Did you know that germs and bacteria are hiding in your home, in places you least expect?
People generally tend to avoid touching things which are noticeably dirty – dustbins, dirty plates or muddy shoes, for example. But there’s a whole list of less obvious spots in your house that are breeding grounds for bacteria. These aren’t just nooks and crannies, but rather, things we touch, put in our mouths and rub our faces with every day!
Here, we shed light on 6 of the most surprisingly germy places at home.
1. Toothbrush
Before you put your toothbrush in your mouth, think about this. The University of Manchester found that a toothbrush can house about 10 million bacteria or more, and the University of Alabama reported that faecal germs exist on them too.
But don’t panic, you can easily keep it clean! Just rinse your toothbrush thoroughly after each use, and make sure it’s kept at a place that allows it to dry out completely. Remember to also replace your toothbrush once every few months and avoid sharing them with your partner or family member.
2. Kitchen Sponge
Many of the germiest places in your house are found in the kitchen, and it’s no surprise, considering it’s where all the food is. But have you ever thought that the dirtiest item would be the one you use to clean things? Your kitchen sponge probably contains a whole heap of bacteria, yeast and mould, accumulated overtime with all that washing and scrubbing of dirty plates.
The next time you do your dishes, remember to microwave your wet sponge for at least two minutes and make it a daily affair. Do also replace your sponge every two weeks.
3. Bath Toys
If you’re a parent, your little one’s bath toys may contain more germs that you realise. Your child’s rubber duckie may just be bobbing innocently on the bathtub, but their insides don’t show you a pretty picture. A study by the Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology and the University of Illinois found dense slimy layers of bacteria in each toy they cut in half.
Make sure you clean your child’s bath toys regularly by soaking them in warm water and vinegar, before drying them well. After each use, remember to squeeze as much water as you can out of the toys and store them in a cool, dry place.
4. Pet Toys
When was the last time you washed or cleaned your pet’s toy? If you can’t remember, chances are, it’s already reeked with germ colonies from the environment your pet plays in. These toys can harbour bacteria that can be harmful to both you and your furry friend.
To wash the toys, soak and wash them in hot water and detergent, before running them under a hot dryer for at least 30 minutes. Make sure they are dry and clean before handling it with your pet!
5. Coffee Machine
If you love your coffee, love to clean it too! Coffee machines are one of the most notorious and hidden breeding grounds for bacteria. They’re dark and damp, and saturated with mould, yeast and bacteria.
Read the instruction manual for the proper cleaning routine. But one good way is to add vinegar to the reservoir and let it soak for half an hour before brewing it. Run fresh water through it three times until the smell goes away. Besides that, do also clean the insides of the machine with a damp cloth, brush and some soap.
6. Make-up Bags
For all the girls out there, your make-up brushes and bags may be a cosy place for germs to dwell, especially if you bring them along for dinners and parties. You might want to think twice before you line your eyelashes with old, dirty mascara!
Wash your brushes and bags regularly with soap or cleansers and try to keep it away from damp and warm places. Instead, store them in a clean, dry place at room temperature. Apart from that, remember to replace your make-up every six months, especially if they are used for your eyes.
And now you know the top secret hiding spots for germs and bacteria in your home. Remember to keep them clean regularly, and if you suspect an eye or skin infection, don’t hesitate to consult our doctors and get help within minutes. Click here if you’d like to consult a doctor today.