How can I get my guests to remove their shoes at my front door?

Question

I am extremely germ-phobic and the thought of germy shoes on my beautifully clean off-white carpets makes me ill. I don't know why people don't automatically remove their shoes once they've stepped into my home. None of us have our shoes on, the carpets are off-white, and you can clearly see the shoes lined up by the front door. Would it be rude to ask people to remove their dirty shoes or is there another subtle hint I can drop without offending anyone?

Answer 1

I would just tell them. I'm assuming most people are comming over because they are friends or family.I don't think they would be offended. If they know you ,and the way you are about germs I'm surprised they don't do it automatically!

Answer 2

I don't know why people don't do this, we've always left our shoes at the door as well. Perhaps they have dirty socks or no socks and gross feet, and are embarassed? At any rate, I usually just ask them, if they start to step away after I open the door "oh, could you please leave your shoes here?" Some people might complain, but they are the ones who should be embarrassed about wanting to dirty the floor, not you.. it's not rude.

If you want to cut down on having to ask, I've seen some decorative signs that some people put in the entryway where the shoes are, saying "please leave shoes here." I don't think an explanation is necessary. (However, don't make a bunch of paper signs with writing scrawled on them directing people where to leave their shoes... I've seen that too and it just looks tacky... it looks like you put it up just for that particular visit. A permanent decorative piece saying that is not offensive though).

Answer 3

Tell your guests in advance that you expect them to take off their shoes at the front door. That way, they'll wear good socks and not feel ambushed.

You're doing the right thing by having your shoes lined up by the door. That's a good hint. Don't wear slippers or house shoes when entertaining. Walk around in your socks, so that your guests feel comfortable doing the same.

If all else fails, just ask.

Answer 4

You could also put some old rugs on top of your new carpets where you think the most walking will be on that day.

My family does that often. Especially in the winter months so we don't damage the rugs with salt & dirt.

ps. If you have a senior citizen showing up. I would be careful with that one. They do need support on their feet. Plus its hard for them to remove and put on shoes.

Answer 5

I don't think its rude or crazy to want people to take off their shoes. Just ask, or if thats not your thing have an obviously placed shoe rack and if you are coming in at the same time always take your shoes off right away. They'll get the hint.

Answer 6

Just politely ask them to take their shoes off. It isn't rude. Many people take their shoes off at the door. Have a sign if you want, but make it something a little subtle such as "Thank you for leaving your shoes here."

Answer 7

Someone has really asked almost the same question and this is the suggestion I gave them, So it might help you out too :)

I agree and understand your problem and your husband is not wrong either. It really sounds sorta rude to ask someone to take their shoes off. WE CAN"T HELP IT. I can remember when years back my mom was facing the same problem and I can still remember her SHOUTING after guests had left lolz.. ( she loved every decoration piece of hers).. So what she did was, she took out the print saying " please take off your shoes outside and make yourselves comfortable at our home "

You know very nicely she stated that on the enterance door .... all guests understood, laughed and shared and said.. ''Nice way to say that.''

Answer 8

Not everyone is so fussy, carpets are meant to be cleanable.
But you can put a rubber mat or shoe tray by the door.
Offer guests knitted or paper booties as used in hospitals.

Answer 9

Have a bunch of shoes sitting by the entry---That kind of is a subtle hint. Also---wear socks inside as well. The host and/or hostess set the stage.

Answer 10

My friend and now have a sign outside of our door that says please remove your shoes inside, there are some people though you prob. would not want to remove their shoes, if they were to have athletes foot or anything it would get on your carpet.. but to solve that i use a foot fungal powder on my carpet 2 times a week

Answer 11

No it's not rude, I have gone to people homes where they told me to remove my shoes and I understood, I was not offended at all. Just come out and say it "No shoes in the house".

Good Luck.