AS we look to keep our homes clean, it appears that Brits are unaware of the germs lurking in their carpets, according to new research.

The research, based on a survey of 2,000 people, conducted by online electricals retailer, AO.com, found that the majority of Brits (60%) said that they don’t know how many germs would be hidden within their carpets.

In fact, 47% of Brits said that they don’t know germs like mould and dust mites could be found in their carpet, while nearly a third (32%) admitted that they are unaware of the fact that bacteria and allergens can survive on carpet.

Despite this, 52% said they wouldn’t ask guests to take their shoes off when coming into their home, and 23% said they believe in the ten second rule.

Meanwhile, more than one in eight (13%) claimed they had gotten ill from eating something off the carpet before.

The research also revealed the top hacks that Brits follow when cleaning their carpet including, vacuuming regularly (57%), washing carpets using a carpet cleaner (39%), blotting stains (22%), using a solution of dish soap and warm water (20%) and using bicarbonate of soda (17%)

Top 10 carpet cleaning hacks:

1. Vacuum the carpets regularly (57%)

2. Wash carpets using a carpet cleaner (39%)

3. Blot stains out (22%)

4. Use a solution of dish soap and warm water (20%)

5. Use bicarbonate of soda to remove stains (17%)

6. Combine a solution of vinegar and water (10%)

7. Rub white wine in to remove red wine stains (10%)

8. Remove hair using a squeegee (9%)

9. Rub salt into any blood stains (7%)

10. Rub an ice cube over the carpet to remove subtle stains (7%)

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

Tori Miller, floorcare expert at AO.com, offers top tips and hacks on how to keep your vacuum clean:

Dodgy smells

If your vacuum doesn’t smell great when it’s on (for example, if you have pets and it often smells like the dog), then make sure you’re emptying the dust container or bag at least once a month, and if not, then every few uses is ideal. If this doesn’t sort the issue, pop some essential oils on a couple of cotton wool balls and put them into the empty dust container as when you use the vacuum it’ll release the scent for a fresh smelling home.

Chop your hair

Not your hair, but the hair on the brush roll. Get into a habit of weekly cutting away hair and loose threads off the brush roll (the bit on the underside of the vacuum with bristles to dislodge dirt on the carpet).

Some models of vacuum have a groove on the brush roll designed to guide scissors and cut the hair off safely and following this line will stop you accidentally chopping any bristles off. By doing this you will have a more effective suction and smoother moving when using the vacuum. Some models are now starting to include an ‘anti-hair wrap’ brush roll to eliminate this problem altogether.

Rinse and repeat

If you can remove your brush roll (not all models let you), then remove and rinse under warm water and leave this to dry for at least 24 hours before using in your vacuum. The same goes for filters, at least one filter in your vacuum (either the motor or the allergy filter) will be washable.

Check out your manual for information on this and make sure to follow this so whatever you’re washing is safe for your vacuum.

Whichever filter, once removed, take outside and tap the filter – dislodging bigger bits of dust and debris – then rinse in warm water until clean. Leave to dry for a full day, if not two, before putting back into your vacuum and using.

Get attached

Read your manual or watch videos for your vacuum on what the various attachments do. Knowing what each is designed for can help maintain their effectiveness. For example, upholstery attachments are great for soft furnishings, so you don’t want to be using this on hard surfaces where it can pick up dust and dirt as this’ll likely mark your upholstery.

Carpet Cleaners need cleaning too

The simplest way to keep carpet cleaners sparkling is by flushing the machine with clean water after each use. Clean the hose after each use too, simply get a bowl of warm water and turn your machine on, the hose will suck through the clean water and dislodge any dirt stuck in the nozzle and hose.

Steam it out

Clean steam cleaners by popping some clean water on a clean non-carpeted floor and let the cleaner suck up this water which will help to dislodge anything in the nozzle.

Remove your fabric attachments if you have them – check they can be laundered and pop in the washing machine. Soak attachments in warm soapy water, wash with a microfibre cloth and air dry for at least 24 hours and reattach. Is it wheely clean?

The wheels on upright and cylinder vacuums, plus those on carpet cleaners can pick up dirt and debris. Make sure you’re wiping these with a damp cloth regularly to wipe off dirt and stop debris scratching any hard floors in the home.