GP's warning over unwashed item that can spread E. coli, salmonella and norovirus

As the E. coli outbreak continues to cause concern across the UK, a health warning has been issued, indicating that more than 24 million Brits could be at risk of infection from an unexpected household item - unwashed slippers. This comes after Amanda Holden's daughter Lexi was hospitalised due to contracting E. coli, sparking renewed fears about the infection.

In a recent survey conducted by Flooring King via OnePoll, startling revelations were made about the slipper habits of 2,000 UK adults. The findings showed that one in three Brits neglect to wash their slippers, thereby putting households at risk of E. coli infection.

The survey revealed:

• 36% of UK adults never wash their slippers
• One in 20 (5%) wash them once every two weeks
• Less than one in 10 (9%) wash their slippers monthly
• 6% (three in 50) wash their slippers just once annually
• Nearly two in five (37%) wear slippers outside, with 7% doing so 'very often'

While slippers are a beloved and comfortable footwear choice for many, wearing them outside and not washing them regularly can introduce harmful germs into your home and pose significant health risks. To highlight these dangers, Flooring King has partnered with The Independent Pharmacy to warn slipper owners about the risks associated with infrequent washing and outdoor use, reports Gloucestershire Live.

Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, warned: "Neglecting slipper hygiene poses significant health risks, particularly when slippers are worn outdoors and not frequently washed. Pathogens such as E. coli, salmonella, staphylococcus, and norovirus can easily transfer from external surfaces onto slippers and subsequently into homes. These bacteria are known causes of gastrointestinal infections, manifesting with symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal cramps."

He also revealed: "Unwashed slippers can harbour fungal spores, which thrive in warm, damp environments and can lead to conditions like athlete's foot and fungal nail infections. These fungal infections can be persistent and uncomfortable, requiring medical intervention."

He advised: "To reduce these health risks, it's essential to adopt simple hygiene practices such as washing slippers regularly according to manufacturer guidelines and refraining from wearing them outside. I would advise at least washing your slippers every two to four weeks, but if you wear them outdoors I would recommend at least once a week. These measures not only help prevent the spread of harmful pathogens but also promote a cleaner, healthier living environment for all household members."

Liam Cleverdon, a flooring guru at Flooring King, has sounded the alarm on Britain's slipper-wearing ways, saying: "The survey findings are an alarming indication that UK adults need to revisit their slipper habits and adopt a more hygienic routine. Unwashed slippers can introduce germs and pathogens into your home environment. Dust mites, dead skin cells, and soil are common contaminants found on floors, left by uncleaned slippers worn outdoors. This increases the likelihood of transferring bacteria from footwear onto indoor surfaces.

"Outdoor use further increases these risks, as slippers can bring in dirt and debris such as stones, potentially causing scratches and dents on your flooring over time. To determine when to clean your slippers, consider both their texture and odour. Visible dirt and a noticeable odour indicate that you should really wash them.

"Maintaining clean floors is essential to prevent bacterial buildup and ensure a safe living environment. Regular vacuuming once a week and mopping every few weeks, or more frequently for heavily trafficked areas, helps maintain cleanliness and hygiene."

In a bid to expose the nation's slipper sins, Flooring King commissioned a comprehensive online poll through OnePoll, which delved into the slipper-wearing patterns of 2,000 UK adults, with data splits provided based on age, gender, and region of respondents.