Inquiring minds on social media want to know if homeowners and renters enforce a shoes-off policy for guests as people debate how hygienic the household rule really is, and whether it can create awkward social blunders.
The question has been asked on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok and YouTube, with photos and videos generating millions of views and thousands of comments from users who seem to have strong feelings on the topic.
In public forums, people who side with taking shoes off before entering a home say they think it’s unsanitary to wear outdoor shoes inside.
WOMAN’S VIRAL TIKTOK REVEALS HOW MUCH BACTERIA LIVE IN PUBLIC BATHROOM HAND DRYERS: ‘TRIGGER WARNING’
On the flip side, people who side with keeping shoes on when entering home say they think it’s unsanitary and unsightly to have bare or shoeless feet exposed.
When visiting the home of a family member, friend or colleague, guests should remember that some households have a “no outside shoes inside” rule. (iStock)
Here’s what cleaning professionals and etiquette experts have to say about the subject, and practical advice for hosts and guests.
Shoes on or off? Hosts are free to make the rules
Regardless of where one might land on the shoes inside homes debate, etiquette and event experts agree that hosts can make and enforce shoes-off rules for visitors the same way they do for family members.
Mariah Grumet, a certified etiquette trainer and the founder of Old Soul Etiquette LLC, an etiquette school in New York City, told Fox News Digital that hosts may have a cultural or religious reason for wanting shoes removed before entering a home.
“From the guest’s perspective, it’s important to respect your host’s wishes,” she said.
Hosts who are having guests over for the first time might want to give advance notice, so guests have an opportunity to bring “indoor-only shoes or socks” if walking barefoot is something they’re not comfortable with, according to Grumet.
ARE YOU WASHING YOUR BATH TOWELS…
