5 footwear-cleaning tools to help keep viruses out of your home

There's a reason why some people don't allow any footwear inside the house.

In many Asian cultures, shoes are usually removed before entering the house, to keep the dirt out. Wearing the same footwear you used outside the house also increases the chance of tracking in dirt or, much worse, spreading viruses and bacteria where your children play. Yikes!

Luckily, there are different tools that can help you disinfect footwear, without having to use your hands. Occupational medicine doctor Dr. Drolah Sanhez explained five different kinds in a segment on GMA-7's "Unang Hirit."

1. Tray disinfection mat

Simply place a mat on a tray and keep it soaked with disinfectant. 

Position this near the doorway to help guests disinfect their shoes before entering the premises.

2. Two-in-one foot bath

One mat is for the disinfectant, while the other is for drying.

The two-step procedure can help guests disinfect their shoes without tracking the dirty liquid across the floor.

3. Sole-cleaning mat

If an ordinary mat doesn't do it for you, consider a mat with a rough, textured finish.

Dr. Sanchez said rubbing your feet on the textured surface can help loosen any dirt sticking to one's soles.

4. Coco fiber cleaning mat

Mats made from coconut fibers are also available if you want something more organic.

According to Dr. Sanchez, you might not even have to use as much disinfectant because coco fiber already has antibacterial properties.

5. Automatic shoe cover dispenser

This contraption has a mechanism that snaps on a plastic cover around your shoes, hands-free.

Dr. Sanchez said automatic shoe cover dispensers are usually used in hospitals in order to keep areas like isolation rooms sanitized. — Margaret Claire Layug/LA, GMA News