Microbiologist Nicholas Aicher has gone viral on TikTok by uncovering the surprising amount of bacteria found on swimwear hygiene stickers in retail stores. With over 450,000 followers, Aicher is known for testing everyday items to reveal their microbial cleanliness.
In his latest experiment, Nicholas swabbed the protective liners inside two bikini bottoms purchased from shops, then cultured the samples in petri dishes in his lab. His video, which has now amassed 5.6 million views, shows distinct bacterial growth after incubation — particularly on the hygiene seal from one of the swimsuits.
“The goal was to highlight the unseen ‘nastiness’ we rarely consider when trying on clothes,” explained Aicher from Chicago. The petri dish from the orange swimsuit displayed a significant growth of Staphylococcus bacteria, common on human skin. The other bikini’s sample showed smaller but still present bacterial colonies.
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Viewers responded with concern and shared hygiene tips, such as trying on swimwear over leggings, washing new purchases immediately, and checking returned items carefully. The video sparked a wider discussion about clothing hygiene in stores.
Nicholas, who previously tested bacteria survival on dropped food, emphasizes that germs are everywhere — even on items as innocuous as swimsuit stickers. His experiments serve as a reminder that washing new garments before wearing is a smart practice to reduce potential exposure to unwanted bacteria.