Millions of Brits could be making their kitchens dirtier with common cleaning habit

Millions of Britons could be unknowingly spreading dangerous bacteria across their floors due to one of the country's most widespread cleaning practices. A microbiologist has disclosed that the conventional mop and bucket approach might actually be making our kitchens more contaminated, rather than cleaner, by allowing hazardous bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli to flourish in the moist corners of our floors.

Research from Philips suggests that many Brits "mop right into the corners" whilst cleaning - a practice which could be establishing the ideal environment for harmful germs to multiply. Dr Jonathan Fletcher, Associate Professor of Microbiology at the University of Bradford explained: "Day to day, kitchen floors can be comparatively safe, despite being a high footfall location. The simple reason is, they're dry environments, so any potentially harmful bacteria doesn't survive long. But, when people mop with a traditional bucket of dirty water, they're often pushing water into cracks, skirting boards and the edges of cabinets."

"This wet, humid environment is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria, especially something like Salmonella, which would normally die within 48 hours in a dry environment, but can survive and multiply for days in a humid corner.

"Essentially, you're creating tiny bacterial ecosystems, which is the opposite of what you intended."

Kitchens, being one of the most frequented areas in a home with children, pets and parents constantly bringing in dirt, food particles and moisture, are under constant threat.

The floor isn't the only area in the kitchen that needs attention when cleaning. The sink, for example, should be scrubbed and sanitised from time to time to avoid contamination with bacteria.

The Hygiene Doctor, Dr Lisa Ackerley, previously told the BBC that washing hands in the kitchen sink could make it "dirty", with bacteria being washed into it and the drain.

The sink can also be made dirty by washing contaminated items such as knives and chopping boards used for raw meat.

Using an antibacterial cleaner for the sink is therefore preferable.