By: Annie Morgan
You might keep your house spotless – always making sure to vacuum and mop your floors.
But what you might not realize are the multiple items in your household that are literally covered with bacteria that could be making you sick.
The shocking thing is most people don’t even think to clean these common household items, but once you learn about the bacteria that covers them – you’re bound to change your cleaning habits for good.
Check out the most bacteria-infested items in your home you should not ignore.
Toothbrush Holders
Most people keep their toothbrushes directly on the counter – which means every time the toilet is flushed the airborne fecal particles flow into the air…
… and oftentimes directly onto toothbrushes and their holder.
In fact, CBS reported 64 percent of toothbrush holders were said to contain mold and yeast… with 14 percent containing staph!
Keep a cover on your toothbrush (and keep it away from the toilet) and be sure to wash your toothbrush holder once a week.
And don’t forget to change your toothbrush regularly! Dentists recommend at least every 4 months.
Kitchen Sponge
Your wet and soapy sponge is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and is arguably one of the dirtiest items in your entire home.
Time reported.
“Looking at 14 different used kitchen sponges, the researchers found up to 54 billion bacteria per cubic centimeter, spanning 118 genera. Many of these pose no harm to humans, it should be said, but among the species the researchers also found varieties of E. coli, Klebsiella, Staphylococcus, Salmonella and others implicated in food-borne illnesses.”
Some health experts even claim the kitchen sponge hosts more bacteria than a toilet!
Don’t bother microwaving it or throwing it in the dishwasher – you should replace your sponge at least every two weeks.
Faucet Handles
Think about it – most of the time when you turn on the faucet to clean your hands… your hands are dirty.
All of that bacteria gets transferred onto the faucet, and many people forget to clean them.
From mold to even staph – you’d be surprised what you find on your faucet.
Make sure to disinfect your faucets as part of your regular bathroom cleaning!
Think Of Other Surfaces
Be mindful of other contact surfaces like doorknobs and light switches as you go about your cleaning routine.
If you are constantly sick and you don’t know why it could be your own household that is making you sick!
But now that you are aware of the bacteria items that linger in your house, you can be proactive in keeping your family healthy.
Were you surprised to learn about the bacteria-filled items in your home?
What are some other areas you think could be harboring bacteria?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with your friends and family to let them know the most bacteria-infested items in their household!
