According to a recent study done by Dr. Charles Gerba, microbiologist, and professor at the University of Arizona, there is an average of over 421,000 units of bacteria on a single shoe sole. In addition to this, there are over 2,887 units of bacteria on the inside of our shoes.
This bacteria is a combination of highly contagious diseases and infection-causing structures. Some of these can cause intestinal infections, urinary tract infections, lung conditions, pneumonia, meningitis, and more.
The question is, how dirty are the soles of shoes, how can you prevent the bacteria from spreading, and how can you ensure your shoes are clean and safe?
Thankfully, we’ve created this article to help you understand everything there is to know about the bacteria that is carried on the soles of shoes, and how you can make sure that you are not getting sick from this bacteria. Keep on reading to learn more.
History of Shoe Cleanliness
Do you ever wonder why some households require that you take off your shoes, while others don’t seem to have a problem with you wearing your shoes to the dinner table? The main reason behind this comes from different cultures and their different beliefs about shoe cleanliness.
In the Asian culture, it is highly insulting to wear your shoes in someone else’s house. Shoes are considered very dirty throughout Asian history that it is even offensive to point your shoes at someone else!
Why Are Your Shoes So Dirty?
If you were to retrace your steps throughout the day, you would be dumbfounded at the places you have harbored bacteria. Many of us don’t even think about the fact that high traffic areas can contain a lot of bacteria.
According to a recent survey, over 98% of bacteria on the bathroom floor got there because it was tracked in from the outside. The rest comes from toilets spraying while flushing, and people missing the bowl.
If you go for a daily walk, retrace your steps in your mind and think of all the possible scenarios where the soles of shoes can pick up bacteria. This includes scenarios such as:
- Someone not cleaning up after their dog
- Bird fecal matter
- Spit
- Urine
- Blood
- Somone wearing shoes inside a dirty house, then transferring it to a spot where your shoes picked it up again
- Floors of public restrooms
If you fear that your shoes are harboring bacteria, there are incredible new inventions such as the UVZone shoe disinfectant.
What Bacteria is On Your Shoes?
Now that you understand how bacteria spread and can become stuck to your shoes, you must know what types of bacteria are festering on the soles of your shoes.
Clostridium Difficile
Clostridium difficile, also known as C.Diff, is a strong bacterium that can cause very painful gastrointestinal symptoms. These symptoms range from constant diarrhea, stomach pain, inflammation, and life-threatening problems of the colon. One study discovered that there is more C.Diff on our shoes than there is on the floors of bathrooms.
Staphylococcus Aureus
Staphylococcus aureus is another potent bacteria that can cause problems such as infections of the heart, blood infections, skin conditions, and more. Once a staph infection becomes advanced, there are very few antibiotics that are strong enough to remove the infection.
Staph infections can lead to sepsis in the blood, which is a life-threatening situation and requires immediate medical attention.
COVID-19
Yes, the infamous COVID-19 that has shut down our entire world with a pandemic is easily spread via shoes. A recent study by the CDC discovered that COVID-19 aerosols can linger on the floor for up to three full days. The CDC has highly suggested that people clean their shoes frequently to spread this horrible virus.
Micrococcus
Micrococcus is another bacterium that can be found on the floors outside and inside your home. This is where the smell of human body odor comes from and is also found in water, soil, and meat products.
While this bacteria may not be that harmful itself, if it is combined with other bacteria, it could be potentially dangerous.
Bacillus
Bacillus is another, rod-shaped bacterium that may not be very dangerous on its own, yet if mixed with other bacteria, it can be potentially harmful. Bacillus is linked to food poisoning and other gastrointestinal problems.
Pseudomonas
Pseudomonas is a bacterium that may not be harmful to the average population, yet it can be nearly deadly to those who are immunocompromised. Not only can it cause infections, but it can also produce exotoxins, which affect your cell’s ability to function properly.
How to Keep Your Shoes Clean
Now that you know the harmful bacteria that is on the bottom of your shoe, is it important that you know how to ensure you are keeping yourself from spreading it to yourself and others.
When you get home, immediately put your shoes through the UVZone disinfectant. This technology is 110 times more effective at removing germs than UV light alone.
Once you are finished cleaning your shoes, immediately take them off before stepping inside your home. Keep your shoes outside, or pick them up and put them on a shelf that is off the floor.
In addition to this, make sure you are cleaning your floors at least once per week. This will ensure you are reducing the chances of bacteria spreading around your home. The last thing you want to experience is harmful bacteria on your kitchen or bedroom floor!
Learn more About UVZone Technology For the Soles Of Shoes
The UVZone technology was specifically designed to keep the soles of shoes safe and free from the harms of bacteria, viruses, and germs. This technology is easy to use, works quickly, and can keep your entire family safe from harmful bacteria.
To learn more about this incredible technology, feel free to contact us at any time!