Hygiene expert at the University of Salford, Dr Lisa Ackerley said bacteria and viruses can multiply on hard surfaces, remaining infectious for up to 24 hours.

According to Dr Ackerley, the worst bacteria in our homes are 'silent killers' that we cannot see or smell but that can multiply from a single bacterium to several million in just seven hours.

According gto Dr Ackerley, the worst bacteria in our homes are 'silent killers' that we cannot see or smell but that can multiply from a single bacterium to several million in just seven hours.