How to avoid outside dirt from coming in?

[chantab]

I always ask people to take their shoes off before coming into my city flat but sometimes it is embarassing as they look at me like im some kind of freak, but i dont want outside dirt and bacteria ending up on my floor and carpets as my children crawl around on it plus it means i have to clean constantly.

PLease help

[gardenknowin]

I reckon you've got every right to ask visitors to remove their footwear, particularly in view of the parlous state of our footpaths these days. If they take offence or act offish, maybe you shouldn't be inviting them in the first place! Stick to your standards, chantab, good for you.

[chantab]

ok thanks for the approval but I have a problem.

My flat has just been put on the market  and tommorow we have our first viewing. Surely I cannot ask propspective buyers to take their shoes off ??

[Headtime]

We just looked at a house to buy here in London that is currently being used as a Sikh temple. We were viewing it with several other prospective buyers. Absolutely no one minded taking off their shoes to view the property. So I wouldn't worry.

On the dirt and bacteria front I can understand and totally respect your concerns. But really, a little dirt for kids is good. It helps build immunities and avoid allergies like asthma. I do think it's important for kids to splash in muddy puddles, dig up dirt, eat snails and do all the things we all did as kids. Well maybe, not the eating snails bit!

Good luck.

[gardenknowin]

That makes it a bit difficult ! You would need to put down a good doormat, and possibly some "runners" in heavy-use areas. Explain to prospects that you have only recently replaced carpets and want to keep then pristine for other prospective buyers. They should be impressed and you never know, might even ask if you'd like them to de-hoof themselves.....