The article discusses the practice of removing shoes before entering homes, sparked by a personal experience. The author reflects on a friend's insistence on this habit, which resonates with many cultures worldwide. Evidence suggests that shoes harbor various germs and harmful substances. Though initially hesitant, the author finds the concept of keeping a cleaner home appealing, especially given the environmental factors surrounding their friend's residence. This simple routine, while divisive among friends, highlights a growing awareness of hygiene practices in the home.
A bit of reading informed me that shoes carry in germs, bacteria, pesticides and a variety of other nasties such as carcinogenic asphalt sealants that are invisible but can linger in domestic dust.
Many non-Anglo-Celtic households, of course, have a long-held tradition of removing one's shoes at the door.
By the end of the evening, I was persuaded that we too should adopt this more hygienic approach, despite misgivings about dropping boiling water or cooking fat on my feet.
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