Nearly TWO THOUSAND bacteria colonies are living and growing on British pub carpets, horrific new experiment finds

Swab testing carpeted and wooden flooring, a stomach-churning new study from Flooring Hut reveals just how much bacteria is lurking in a British Pub.

The average number of bacteria colonies on pub carpets is 1,643, and 1,060 on wooden floors, which is shockingly up to 4 times more than a public toilet seat 

• Common bacteria include Gram-positive cocci and rod-shaped bacteria, with some carpets even showing traces of mould and infectious bacteria in bar and dining areas

• Paul Brewster, CEO and carpet specialist at Flooring Hut shares top tips for keeping your carpet clean, plus flooring solutions for pub owners to keep punters safe 

We all love heading to the pub for a pint or to catch up with friends. But have you ever considered how many germs are lurking beneath your feet? 

To find out, Flooring Hut conducted a scientific experiment to reveal the alarming levels of bacteria present in pub flooring, particularly carpets. By swabbing the floors of five different pubs and sending samples to a laboratory for analysis, the study unveils the hidden germs that thrive in UK pubs. Paul Brewster at Flooring Hut also shares their top tips to keeping carpets clean.

You can read the full research here: https://www.flooringhut.co.uk/blog/2024/10/30/the-pub-carpet-germ-experiment/ 

On average, pub carpets harbour a staggering 1,643 colonies of bacteria in bar and dining areas 

Flooring type	Average number of bacteria colonies present
Pub carpets	1,643
Pub wood floors	1,060
Pubic toilet seat	425

With an average of 1,643 colonies of bacteria on pub carpets, these are among the dirtiest areas in a pub. For context, this is nearly four times more bacteria than a toilet seat. While cleanliness varies from pub to pub, some carpets showed as many as 3,000 colonies of bacteria.

Even wood flooring is affected - though with a slightly lower count of 1,060 colonies, it's still far from clean. The bacteria found on both types of flooring is mainly attributed to spilled drinks, food, and dirt tracked in on shoes.

Flooring in pub toilets has OVER TWO THOUSAND colonies of bacteria growing on it, 5 TIMES more bacteria than a public toilet seat

Unsurprisingly, the study also found that the average toilet flooring in pubs contains even more germs than the bar area - with around 2,194 colonies of bacteria living there on average. This equates to a huge 5 times more germs than a public toilet. 

Common bacteria include Gram-positive cocci and rod-shaped bacteria, with some carpets even showing traces of mould

• Gram-positive cocci

Present in almost every swabbed floor, this bacteria thrives in human-occupied spaces like busy pubs. Often linked to skin shedding, it includes species like Staphylococcus spp. and Micrococcus spp., which can cause infections when they enter the body.

• Gram-positive rod-shaped bacteria

Found in all samples, this environmental bacteria, like Bacillus spp., is commonly present in the air and soil. Although generally harmless, it can pose a risk if it enters the body.

• Mould

Mould, usually associated with damp environments, was also found in pub carpets. Spills combined with moisture create the perfect breeding ground. Mould spores were also detected in wooden floors, particularly in areas where water accumulates.

Carpet specialist, Paul Brewster at Flooring Hut shares advice on how to keep carpets and pub floors clean and bacteria free: 

1. Deep Cleaning: “Daily vacuuming of high-traffic areas and scheduling professional deep cleans every 6-12 months can drastically reduce bacterial build-up.

2. Spot Cleaning: “Immediate cleaning of spills helps prevent stains and bacteria from settling into the carpet.

3. Antimicrobial Treatments: “These treatments prevent the growth of bacteria and mould, essential for high-traffic areas like pubs.

4. Humidity Control: “Keeping indoor humidity levels between 30-50% helps prevent mould growth. Dehumidifiers or air conditioning systems are great solutions for moisture control.

For pub owners looking for durable, low-maintenance flooring, here are some effective alternatives:

1. Luxury Vinyl Tile (LVT): “Water-resistant and easy to clean, LVT is a durable option that mimics wood or stone, ideal for high-traffic areas.”

2. Epoxy Flooring: “Known for its non-porous surface, this type of flooring is easy to clean and can withstand spills and heavy foot traffic.”

3. Rubber Flooring: “Slip-resistant and sound-absorbing, rubber flooring is perfect for areas prone to spills.”

4. Tile or Stone: “These materials are low maintenance and highly hygienic, making them ideal for areas where food is served.”