Top 17 Everyday Items That Could Be Carrying Germs You Touch Daily

WebMD reports a surprising fact that the dishwashing sponge is one of the dirtiest items in your home. It’s used to scrub off food scraps and grime from dishes and other kitchen tools. Therefore, it’s constantly in contact with dirt and bacteria, making it extremely hard to keep clean. It's recommended to replace it frequently or wash and dry it in the sun after each use.

While toothpaste may clean the germs in your mouth, it doesn’t completely eliminate the bacteria that cling to your toothbrush bristles. After brushing, if you place the brush in a holder, any remaining water droplets may drip down, spreading germs onto the holder, creating an ideal breeding ground for bacteria.

To keep it clean, regularly disinfect the holder, replace your toothbrush every 4-6 months, or dry them in the sun after each use.

While the Corona virus does not spread through dogs, cats, or other pets, other types of germs certainly can. Pet toys often carry a lot of bacteria from pets' mouths or from being played with on the floor. It's important to regularly clean pet toys to avoid the risk of infection. If the toy is made of rubber, soak it in disinfectant and rinse with clean water. If it's fabric, wash or scrub it with detergent and dry it in the sun.

You frequently use your wallet or handbag but rarely clean them. Moreover, they are often placed in areas with high germ exposure, such as on seats, tabletops, or car seats. This makes them a common source of germs that are always within reach.

To reduce the risk of disease transmission from your wallet or handbag, hang it on a dedicated hook when you get home. You can also use antibacterial wipes to clean its surface.

When choosing a wallet or handbag, opt for smooth-surfaced models, as they are easier to clean and harbor fewer germs compared to those with textured surfaces.

You often use kitchen towels to wipe surfaces such as stoves, countertops, or dining tables. This convenient cleaning method can also be an ideal place for bacteria to gather and thrive on the towel.

To eliminate them, make sure to wash your towels regularly. The best method is to soak the towel in a disinfectant solution for about 15 minutes before washing and then dry it in the sun.

The fast spinning and drying functions in a washing machine cannot remove all stubborn bacteria, including the rotavirus which can cause serious stomach issues.

To combat this, try washing clothes with hot water, use bleach when possible, and never skip the drying function of the washing machine.

Refrigerator handles, microwave doors, faucet levers, and even the time clock at your office are covered in bacteria.

After each use, be sure to wash your hands with antibacterial soap to prevent harmful germs, including the Corona virus, from entering your body.

These items are often cleaned using a communal sponge at the office, which becomes a perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria and viruses.

To avoid this, consider using your own cleaning supplies for your glass or mug. Rinse your cup with hot water after each wash.

Money circulates through many different environments, passing from person to person. According to WebMD, scientific studies have found that most bills carry around 3,000 types of bacteria. These bacteria can cause acne, skin conditions, and other health issues for those who handle them.

The best way to protect yourself is by washing your hands with antibacterial soap after handling money.

People from all over touch the ATM keypad. American scientists have discovered bacteria from food such as fish, chicken, and decaying plants on these buttons.

When you press the keys on an ATM, there's a high chance that these pathogens will transfer to your fingers and enter your body if you don't wash your hands afterward.

Shopping carts are also public items that carry a lot of bacteria. People often handle raw food items and then push the carts. Babies in diapers sit on the seats of these carts for long periods. When the cart is moved to the parking lot, flies carrying parasites land on the handle...

All of these are fast tracks for spreading germs when you use them. If possible, bring disinfecting wipes to clean the cart handle before use.

Your hands, along with others', may not be clean before pressing the button to access hand soap in public dispensers. Additionally, the soap inside these dispensers can harbor bacteria if the containers haven't been cleaned for an extended period.

When you wash your hands with this soap, you become a link in the chain of transmission, transferring germs from the dispenser to whatever you touch next.

Do you know how many people press the buttons in an elevator each day? Every person who enters presses at least one button. That's why these buttons become hotspots for bacteria and viruses, including the fear-inducing coronavirus.

If possible, carry a bottle of hand sanitizer to clean your hands after using the elevator. Alternatively, antibacterial wipes can help reduce the risk of infection from elevator buttons.

Whether at home or work, it’s nearly impossible to avoid touching door handles if you need to move between rooms. However, these handles are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning.

Door handles are some of the most germ-infested objects in public spaces. If you don’t wash your hands before touching your own door handle at home, you could be inviting a host of viruses and infections into your space.

When cleaning, don’t forget the door handles—this includes handles on your house or apartment doors, refrigerator, kitchen, and microwave. Once a week, spray a mixture of white vinegar and water on the handles, let it sit for 5 minutes, then wipe clean with a cloth.

Your mobile phone goes everywhere with you. Numerous studies have shown that the surface of your phone can be up to 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat. It’s also a prime location for various harmful bacteria and viruses, including E. coli which causes diarrhea, and the novel Coronavirus strain that leads to pneumonia in humans.

The best way to deal with this germ-laden device is to avoid taking it into the bathroom whenever possible and regularly disinfect it with a soft cloth soaked in sanitizing solution.

Remote controls for the TV, fans, or other household electronics are frequently touched by everyone. When not in your hand, they may be placed on the floor, couch cushions, or table surfaces—perfect places for mold and bacteria to thrive.

To minimize the risk of spreading germs through the remote, make sure to regularly clean and sanitize it using disinfecting wipes.

At the office, it's not uncommon to have lunch at your desk. Tiny food particles or saliva can easily land on your keyboard without you noticing.

Similarly, computer keyboards at home can also harbor many germs. To clean them, first turn off the computer, then use a keyboard brush to remove any dust. Afterward, dip a cotton ball or soft cloth in some disinfectant alcohol to wipe the keyboard clean.