Our homes are rife with bacteria. While it’s unwise to obsess over every tiny germ, it’s nearly impossible to eliminate all microorganisms. Moreover, small quantities of these organisms typically pose no real threat.
However, certain areas in your home are hotspots for bacterial growth and could potentially make you ill if ignored. It’s these specific breeding grounds for germs that require extra attention. Here are a few examples that warrant caution.
Your smartphone
We frequently touch our smartphones throughout the day, making them hotbeds for bacteria. Many of us neglect to clean our devices, allowing these germs to accumulate. In fact, it is estimated that a typical smartphone can harbor ten times the number of bacteria found on an average toilet seat.
Speaking of toilets, this is often where the significant risks arise. Many of us use our phones while sitting on the toilet and then handle them again hours later while preparing food in the kitchen. Although we may wash our hands after using the bathroom and before cooking, we often forget to clean our hands before picking up our phones, easily transferring bacteria from the toilet to our meals.
So, what’s the best way to sanitize your phone? Obviously, submerging your device in water is not an option. Instead, disinfectant wipes are your best bet. Lysol wipes tend to be safe for your device’s case and screen. For those seeking specialized solutions, wipes designed specifically for smartphones are available online. Remember to switch off your phone while cleaning to access all the nooks and allow it to dry properly.
Your TV remote
Another commonly handled item is the TV remote, which is often overlooked when it comes to cleaning. Thankfully, most individuals don’t take their remotes to the bathroom. Nevertheless, these devices can accumulate significant amounts of germs and serve as a conduit for illness transmission among multiple users.
To thoroughly sanitize a TV remote, remove the batteries and clean it using rubbing alcohol and a cloth. Disinfecting wipes can also be effective for this task.
Your kitchen sink is a breeding ground for bacteria, especially after washing dishes. While much of this bacteria is rinsed down the drain, some cling to the sides of the sink. If you neglect to scrub it regularly, this bacteria can proliferate.
Your fridge
When you store opened and uncovered food in your fridge, spills and leaks can occur. Over time, this food debris can attract mold and bacteria, which can then spread to other items in the refrigerator.
This highlights the importance of periodically cleaning your fridge. By wiping down all surfaces, you can eliminate grime that may be teeming with bacteria, ensuring sanitary conditions for your food. Be sure to remove all shelves to get into every crevice and effectively address any hidden mess.
Additionally, you can help maintain cleanliness by ensuring all opened and uncovered food items are sealed properly. This practice prevents spills and stray crumbs from accumulating.
Your bathroom
While it’s common knowledge that bathrooms are significant sources of germs, many people may not realize the extent of contamination that can occur if proper precautions aren’t taken. The crucial factor often lies in whether or not you close the lid when flushing.
Your taps
When was the last time you cleaned the handles on your taps? Ideally, these should be sanitized regularly since they are constantly touched by dirty hands. Neglecting to clean them increases the risk of transferring more bacteria to your hands each time you turn off the tap.
Taps should be cleaned two to three times a week—a simple wipe with soapy cloth will do the trick. To reduce the frequency of cleanings, consider installing touchless taps, which activate automatically when you hover your hands beneath them. This guide outlines how touchless taps function.
Your towels
Towels may be used for drying after bathing, but they can still trap bacteria. The warm, moist environment of a towel is ideal for bacterial growth. After several uses, you might find your towels teeming with germs.
It’s advisable to launder towels after three uses, including both bath towels and hand towels.
Lastly, don’t overlook your children’s and pets’ favorite toys. Whether they are being handled by dirty hands or chewed on by your dog, these toys are likely to come into contact with various bacteria.
