Decrottoire: What Is This Street Metal Shoe Polish? Types Of Foot Scrapers From Dirt, Cleaning Devices In Our Time

2023 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-08-25 03:41

Dirty shoes are a very common occurrence in autumn and spring, when rain or snow erodes the ground on the streets. The problem was urgent many years ago and remains relevant today. Few people know that in the past, an effective way of dealing with dirt on shoes was invented, and it was possible to clean it without even going into the room. It was only required to use a special object - a decrottoire.

What it is?

The word “decrottoire” comes from the French language, its literal translation is “from dirt”, or, less beautifully, “from feces”. A decrottoire is a special device that resembles a staple or scraper, usually metal . Its purpose is to clean the soles of shoes from adhering dirt, snow and any other unpleasant substances. Such a street cleaner was located in front of the entrance to the house, and it was very simple to use it: you just needed to put your foot on the scraper and with an intensified movement run the sole along the bracket.

Likewise, many people clean their shoes on driveways or curbs on a daily basis.

Short story

In Europe and America, the 18th century was a real kingdom of dirt. In the streets, dogs were constantly running and defecating in the same place, horse dung was everywhere . Dirt often adhered to shoes. And the townspeople came up with a method of struggle: decrottoes. Such devices were expensive and prestigious to have. It was a real squeak of fashion, a boom, and sometimes city dwellers competed, whose decor is better. The middle class ordered simple staples, often made them with their own hands, while the rich demanded bizarre shapes from the craftsmen.

By the beginning of the 19th century, decrottoes began to spread rapidly around the world, they could often be seen in those cities where the roads consisted of clay and earth

In addition, such devices were mandatory for married men. This was explained by the fact that the wife is already working all day around the house, and there is nothing to bring additional dirt into the house.

The popularity of decorating products began to decline by the middle of the 19th century . Cars appeared, people no longer walked the whole day on the streets. Decorations have become a danger to vehicles and pedestrians, because they are easy to catch and injure. The heads of many states have put forward a demand to remove such structures from the streets. However, the item still retained its purpose. Now these are peculiar cultural monuments, which are rare, but can be found in settlements, especially small ones.

Species overview

The decor tops for cleaning shoes used to be made entirely of metal. These were durable forged products, made with conscience, and that is why they are still able to perform their functions even today. Nowadays, the range of such devices has expanded somewhat, and now, although you cannot find decor on the streets, they can be found in private houses .

For example, such a device will show itself well in the garden or in the country. Working in the garden after rain, there is absolutely no need to carry dirt on the neat paths. Placed in a safe place, forged metal decors will clean up dirt quickly and easily .

Decorations can be of different shapes and configurations . For example, an ordinary metal bracket would be the simplest solution. If you need something more interesting, then you can order an unusual shape of the decor. Openwork models, devices decorated with leaves, a lion's head, flowers look beautiful.

Sizes, as a rule, are standard, because it will be inconvenient to wipe your shoes on a high decor.

Are gadgets in use now?

Decrottoes are also used today, because these devices are incredibly convenient. True, they have undergone some changes. Today's décor is often a 3-brush attachment, including an electric one . These brushes are needed for cleaning shoes from 3 sides at once: sides and sole. Convenient and functional.

You can also find decor tops of old configurations, they are especially popular with lovers of history and everything outdated . A beautiful decor with an unusual shape will decorate the site. It will be in great harmony with other forged items: furniture, railings, porch, urns. The main thing is to arrange it so that it does not pose a danger to those on the move. Dekrotuar is a good adaptation for a summer residence, you can choose the simplest product.