UPDATE: This article has been updated from it’s original version. Originally, it stated that your feet have oil glands and the oil left behind on your carpet would attract soil. This is not true! It was brought to our attention by a reader that the soles of your feet do not have oil glands. BUT they do have sweat glands. The end result being similar.
Many people think that going barefoot on carpet is best. Not true – you’re better off in socks or clean, rubber soled shoes, here’s why:
Your skin naturally releases moisture in the form of sweat or oils. That moisture or sweat will transfer from your foot to the carpet, leaving trace amounts across the surface of your carpet fibers.
Body moisture on your carpet, even in tiny amounts, is not good. It will attract dust, dirt and dander. So when you go barefoot in your home, you’re leaving sweat on the surface of the carpet then soil is attracted to it. You certainly won’t notice a difference immediately, however, over time the soils will build up.
Wear Shoes or Socks
Wear your shoes or socks – your shoes will track in dust, dander and even mud. But shoes will typically leave behind dry soil that can be vacuumed up. Ideally, a pair of clean slippers at the front door will keep your carpet looking it’s best. Just slip off the out-door shoes, and put on the indoor slippers when you make the transition from outside to in.
So to answer the timeless question; is it better to wear shoes or go barefoot on carpet? The answer is socks or clean, rubber-soled shoes.