What's the dirtiest most bacteria-infested item in your home? Many would be quick to say that it's the toilet bowl. We're sorry to say, but science has proven that there are far dirtier items in your homes – and you most likely use them regularly. Some of these items may shock you! From kitchen sponges to your keyboard, here are some things you need to clean or replace ASAP.
Mobile phone
Scientists at the University of Arizona have found that cell phones carry ten times more bacteria than most toilet seats. The numbers can be worse if you use your phone in the bathroom, because when toilet flush they spread germs everywhere. Bringing your phone into the toilet and then leaving with it is kind of like going in, not washing your hands and then coming out. Don't forget to disinfect your phone regularly with an alcohol wipe!
Kitchen sponge
You may think that the bathroom is the germiest place in the house, but according to a study by the National Sanitation Foundation, it’s actually the kitchen. By a lot. And the germiest item? The kitchen sponge. It outranked all the other household items for staph, mold, yeast, Salmonella and E.coli bacteria. Your sponge could be making your dishes even dirtier! Disinfect it every other day by moistening and microwaving it on high for one or two minutes, and replace them regularly.
Cutting board
According to the same NSF study, your cutting board is dirtier than your toilet seat. Not surprising as it comes into contact with raw meats all the time! Every cut made in the cutting board creates a tiny ravine for bacteria to breed. There’s a longstanding debate on whether plastic or wooden boards are more sanitary, but it turns out they’re pretty much the same. Regardless of what you use, clean them properly with vinegar, bleach or hydrogen peroxide.
Tap faucet
It makes sense that our tap faucets has bacteria teeming on them as we use our dirty hands to turn them on all the time. Be it the kitchen or the toilet tap, studies have shown that bacteria like E.coli are probably partying all over them. To clean your tap faucets, use a disinfectant liquid or wipe regularly. You can also use a vinegar and water solution or citric acid.
Bath sponge/loofah
Your bath sponge or loofah is one of the most overlooked items, but it’s one of those items you ought to replace regularly. Think about it – it hangs in your bathroom 24/7 in a wet shower. It’s basically a ball of potential mold and bacteria breeding ground!
Toothbrush
If your toothbrush is close to your toilet seat, faecal matter can actually land onto your toothbrush after everytime you flush. And that’s not the worst part! According to this study, over 100 million types of bacteria have been found to contaminate toothbrushes. So keep your toothbrushes upright, keep them as far away from the toilet bowl as you can and close the toilet lid before flushing. And of course, replace your toothbrush regularly!
Toothbrush holder
It would be in vain to replace your toothbrush regularly if you forget about its holder. It’s a breeding ground for germs, especially so if you are sharing one with your family or housemates. According to the NSF study, toothbrush holders are amongst the most bacteria-infected things in the household with 27% having coliform bacteria. Go wash yours if you haven’t already, and scrub all the grime out!
Razors
Keep your razor in the bathroom? Big mistake. According to this study by American Academy of Dermatology, you should dry out your razor completely to prevent bacteria from growing on it. And even when stored in a dry area, razors don’t have a long shelf life. The AAD recommends replacing disposable razors every five to seven shaves.
Bath towels
How many times do you use your towel before washing it in the laundry? By keeping a towel on a hook, it stays wet and can create mildew. Make sure to wash bath towels frequently, preferably with hot water. If you still detect that distinctive mildew smell after washing, then you know it’s time to toss and replace your towel!
Bath mats
Much bath towels, bath mats are usually exposed to damp and dark environments that bacteria love. But unlike towels, bath mats aren’t washed as frequently. Are you on your way to tossing your bath mat into the laundry yet? We hope so! And if you have a cloth bath mat that can’t be easily washed and dried completely, then throw it out and replace it.
Contact lens case
Your contact lens case might not seem like something that would need regular cleaning or replacing – especially since it literally holds contact lens cleaner – but when you handle your contact lenses and case, you transfer germs from your hands into the case. When dealing with items that go directly onto your eyes, it’s best to replace occasionally and always wash your hands before handling contact lenses.
TV remote
The list of things that the TV remote has touched includes anything your hands have touched, the coffee table, the couch, and the floor if you drop it. Coupled with the fact that it’s often neglected as a household item that needs cleaning, you’ve got yourself yet another bacteria breeding hotspot. Same applies to your aircon or gaming console remotes too! Wipe them down regularly with disinfecting wipes.
Keyboard
Much like your TV remote and phone, your keyboard has been everywhere your fingers have been. Imagine all the germs and bacteria teeming on and within it. Researchers have found that your keyboard contains 400 times more bacteria than your toilet seat, and it's worse if if more than one person is using it. Wipe and disinfect your keyboard regularly, and go under the keys if you can.
Mop
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Mops are supposed to help you clean your house but many of us might be dragging around more bacteria instead. Mops tend to be damp, and we know that such conditions are the perfect habitat for bacteria to grow. Make your mop is left somewhere where it can dry completely. And wherever possible, leave your mop in the sun to give it some UV therapy.
Purses/bags
We’re not saying to throw out your purses and bags, but they do bring tons of germs into the house. The NSF found a high amount of yeast and mold at the bottom of most purses that were swabbed. So the next time you come home, don’t immediately set your bag down on the kitchen counter or dining room table! And don't forget to regularly wipe down your purses and bags with disinfectant wipes.