Science Reveals: The 5 Germiest Spots in Your Home. While you may already be diligent about avoiding germs in public places, it’s important not to overlook the cleanliness of your own home.
There are certain common areas in your house that can harbor hidden dirt and germs, and it’s crucial to include them in your cleaning routine. Here are some commonly overlooked areas that may require extra attention.
Say goodbye to gross bacteria
The world is full of bacteria and viruses, creating a grimy environment wherever you go.
To protect yourself from these unseen threats, practicing cleanliness is crucial.
You may already have adopted some hygienic habits like avoiding direct contact with public restroom door handles, sanitizing your hands after using an ATM, or pressing elevator buttons with your elbow to minimize bacterial exposure.
However, it’s surprising to learn that the majority of germs are not found in public spaces but rather on commonly touched surfaces within your own home.
So, which areas in your house are the germiest, and more importantly, how can you effectively clean them?
Keep reading to uncover the top 10 germ hotspots at home—some of which may catch you off guard.
The Dirty Truth About Kitchen Sponges
Hold on! If you’re about to tackle post-dinner dish duty, you might want to reconsider reaching for that familiar Kitchen Sponge.
Prepare yourself for some unsettling information: according to a 2011 household germ study conducted by NSF, an average of 321,629,869 microorganisms call every gram of your used dish sponge their home. Disgusting, right?
To improve your dishwashing routine, it’s crucial to clean Your Sponge daily. You have a couple of options for eliminating bacteria: you can zap them with heat by microwaving a damp sponge on high for one minute, or soak it in a water and bleach solution.
However, it’s important to note that even with proper cleaning, sponges may still harbor germs over time, so you may need to replace them more frequently. If you’d rather avoid the expense of constant replacements, consider switching to a dish rag and wash it regularly to effectively eliminate germs.
Gaming Germ Alert: Take Control of Cleanliness
Who would have thought that in the world of video games, there’s more at stake than just rescuing Princess Peach? It turns out that your health can also be at risk.
A study conducted by UNICEF and Domestos revealed that there are a staggering 7,863 germs lurking on every 100 square centimeters of your beloved game controller.
Yikes! But fear not, because banishing these germs from your gaming gear is a breeze.
Start by removing the batteries from the controller, then grab a dry toothbrush and give those crevices a thorough scrubbing.
Next, dampen a cloth with a mixture of water and Rubbing Alcohol, and gently sanitize the surface of the controller.
With these simple steps, you can ensure a cleaner and healthier gaming experience.
Beware of Bacteria in Your Coffee Reservoir
Did you know that your beloved morning cup of joe could be introducing you to a significant amount of bacteria?
Research conducted by the NSF reveals that half of household coffee reservoirs are breeding grounds for yeast and mold growth.
But before you give up on your caffeine fix, there’s a simple solution: cleaning your reservoir. Fill it with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water, then set your Coffee Maker to brew.
This cleansing process will help eliminate bacteria and keep your reservoir in better condition.If you find it difficult to commit to regular cleanings, you may want to consider switching to a dishwasher-safe French press.
Not only will this alternative provide a cleaner coffee experience, but it may also enhance the taste of your beloved beverage.
Toothbrush Holder Alert: Don’t Let Germs Take Hold
Maintaining a healthy smile is crucial, but did you know that the very tool you use to brush your teeth could be spreading more germs than it eliminates? Toothbrushes are one of the germiest items in our daily lives, harboring bacteria that can potentially compromise our oral health. That’s why it’s essential to not only focus on proper brushing techniques but also take measures to keep our toothbrushes as germ-free as possible. By adopting simple yet effective hygiene practices, we can ensure that our toothbrushes remain clean and aid in maintaining a healthy oral environment.
Shockingly, one-third of the toothbrush holders examined in an NSF study showed the presence of Coliform bacteria, suggesting possible fecal contamination.
*The information is for reference only.