The 2010 International Hygiene Home Truths study shows that UK households are falling behind when it comes to hygiene standards. New research reveals that despite 80% of Brits spending more than 2 hours a week cleaning their homes, 27% of houses have surfaces or items that are contaminated with unacceptable levels of bacteria.

Many ‘hygiene hotspots’ are not being cleaned properly with 80% of bathroom seals contaminated with bacteria and fungus despite a third appearing clean. Other dirty sites include fridge interiors (50%) and non-disposable kitchen towels (20%) with many fridge temperatures found to be unsatisfactory, allowing bacteria to grow in high numbers.

Good hygiene is directly linked to a reduction in rates of illness, yet with many homes failing hygiene tests there is potential for an increase in respiratory illness, asthma and allergies. 53% of people do not wash their hands properly after coughing or sneezing, another potential health risk as the flu virus can remain infectious on surfaces for up to 48 hours.