Millions of Brits are decorating their homes with Christmas decorations covered in bacteria.
New research has revealed that millions of households are decking their halls with Christmas baubles and stockings coated in years’ worth of dust, grime and potentially dangerous bacteria.
A survey of 2,000 UK adults by Hillarys found that while 84% are planning to attend or host a Christmas gathering this year, many may be welcoming guests into homes teeming with microscopic nasties.
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Shockingly, over a third of Brits (37%) admit they’ve never cleaned their Christmas decorations, meaning that some baubles may be harbouring three decades’ worth of dust and mould.
Women appear to be more likely to skip cleaning entirely, with 44% admitting they’ve never cleaned decorations, compared with 29% of men.
Regionally, the worst offenders include Plymouth (54%), Glasgow (51%), Cardiff (49%) and Brighton (49%), as reported on Need To Know.
Microbiologist at BioLabTes, Ts Reynold Mpofu, warns that soft decorations such as stockings and tinsel can become “spore sponges”.
He said: “Christmas trees and decorations are often stored in dark, undisturbed and unventilated places.
“This tends to be the ideal environment for dust rodents, spiders, moths, beetles and woodlice.
“Studies have also suggested that more than 50 different types of moulds have been found on natural trees, and a higher percentage of these are likely to trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals.
“Artificial and live cut trees both have this problem; one accumulates mould through months of storage after Christmas, and the other often gathers at the local tree lot before being cut in the elements.
“Some of the mould found on trees or ornaments is linked to ‘Christmas tree syndrome’, where an influx of spores can trigger coughing, wheezing, itchy skin and inflammation.
“Soft decorations like stockings, fabric ornaments and tinsel can act like ‘spore sponges’, trapping years of dust, mould spores that billow out the moment they’re handled each time they are pulled from storage.
“This sudden burst of contaminants can trigger sneezing fits, irritation or even respiratory reactions for people with allergies or asthma.”
He claims that hard decorations can gather bacteria in grooves and can be regarded as “filthier than toilet seats” as homeowners and guests touch them without washing their hands.
According to the survey, a shocking 15% of Brits never clean their door handles.
Reynold added, “Door handles add another hidden risk.
“While it’s impossible for hands to be completely free of microbes, some of the bacteria they carry can cause acute or chronic illness.
“With many people avoiding or not thoroughly washing their hands, bacteria can survive and thrive on door handles, especially under the right conditions.
“Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis from the skin, Streptococcus species from the mouth and respiratory tract, and faecal associated bacteria such as E. coli and Enterococcus are among many bacteria commonly found on the door handle.
“In homes with pets, additional microbes like Salmonella, Campylobacter, and various environmental bacteria can also be transferred onto these surfaces.
“For people with asthma, allergies, eczema or weakened immune systems, this mix of mould spores, dust and faecal bacteria can be enough to spark respiratory irritation, skin flare-ups or infections.
“Cleaning, dusting or washing decorations is not just about maintaining their appearance but protecting families and creating a healthier and more festive environment.”
