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Article Aussie Floors Are (Much) Dirtier Than We Think

July 30, 2025

14 Comment

A new study has households across the country reaching for the mop after uncovering just how filthy our kitchen floors really are.

Researchers swabbed the floors of four typical Aussie homes and discovered a whole lot more than just crumbs. The likes of Staphylococcus hominis, Kocuria kristinae and even black mould are hanging out in the very place we prep our family meals.

Even more shocking is that the study found that 60% of us admit to eating food that’s fallen on the kitchen floor.1 So we are literally eating off floors that might be crawling with bacteria linked to serious illness.

Spilled candy on a floor.
Time to rethink the “3-second rule.” Image: Canva

Cleaning routines are to blame

It turns out our usual cleaning routines might not be cutting it. A recent Kantar study2 found 44% of Aussies are choosing one big clean instead of smaller, regular ones. Combined with subpar cleaning tools, it could be a recipe for disaster.

“While the results of this study sound terrifying, everyday exposure to bacteria is normal. But consistently high levels – particularly in food preparation areas – can increase health risks, especially for children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.”

Nikki Zarra, Vileda H2PRO spokesperson

A cleaner clean (without the hassle)

In response to the studies, Vileda created the H2PRO: a game-changer in home hygiene.

This clever floor cleaning system is designed to make mopping easier, greener and way more effective. It’s got a nifty two-tank design that keeps clean and dirty water separate, plus a flat mop and automatic wringing system that saves your back.

Vileda H2PRO mop cleaning a floor.
Makes cleaning efficient and easy. Image: Vileda

The best part is that it’s not just clean, it’s eco-clean. The Vileda H2PRO uses just over one litre of water to clean up to 60m², saving up to 75% more water than traditional mops.

Here’s what Australians are loving about the Vileda H2PRO:

  • 100% clean & dirty water separation – This patented design directly addresses a key gap in the market, where consumers seek “bacteria-free confidence” that germs are not just being spread around the floor.3 By ensuring only clean water touches the mop, the H2PRO delivers a superior, hygienic clean every time.
  • Water-saving technology – uses just 1.2L of water to clean a big area (great for eco-conscious households)
  • Easy one-hand operation – no awkward wringing or heavy buckets
  • Slim design – fits in your laundry cupboard and is perfect for small spaces
  • Machine-washable microfibre pads – streak-free shine and no need for disposable wipes
Vileda H2PRO pads being put into a washing machine.
Washable pads mean less cost and less waste. Image: Vileda

“We know Australians are time-poor and looking for cleaning solutions that are not only effective but also effortless. The Kantar research shows a major consumer need is for tools that save time and effort by reducing the number of steps to get a job done right. The Vileda H2PRO was designed precisely to meet this need. We’re proud to bring this revolutionary system to Australian homes, empowering households to achieve a higher standard of hygiene with greater convenience.”

Nikki Zarra, Vileda H2PRO spokesperson

Find the Vileda H2PRO exclusively at Bunnings Warehouse for $79.

Sources:

  1. Nationally representative YouGov Survey of 1,007 Australians aged 18 years and older. Conducted April 2025 ↩︎
  2. Kantar Study into Australian Cleaning Habits for Freudenberg, 2024 ↩︎
  3. Kantar Study into Australian Cleaning Habits for Freudenberg, 2024 ↩︎

This article first appeared on Best Health Buys.

Be honest – how often are you cleaning your floors? Leave us a comment below.

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Comments

  • Im sure my kitchen floor is a nightmare.
    I have slate floors right throughout the house and I cant wait to have them ripped up and replaced. Slate is very hard to clean as its uneven but at the same time it always looks ok.
    Hoping that wooden floors will be better

    Reply

  • It’s funny how this article says that it is the Aussie floors that are more dirty than we think ! Do we really think it is specifically the Aussie floors ? or is it this is a fact that we see all over the world ? I’m quite sure about that !

    Reply

  • It really is important to have a regular cleaning schedule and to stay on top of cleaning jobs. The bonus of regular cleaning is also it is a good form of exercise. I pop on favourite music and tackle the daily housework and chores. Making cleaning and housework fun is so important.

    Reply

  • I have a Vileda mop and it definitely makes cleaning the floor a lot easier than a traditional mop and the pad can be cleaned and dies very quickly too.

    Reply

  • We do a proper clean once a week, and spot cleaning on days in between that. So yes, our floors are probably dirtier than they should be given we walk on them. But we also don’t eat food we’ve dropped! It is tricky, because cleaning takes time and that’s always in short supply.

    Reply

  • This is something I have never overly put too much thought into but it makes total sense. We have 2 big dogs in the house too so our floors are vacuumed probably twice a day and mopped every 1-2 days. I think too as a culture Australians don’t seem to have house shoes or take their outdoor shoes off at the door so that probably contributes a messier more bacteria filled floor!

    Reply

  • Wow this is an eye opener !

    We have family over quite often with little ones who crawl and this terrifies me just a little bit.
    I can definitly say I am guilty of following the five second rule myself and will need to rethink that moving forward from
    Now on

    Reply

  • I do mop quite frequently, but did so even more frequent when our kids were younger. My youngest would still eat anything from the floor indeed; I assume she has build up quite a resistance as she doesn’t get sick that often at all.
    But I do like the sound of this mop and will ask my husband if I can get it for my birthday or Christmas 🙂

    Reply

  • I don’t see the use of indoor shoes and out door shoes since my youngest ( who has a severe intellectual disability) walks with bare feet from inside to outside the whole day and even steps with her bare dirty feet in bed when she feels that she needs a calm down time. But I do brush and mop quite frequently

    Reply

  • We have a regular cleaning schedule to ensure that we keep on top of all cleaning jobs and to keep the house clean and tidy and free of nasty germs. It is important to keep nasty germs out of the house if possible and a cleaning system that works makes perfect sense.

    Reply

  • I try and keep on top of my mopping but i must admit it is something that I do put off from time to time and i always think to myself how dirty the floors must get. I know the water when i do mop is always so dirty and i am shocked every time.

    Reply

  • It is definitely a point to be made, I know myself I can slack off with cleaning my floors usually. However I’m definitely more on top of it now that our 10 month old is on the move.
    This mop actually looks great and could save me some time
    “Off to the shops I go!” Haha

    Reply

  • We change shoes as soon as we are inside. Our outdoor shoes are stored in the laundry and we have slippers and slides for inside the house. I must admit cleaning floors is my least favourite chore so I tend to mop the kitchen floor about once a week instead of more regularly.

    Reply

  • Definitely a big no no for our household is having outside shoes worn inside. They all get left at the door! Who knows what dirt and germs we pick up with our shoes when we are out and about. We definitely dont want to be bringing them into our home too.

    Reply
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