Everyone likes to think of their homes as clean and comfortable as possible because nobody wants to live in filth. People put lots of effort into cleaning obvious dirty surfaces, but some everyday items might need to be much cleaner than they realize. Beyond the usual suspects, like the bathroom sink or kitchen counter, many hidden bacteria hotspots can be easily overlooked. This all comes together to create many dirty places within the home.
Kitchen Sponge
People’s kitchen sponge is likely the dirtiest item in the house despite being used to clean over things. Studies have found that sponges can harbor up to 362 different species of bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella, making them dirtier than most toilet seats. The constant moisture and leftover food create a perfect breeding ground for germs. Experts recommend replacing a sponge every one to two weeks or opting for a dish brush that can be cleaned more thoroughly to try and remove this problem.
Remote Controls
Many hands touch remote controls, but how often do people actually clean them? Between greasy fingers, dropped snacks, and everyday use, remote controls can hold more bacteria than a toilet handle, which might surprise people. A quick wipe-down with a disinfectant once a week can help keep these germs at bay, which is important for an item that is used so frequently.
Toothbrush Holders
Toothbrush holders are often neglected in cleaning routines. Still, they can be a breeding ground for bacteria, mold, and yeast due to the water that drips from toothbrushes. It’s essential to clean the toothbrush holders regularly and allow them to dry out between uses to prevent germs from multiplying, which is important considering this is supposed to be a clean area.
Light Switches
People don’t always wash their hands, so light switches are an instant spot for germs because everyone in the house touches them. Despite this, they are rarely included in regular cleaning routines. Light switches can carry as many germs as a public restroom, so it’s a good idea to add them to a weekly cleaning checklist.
Coffee Makers
While a coffee maker might produce people’s daily caffeine fix, it can also harbor mold, yeast, and bacteria inside its reservoir. The warm, moist environment inside is ideal for these microorganisms. People should make sure to clean the coffee maker thoroughly, including the water reservoir and any removable parts, to keep their brew safe and fresh.
Reusable Shopping Bags
Reusable shopping bags are great for the environment, but they can also be a haven for bacteria, especially if they are used repeatedly without washing. The combination of food residue and dirt from various surfaces can lead to contamination. Washing reusable bags regularly, preferably after each use, can help prevent the spread of germs.
Shower Curtain Liners
The bathroom is an area of the house that people often work hard to keep clean. Shower curtain liners are often overlooked when cleaning the bathroom, but due to constant moisture, they are a common spot for mildew. To keep the bathroom fresh, consider washing or replacing the shower curtain liner regularly, especially if any visible mold is noticeable.
Salt and Pepper Shakers
Salt and pepper shakers are constantly touched during cooking and meals, yet they are rarely cleaned because people don’t think about them. Research has shown that these shakers can be a home for bacteria levels that rival those of bathroom doorknobs. A simple wipe-down with disinfectant can help keep them clean and safe to use.
Phone Screens
People’s phones go with them everywhere, including the bathroom, making it a prime spot for germs as people constantly touch them. Studies have found that the average phone screen carries more bacteria than a toilet seat. People should make it a habit to clean their phones daily with alcohol wipes or a screen-safe disinfectant.
Pillows
On the surface, pillows might look clean but can be filled with dust mites, dead skin cells, and sweat. Over time, these can accumulate and negatively affect people’s sleep quality or trigger allergies. To keep pillows fresh, people should wash them every six months or replace them if they are past their prime to prevent any potential issues.
Kitchen Towels
Kitchen towels are used for everything from drying hands to wiping counters, but they can also be a magnet for germs. They often harbor bacteria like E. coli, especially if they are used repeatedly without proper washing. Changing kitchen towels frequently and washing them in hot water can kill any lingering germs.
Cutting Boards
Everyone has to use cutting boards if they want to cook fresh meals. But cutting boards, especially wooden ones, can harbor bacteria in their tiny crevices. Raw meat juices can seep into these cracks, making cleaning difficult, no matter how hard people try. It’s important to sanitize cutting boards regularly and replace them if they become too worn or cracked.
Makeup Brushes
Makeup brushes can collect oil, bacteria, and dead skin cells if not cleaned regularly, as they’re constantly being used on people’s faces. Using dirty brushes can lead to skin irritation or breakouts. Make it a routine to wash the brushes every two weeks using a gentle cleanser to keep them clean and extend their lifespan.
Pet Toys
Pets aren’t the cleanest creatures, especially cats or dogs. That’s why it’s no surprise that pet toys carry lots of bacteria. They’re often handled by both humans and pets, picking up germs along the way. While people’s furry friends may not mind, it’s still a good idea to clean their toys regularly to prevent the spread of bacteria, especially if they are shared with other pets.
Keyboards and Mice
Keyboards and mice are frequently touched but rarely cleaned, making them prime spots for bacteria build-up. Studies have shown that keyboards can harbor more germs than a public restroom.
Door Knobs
Another high-touch area that is often overlooked during cleaning are door knobs. They can carry germs from various hands, especially in households with multiple occupants. Regularly wiping down door knobs with a disinfectant can prevent the spread of germs.
Car Steering Wheel
A person’s car steering wheel is another high-touch surface that often goes unnoticed during cleaning. The steering wheel can become a germ hotspot between eating, people touching their faces, and driving. Wipe it down regularly with disinfectant wipes to keep it clean.
Wallets and Purses
Wallets and purses go everywhere and can pick up germs from various surfaces, including restaurant tables, public transportation, and counters. Making it a habit to occasionally clean a wallet and purse with disinfectant wipes can help remove that problem, especially the handles and straps.
