At a private club, should I feel obligated to have my shoes cleaned? | The Etiquetteist
Shoe Cleaning Conundrum at Private Clubs
In the hallowed halls of private clubs, a peculiar custom has raised eyebrows: shoe cleaning. While some members view it as an indispensable service, others balk at the obligation. In an article for The Etiquetteist, columnist Amy Vanderbilt examines the etiquette surrounding this practice.
According to Vanderbilt, offering shoe cleaning is a courtesy that varies from club to club. Members should consult their club’s regulations or observe prevailing practices. If shoe cleaning is available, it is polite to inquire if it is included in membership fees or if there is a charge.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to have one’s shoes cleaned is personal. However, Vanderbilt emphasizes that it is never rude to decline, as long as one does so politely.
