Step into their shoes

We each live in our own house of horrors. The warning that carpets add to obesity because chemicals build up among the pile joins evidence that all sorts of household items, from shampoo to fabric softener, are toxic in some form. Researchers recommend wooden floors or regular vacuuming instead, which is sensible, but their suggestion that everyone take off their shoes is a step too far. Whether or not you remove your shoes indoors, and ask guests to do so too, is one of those apparently unimportant distinctions that is very important indeed. No-shoes households signal neatness and attention to detail. Pro-shoes households want to seem more relaxed, and they probably employ their own cleaner. There is no need to tread on any toes by giving one side a moral advantage over the other.