Remove shoes at the door

What to Do

Implement a shoes-off-at-the-door policy during allergy season. Place a shoe rack near the entry and keep indoor slippers available.

Why It Works

Shoes track pollen, mold spores, and other outdoor allergens onto floors throughout the home. Studies measuring particulate matter on shoe soles found significant allergen loads. Every step redistributes these particles into the air and onto carpets where they accumulate.

Tips

• Place both an exterior and interior doormat to capture additional particles
• A simple shoe rack or basket near the door makes the habit easy
• This also reduces tracked-in pesticides, heavy metals, and bacteria
• Combine with regular vacuuming using a HEPA-equipped vacuum