Jet-setting Britons are being told to avoid sitting on their beds in the clothes they wore to germ-infested planes and airports.
Experts at Online-Bedrooms.co.uk are urging holidaymakers to get changed as soon as they arrive home or at the hotel to avoid bringing germs to the bedroom.
Airports and planes are riddled with germs because of the high volume of travellers from around the world and the quick turnaround times between flights.
Most of the time, the cabin crew only dispose of the rubbish and do a quick clean between flights, however areas that are frequently touched and contaminated with germs often only receive thorough sanitisation at the end of the day.
This is because efficient boarding and deboarding allows for more daily flights and higher profits.
Research has found that the tray table is the dirtiest surface on a plane, containing around 2,155 colony-forming units of bacteria per square inch, which is more than 12 times more bacteria than a typical home toilet would contain.
Other high-touch areas such as the overhead air vent, lavatory flush button and seatbelt buckle also contain more than 200 colony-forming units of bacteria per square inch.
The dirtiest places in the airport are drinking fountain buttons and bathroom stall locks.
Holidaymakers boarding flights will be exposed to these germs which can easily cling to their clothes and can then be transferred to their beds.
Creating and maintaining a clean and hygienic sleeping environment is essential for promoting good health and overall well-being.
When external dirt and germs are introduced into your sleeping space, it not only compromises the cleanliness of your bed but also increases the risk of potential infections and illnesses.
Nic Shacklock at Online-Bedrooms said: “Airports and planes harbour a variety of bacteria, including potentially harmful pathogens.
“The clothes you wear while travelling can easily pick up these germs, making it important to be mindful of the potential for germ transfer.
“While it’s hard to completely avoid exposure to germs in public areas, it’s crucial to take steps to prevent carrying these harmful bacteria to your sleeping space.
“Many of us want to lay down and rest after a long day of travelling, but failing to change out of airport clothes before getting into bed can introduce bacteria, allergens, and other irritants into your sleeping environment.
“This can have significant implications for your comfort and sleep quality, potentially leading to skin irritations and infections.
“Changing into fresh clothes before settling down can help mitigate these risks and ensure a healthier and more restful sleep.”
