Have you ever stopped to think how much bacteria is on the objects you use every day? There are many items that we use on a daily basis that may look clean, but this isn’t certainly the case. As much as staying on top of your personal hygiene can help, it’s hard to run away from these bacteria and germs as they’re all around us - even in places we may not suspect.
We’ve put together a list of the top 10 items that have the most bacteria, so that you can give them an extra clean the next time you reach for them.
1. Mobile Phones
When was the last time you cleaned your mobile phone? Since your mobile phone is always with you, often even in the bathroom, it can be 10 times dirtier than a toilet seat! Because of this, one in six mobile phones can actually be infected with fecal matter. You can protect your phone from these germs by using a disposable screen protector or a microfiber cloth to clean off dirt and other fragments.
2. Dish Sponge
Your dish sponge is probably the dirtiest item in your home. Even though we use it to clean other surfaces, its wet and absorbent feature traps food on each use, which makes it the perfect habitat for a big concentration of germs. We recommend replacing it each week.
3. Remote Control
The remote control is passed around to every person in your household and even guests; many times, it can even get lost in between the sofa or on the dirty floor. It’s best to use antibacterial wipes every now and then to keep the bacteria away.
4. Computer Keyboard
Whether it’s your personal or office computer, your keyboard is full of bacteria. Think about it; maybe you eat your lunch over it while you work or share it with a colleague. The best way to keep your keyboard clean is to give it a shake to get rid of any loose crumbs or dirt, and use a cotton ball with some rubbing alcohol to clean the surface.
5. Office Cups
A recent report by Fortune revealed that 90% of office coffee mugs are full of germs, with 20% of the studied mugs even having fecal matter on them! To make sure you don’t get your hands on any of this bacteria, take your reusable coffee mug home to clean it in your dishwasher or use a paper towel to dry it after hand washing it with dish soap.
6. Kitchen Items
Your home kitchen or office common room also have items that are full of bacteria. Some of the most common ones are your microwave, refrigerator doors, vending machine buttons, and coffee machines. Be sure to wash your hands before and after use these and clean the coffee pot between uses.
7. Money
Even though nowadays we use our cards more than cash, there’s still more than 3,000 different types of bacteria on every note! The bacteria found in cash can cause acne and even respiratory system infections. It’s better to think twice about using money and opt for contactless forms of payment instead.
8. Bathroom Towels
Just like the dish sponge, bathroom and kitchen towels are home to many types of bacteria, including fecal. Bacteria continues to grow on them because of their wet and moist surface, so even if you wash your hands thoroughly before using them, you could just be rubbing your hands in more bacteria. Try washing your towels every couple of days to keep them consistently clean.
9. Handbag
Of the many items we use on a daily basis, your handbag might be something you don’t think about cleaning very often. If you’re used to leaving it in places such as dirty counters, car seats, and even on the floor, make sure to regularly give it a clean with an antibacterial wipe.
10. Elevator Buttons
Have you ever thought of how many people have pressed that button before you? Since there’s no way of knowing how clean other people’s hands are, it’s best to press the button with your elbow or even your knuckles. Just don’t forget to have a hand sanitiser on you at all times!
Germs and bacteria are impossible to avoid, but knowing where to find them makes it easier to keep your items clean and avoid the spread of bacteria or contamination.
If you need any help with keeping up with your office cleaning or linen laundry, we’re here to help! Our team at Cleanpro are specialists in commercial hygiene cleaning, while at Cleantex we offer rental laundry services that deliver fresh linen anytime you need. We’ll make sure to keep the bacteria away by using the latest hygiene and cleaning technology that gives you the best results.
