Deadly E Coli and salmonella bacteria could be lurking in people's carpets posing a serious health risk, experts warn.

Asthma and eczema bugs could also be living in unwashed domestic floor coverings, according to new research.

The study found 26.2million adults (41%) have never washed their carpets, leading to a build up of germs and dust mite feaces.

It means that those living with unwashed carpets are at risk to a host of hazards including dust mites and bacteria that could lead to E.coli and salmonella.

The investigation found that though 79% knew nasty bacteria and allergens could live in bedsheets, 63% had no idea they could be lurking in carpets too.

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Despite 84% of adults believing their carpets to be clean, only 9% claimed to regularly wash their carpets.

Unwashed floor coverings could hide eczema (
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E Coli could be living in your carpet (
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Hygiene expert Dr Lisa Ackerley said: "This research is of concern as unwashed carpets can become home to bacteria and germs, in particular dust mites.

"These can put some people at greater risk of asthma, eczema and perennial allergic rhinitis caused by allergies to dust mite faecal matter.

"Each mite produces about 20 waste droppings every day, equating to around 20,000 particles of faeces in every cubic foot of air."

E.coli and salmonella causing bacteria could also be festering in our carpets - to the shock of 80% of those asked.

Three quarters (75%) admit wearing shoes inside, unaware they could be spreading bacteria like Escherichia coli, often found in human and animal faeces, throughout the house.

Bacteria in your home could cause asthma (
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Despite the fact we walk around the house in our shoes, 59% admit they follow the 'three second rule' when it comes to eating food that has fallen onto the carpet.

Of the 2,000 people asked, 63% have even let children eat food that has landed on the floor, potentially risking the youngster ingesting deadly germs.

And women seem to be more likely to risk their health (4%) by eating food from the floor.

Dr Ackerley added: "Escherichia coli is a member of the Enterobacteriaceae group.

"It can be found in in human and animal faeces meaning that if pets use the carpets as a toilet, the bacteria can be found there.

26 million adults have never washed their carpet (
Image:
Getty)

"The impact of this is that babies learning to crawl could be exposed to these faecal bacteria which could be harmful if they put their hands in their mouths.

"The three second rule when it comes to food on the floor is simply not true. It's time we put it to bed for good.

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"Eating food that has been on the floor or a dirty carpet is a gamble with your health when you consider what you may have trodden across your carpets, or what your pets may have done on the floor - disgusting."

"More people in the UK need to understand that just because carpeting looks clean, it doesn't mean that it is.

"Carpet washing with an advanced cleaner helps reduce allergens by removing dust mite matter, and uses antibacterial cleaner to help eliminate nasty bacteria."

The research was carried out by carpet cleaning brand Bissell.