on so wouldn't think to do anything different in other homes. On the other hand people always take off their shoes in their own homes and follow the same pattern when visiting. We have a shoe box where we store our shoes and slippers and always swap ours as do our visitors.

Perhaps a good door mat and a shoe box might drop the hint?
Emily
6 years ago
How about a box of those shoe covers that some tradespeople carry with them?
To be honest I think I’ve only ever visited one or two homes where adults remove their shoes and I can’t remember who they were so they couldn’t have been friends. Personally in at least the hall and one living area I think it’s best to have hard floors that are easily cleaned.
Carolina
6 years ago
last modified: 6 years ago
This might be a very odd suggestion, but could you not just ask people to take off their shoes?

There are also loads of ideas online for signs that ask people to take off their shoes. Some are really pretty, so you could hang that in your entry, above a rack where they can leave their shoes and perhaps pick up a pair of slippers. And then wait until the penny drops, until you take them further. If the penny doesn't drop, tell them that 'everyone always takes their shoes off in your home'.

I think the framed prints are from here: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TheCrownPrints?ref=listing-shop-header-item-count#items
Carolina
6 years ago
And some shoe storage ideas
Gabby Wong
6 years ago
I was raised not being allowed to wear shoes inside, and feel really odd keeping shoes on when I'm indoors now and instinctively take them off whenever I go through a front door.. I do have a bench and a floor mat, but just ask people to take their shoes off if they don't automatically. Never had a problem with it
Emily
6 years ago
I’ve just been washing my floor and my elderly neighbour came round with his stick. And I thought what do people do who have shoes off in the house if they have a wheelchair visitor? Not that I suppose that’s common but just wondered? And I think it’s probably quite an event my neighbour getting his shoes on and off.
Laura Thomas
6 years ago
We have a no shoes policy in our house. Although I do make an exception for the hall, kitchen and utility where the dog resides. We currently have a shoe and coat rack.
I agree that a basket of shoes/slippers or a storage bench if you have space is a good indicator of what to do.
If you have guests that don’t pick up on the hint, maybe a sign like Carolina posted or doormat like the below
http://www.worldstores.co.uk/p/Artsy_Remove_Your_Choos_40x60cm_Coir_Door_Mat_in_Natural.htm?product_id=836372
Sonia
6 years ago
I’m not worried about visitors and their shoes as I have hardfloors downstairs and so easy to clean up. However, most of my visitors take their shoes off as they walk in - must be the Persian rug lol! Obviously if they have muddy boots (builders etc) then they must be removed, but I find tradesmen are usually very good about removing their boots. I find visiting small children are the ones who create the most mess!
PRO
OnePlan
6 years ago
We live rurally and most of the visitors naturally kick off their boots in winter, as it’s a muddy track outside.... In summer though - most people keep their shoes on - as we may end up socialising in the garden too! ( the odd fallen Holly leaf is enough to put you off bare feet out there ! )
User
6 years ago
Patrina I love your front door were did you get it from if you don’t mind me asking
Patrina
5 years ago
Hi Tina I got it from an online company called http://nudoor.co.uk
PRO
amordesigns
5 years ago
We never used to take our shoes off as i always had wood floor, I’ve just had a new carpet downstairs and its now a NO shoe area! Its funny because you need shoes if you go to garden, shoes if you nip to front outside! So now there are shoes in every corner haha! Shoes by back door and shoes by front door! We are used to it now! I just ask people to take shoes off! Friends/ family do this automatically now. I have a storage bag in hallway and one by back door, keeps them neat and tidy.
PRO
amordesigns
5 years ago
Gabby the mat idea is fabulous
Angie
5 years ago
I wouldn't dream of asking people to take their shoes off. In fact many visitors do it anyway and we end up with shoes littering our very small hallway which frustrates me. I wish they'd take them to their room when staying here! And I really dislike having to go around barefoot in other people's houses. Especially if a hole has appeared in a sock...
I understand why people say no shoes, especially with pale carpets, but it's not how we choose to live or to welcome our guests.
So now you all know not to invite me round!
PRO
amordesigns
5 years ago
Angie yes the hole in the socks is always a funny one. I dont like asking people to take their shoes off, its just mainly family and few friends. Its hard to ask everyone to do this, but I wouldn't want to get too obsessed with asking everyone, like you say its not an ideal and warm welcome for guests.
Angie
5 years ago
It can also leave one with cold feet! But maybe that's just me...
PRO
Cormar Carpets
5 years ago
last modified: 5 years ago
Hi there, we suggest that you protect your carpet by installing brush or barrier matting to clear dirt, dust and grime from shoes before entering the home, or even better – suggest that they wear slippers in the house!
Sputnik
Original Author
5 years ago
Thanks Cormar Carpets....good idea...I have now installed a hard wearing ribbed fitted carpet mat in the porch together with a simple box seat with place to stash muddy shoes.
User
5 years ago
Perhaps just be glad you got visitor and enjoy
Floors can be replaced
Sonia
5 years ago
Agree Tina. So much loneliness in the world, who cares about shoes on/shoes off.
Chris Goodchild
5 years ago
I have always taken my shoes off at the door and for most of my life, once home just walk about in bare feet. Now I tend to wear slippers in winter.

I have never thought to ask guests to take their shoes off, though it doesn't matter much, all of our floors are tiled and get cleaned frequently as for much of the year Spain is dusty.
User
5 years ago
I just let my visitors decide them selves some take there shoes off some don’t who cares my friends are more important than a bit flooring which after ten years your probably renew