It's more common in northern areas where we have snow and stuff. We don't really have to ask at our house; it's pretty much habit of everyone who lives near us to take off their shoes. In the winter we track in snow, salt, sand, etc. In the summer we're tracking in grass, mud, dirt, pollen, and leftover road salt. Any of the above, especially water will damage a hard wood floor. In our house we have a big pile of shoes near the door, on a small slate tile area; the rest of the main floor of the house is hardwood. People generally get the hint, by seeing the pile. Reparimen generally have the shoe covers, or they're working in the basement and never have to even enter the house. My grandmother carries a pair of indoor sneakers and changes when she gets inside, at our house or hers. When people don't get the hint we usually will say "Feel free to take your shoes off". If someone needs shoes we won't make a big deal out of it, but otherwise they typically seem happy to take off their shoes.Pugdog007 said:I think it's kind of strange to ask people to take their shoes off when they come into your home. I don't know anyone that does this. I have hardwoods - I could almost understand the reasoning behind carpet - light colored but hardwoods? No I don't get that.
Pugdog007 said:I think it's kind of strange to ask people to take their shoes off when they come into your home. I don't know anyone that does this. I have hardwoods - I could almost understand the reasoning behind carpet - light colored but hardwoods? No I don't get that.