Dr. Matthew Enzweiler, a podiatrist with St. Elizabeth Physicians, wants to let you in on some alarming news: That dirt from your shoes you’re so worried about tracking all over your home? That’s the least of your worries.
The fact is, dirt probably is the most benign substance on the bottom of your shoes. Far worse is the bacteria you and your loved ones are bringing into your home on your shoes, and, here’s a hint: It’s not the benign kind of bacteria.
What’s on your shoes?
The bacteria on the bottom of your shoes often are coliform, which can include E.coli.
“This is fecal material from humans and animals that can cause serious infections,” Enzweiler said.
Think of where you walk each day: Public restrooms, sidewalks or streets, even grassy parks are all perfect places to pick up unwanted substances on the bottoms of your shoes. The problem is, a 2008 University of Arizona study found, 90 percent of that bacteria is transferred to tile and carpet in your house.
“It’s not going to stay on your shoes,” Enzweiler said. “And just think of the people who get home and put their feet up on the coffee table at the end of the day.”
If you have young children who are constantly putting things in their mouths and lying or crawling on the floor that transferred bacteria is even more troublesome.
How to keep the bacteria on your shoes
The good news is, simply washing your shoes with soap and water reduces bacteria by 90 percent, according to the study. You also should leave your shoes at the door when you walk inside your house. And have others do the same.
“I think once you start talking about fecal material, people will rethink what they’re doing with their shoes when they go into a house,” Enzweiler said.
