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While it’s common knowledge that public areas can harbor numerous germs and bacteria, it’s often overlooked that your own home can be just as, if not more, contaminated. In fact, the likelihood of coming into contact with harmful bacteria is higher in your home than in public spaces. Your house can be a breeding ground for various bacteria including staph, yeast, mold, salmonella, E. coli, and even fecal matter. The presence and spread of these microorganisms are influenced by factors like the types of surfaces in your home, your lifestyle habits, and spots that you might miss or not thoroughly clean during your routine cleaning.
A study revealed that over 340 different types of bacteria were found on 30 various objects within the home. Knowing where these bacteria are most likely to be and how to tackle them can not only reduce the risk of exposure but also help you feel more at ease. And, given that many of us are stuck at home due to quarantine or lockdown measures from the Wuflu pandemic, it’s more important than ever to focus on those areas in our homes that need special attention during cleaning.
10. Trash Bins
For some people, trash cans may not seem as dirty as expected due to the use of trash bags that line the bins. However, trash bags don’t always withstand the volume of waste in a household. They are prone to tearing or overflowing, allowing the contents to spill into the bin itself. In other instances, overfilling the can causes trash to reach the lid, spreading germs underneath. On average, there are about 400 bacteria per square inch of your trash can, which, although not as much as your sponge or cutting board, can still contribute to the growth of mold and yeast.
You should clean your trash can at least once a month. This can be easily done by spraying it with a bleach and water solution and giving it a rinse in your bathtub. Remember, it's not just the trash can that needs attention, but also the surrounding area where it sits. Bacteria can spread when you remove the trash bag. It's recommended to clean the surrounding area with a household cleaner or floor cleaner.
9. TV Remote
When you pick up the remote to turn on the TV, change the channel, or adjust the volume, you might not think about the bacteria you're touching. Given how frequently remotes are handled, by both children and adults, it's easy to overlook them during cleaning. However, it's essential to clean your remote, as studies have shown that 55% of remotes tested positive for both yeast and mold.
Cleaning your remote can be simple. You can use a disinfectant wipe or mix rubbing alcohol and water, then wipe down the remote with a paper towel. Be sure to remove the batteries and clean the inside of the compartment as well.
8. Kitchen Countertops
Your kitchen counters, often subjected to everyday use, can become breeding grounds for a variety of bacteria. Around 32% of kitchen counters harbor harmful microorganisms, with 18% being different types of mold. This can lead to significant issues as bacteria spread easily, especially when you touch your face. For instance, you can catch a cold simply by touching a contaminated surface and then rubbing your eyes. The situation worsens if you use a dirty dishcloth or sponge to wipe down your counter, as these items are known to be the filthiest objects in the kitchen.
To sanitize your counters, you can use a standard household cleaner or a bleach-water mixture. If your countertop material requires special care, it's important to research which cleaning solutions are safe and won’t cause any damage to the surface.
7. Faucet handles
After using the restroom, the next step is often to wash your hands, which means you'll inevitably touch the sink faucet handles. This action transfers a wide range of bacteria to the faucet, making it a challenge to keep things sanitary. In bathrooms, studies have shown that 27% of sinks harbor mold, and some faucet handles have tested positive for staph. On average, every square inch of a bathroom faucet handle contains 2,786 bacteria.
It's a good idea to clean your faucet handles daily, either using disinfectant wipes, sprays, or a bleach-water solution to keep bacteria at bay.
6. Stove Knobs
One often-overlooked area in the kitchen is the stove knobs, despite being one of the most frequently touched spots. While many focus on the stove's surface, the knobs are just as prone to harboring bacteria. In fact, 14% of stove knobs have coliform bacteria, and one-third of them are covered in mold and yeast. This is mainly due to the fact that people often don’t wash their hands after touching various household items, or after sneezing or coughing, which spreads bacteria to the knobs.
To prevent this buildup, try to remove the knobs and soak them in hot, soapy water once a week. If they cannot be removed, clean them thoroughly once a week with a dedicated household cleaner to maintain their cleanliness.
5. Coffee Makers
While coffee makers provide us with the energy we need, they can also serve as hotspots for bacteria. A study found that 50% of coffee makers tested had mold, yeast, and bacteria such as staphylococcus, streptococcus, and bacillus cereus. Additionally, a buildup of grime occurs when these appliances aren't maintained properly. Regardless of whether you have a drip machine or a Keurig, it's essential to clean your coffee maker regularly, as the moist environment inside is ideal for bacterial growth. The water reservoir alone can harbor up to 84,982 bacteria per square inch.
A simple way to clean the coffee maker’s reservoir is by adding four cups of vinegar and allowing it to sit for 30 minutes before brewing. Once brewed, continue brewing until the vinegar is fully gone, then run several water cycles to eliminate any remaining vinegar smell or traces.
4. Kitchen Sink
It may come as a surprise, but your kitchen sink is much dirtier than you might think. On average, a kitchen sink contains around 4,945 microorganisms per square inch—roughly 70,000 times more bacteria than a toilet handle. Due to constant use, including handling raw meat and food remnants, your sink becomes a breeding ground for bacteria, aided by the moisture and food particles. Soap deposits also contribute to the buildup. Approximately 45% of sinks harbor coliform bacteria, and 27% have mold. In fact, there’s more E. coli in your kitchen sink than in a toilet, both before and after use.
To keep your sink clean, you can fill it with warm water and a small amount of bleach, allowing it to sit for a few minutes before draining. Alternatively, you can scrub the sink with a mixture of lemon and powdered Borax, which helps clean the hard-to-reach areas and also neutralizes odors.
3. Dish Sponges
You might be surprised—or maybe not—that the dirtiest item in your home is actually your kitchen sponge. Even though it's meant for cleaning, your sponge can harbor a staggering 321,629,869 microorganisms per gram. A study revealed that 75% of dish sponges contained harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and fecal matter—far more than the 9% found on a bathroom faucet. The research also uncovered that 86% of sponges are contaminated with yeast and mold, and 18% carry staph bacteria.
It's recommended that you dispose of your sponges every two weeks. In the meantime, you can sanitize them by soaking them in a mixture of water and a small amount of bleach. If you're not fond of sponges, you can swap them for dish rags, but remember, your rag will need cleaning just as often. A hot water cycle with some bleach will do wonders.
3. Toothbrush Holders
You might not realize it, but your toothbrush could be teeming with bacteria. Before you use it again, think about the last time you cleaned it (if ever) and where it's been stored in your bathroom. On average, toothbrushes are loaded with bacteria, including mold, yeast, staph, and coliform. Plus, due to its proximity to the toilet, your toothbrush may even be contaminated with fecal particles.
Your toothbrush holder typically harbors around 2,465,876 bacteria. This means bacteria can easily spread from there. To keep it clean, wash your toothbrush with hot water and soap twice a week, ensuring it's rinsed thoroughly. Also, clean the holder regularly. It's advisable to store your toothbrush in a more closed-off space to prevent contamination.
1. Cutting boards
Cutting boards are prone to coming into contact with various bacteria, whether it’s from raw meat or the fruits and vegetables being chopped. Without proper cleaning, however, they can become a breeding ground for these harmful bacteria. In fact, unclean cutting boards can host as much as 18% coliform bacteria and 14% yeast and mold. Although these numbers may seem insignificant, cutting boards are 200 times more likely to carry fecal bacteria than a toilet seat. This risk stems from not properly cleaning the board, as bacteria can thrive in the grooves and scars left by knives.
Plastic cutting boards can be easily cleaned by running them through the dishwasher during a cycle, keeping an eye on any wear. For wooden boards, a quick soak in a bleach-and-water or vinegar-and-water mixture for a few minutes is effective, followed by a thorough rinse with hot water and air-drying. It’s also advised to use separate boards for different foods whenever possible.
