Having a thoroughly sanitized and decluttered living space is one of the greatest pleasures in life. Although you may keep your home tidy and have disposed of your unread magazine stacks, grimy bacteria still lurk in unexpected places.
1) Kitchen
Despite a common misconception, the study found that the kitchen, and not the bathroom, was the dirtiest room in the house. Approximately 75% of dish sponges and rags were contaminated with coliform bacteria, an indicator of possible fecal contamination.
It is imperative to note that other areas of the kitchen may be contaminated in addition to the countertops, cutting boards, and sink. Before making your next cup of coffee, it might be a wise idea to take a closer look at your coffee maker. There is a high risk of yeast and mold growth in the appliance.
A helpful tip: Before brewing, fill the reservoir of your coffee pot with equal parts water and vinegar, and let it stand for 30 minutes. It is recommended that you replace those sponges at least once every two weeks.
2) Bathroom
It is not surprising that the place where we clean dirt off our bodies is high on the list. As a result of the moisture from those long hot showers, this is an ideal environment for the development of germs. One of the most common culprits is the toothbrush, which is one of the most personal items we own. According to the study, 27% of those pesky coliform bacteria, as well as 14% of the staph bacteria, reside within those bristles. We usually touch faucet handles with dirty hands prior to washing them, making them prone to contamination.
The following helpful tip may be helpful: disinfect faucet handles with wipes or spray, and replace toothbrushes every three months.
3) Office
Germ magnets include everyday items such as keyboards, cellphones, keys, and pens. In most cases, these are objects that are typically shared among family members and house guests, which facilitates the transfer of ownership. A helpful tip is to wash your hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds with clean running water and soap on a daily basis.
3) Living Room
Electronics such as video game controllers and remote controls are also susceptible to harmful bacteria. It is also imperative not to overlook the carpet. We often bring dirt and other unmentionables indoors with us via our shoes, making it a breeding ground for bacteria. A helpful tip is to remove your shoes before entering an indoor space. Use disinfectant wipes to clean surfaces.
4) Laundry
Wet laundry should not be left in the washing machine. In fact, if you have left your clothes sitting for a long period of time, you may want to run them through another wash cycle.
Tip: Use disinfecting wipes and sprays to clean the top of folding machines and any surfaces that are used to fold clothing.
5) Your pet's home
It is likely that no one tracks bacteria into our homes more than our pets. The food and water bowls that they use ranked third among the germiest household items. Pet toys came in sixth. You may encounter coliforms, staph, mold, and yeast depending on the area where you store these objects.
It is advisable to wash soft pet toys on a monthly basis and to clean hard pet toys with soap and hot water on a regular basis. It is recommended that pets' bowls be cleaned daily with hot water and antibacterial soap.