Where do germs accumulate in the home?
When we think about germs building up in the house, we will often think of the most likely places, such as the toilet, door handles, bins, and the floor. However, germs can actually lurk in many surprising places, including:
- Toothbrushes
- Salt & pepper shakers
- TV remote controls
- Bathtubs
- Kitchen sink and sponges.
Read on to find out more and get some tips on how to keep these areas clean.
1. Toothbrushes
You would never put something covered in bacteria into your mouth, right?! You may be surprised to know, however, that a toothbrush can actually hold a lot of germs.
As you may be aware, there are lots of germs in your own mouth. When you use a toothbrush, the brush will become wet, especially as many of us rinse it after use. As bacteria like a moist area to grow on, these germs from our mouth stick to the bristles of the brush and can start to multiply.
In addition, research suggests that flushing the toilet sends a spray of water droplets contaminated with bacteria and viruses into the air.1 These particles may even float around in the bathroom for up to two hours after each flush before landing on a surface. This makes it likely that your toothbrush will come into contact with these germs.
To try and protect your toothbrush from a build-up of germs, it is recommended that you leave it in an area where it can dry out between uses. Make sure your toothbrush doesn't sit too close to the toilet, and close the toilet lid before flushing. You should also replace your toothbrush often, particularly if you have been unwell.
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2. Salt & pepper shakers
Salt and pepper are some of the most commonly used condiments when it comes to cooking and eating, so it's no surprise that bacteria can begin to build up on shakers containing these seasonings!
Some people may use salt and pepper shakers every day to flavour their evening meal. As many of us may be a little slack when it comes to hand washing, this could mean that any germs you've picked up during the day will be transferred to the device.
This becomes a bigger problem if you are showing signs of illness, such as a common cold. The cold virus can easily be spread and if droplets containing a virus are left on surfaces such as these, the virus can readily be picked up by others.
Using salt and pepper shakers whilst cooking can also be an issue due to cross-contamination. If you have handled raw meat or fish, and then picked up the shaker before washing your hands, the bacteria from your hands could be transferred, and is likely to grow.
To best avoid this, make sure you wipe down the salt and pepper shakers with a disinfectant spray after use, just as you would with the kitchen counters or table and any chopping boards. In addition, wash your hands before and after using the condiments.
3. TV remote controls
TV remote controls are another common culprit when it comes to germs in the house. They are dropped on the floor, stepped on, stuffed down the side of the sofa, coughed on, and touched by every member of the house – so, you can see where the bugs are coming from!
Numerous studies have found that the surface of a remote control contains more germs than anywhere else in the whole house!2 Active germs can live on remotes for at least 24 hours, so it is highly likely that any bacteria or viruses present will be passed on.
Wiping the remote with a disinfectant spray, or an alcohol wipe, can help to remove germs – make sure you clean in and around the buttons where bugs are likely to gather. Apart from this, washing hands regularly is another way to ensure germs don't end up on lots of household items!
4. Bathtubs
Taking a long bath may be relaxing, but have you ever thought of the bacteria that could be lurking there?
It is thought that many bathtubs may be contaminated with staphylococcus bacteria, as well as faecal matter and fungi; and this is thought to be even more prominent in whirlpool baths.
It is assumed that the main reason whirlpool tubs are so dirty has to do with the inside of the pipes used to propel the water. Water tends to get trapped in these pipes, providing the perfect breeding ground for bacteria to grow! When the jets are turned on, the germy water is pushed up into the bath, allowing for the spread of bacteria.
To prevent the accumulation of bacteria, it is recommended that you clean and disinfect your bathtub with a bathroom cleaner after use, then dry with a clean towel to reduce the risk of germs growing on a wet or moist surface. If you have a whirlpool tub, you should also clean out the pipes regularly.
To clean the pipes, fill the tub with hot water to at least three inches above the height of the jets. Add two to four teaspoons of powdered dishwasher detergent. For a deep clean, you can also add 1 cup of bicarbonate of soda or white vinegar. Run the jets for 15 minutes and then turn off and drain the bathtub.
5. Kitchen sink and sponges
The kitchen sink, and the sponges used to clean dishes, may the worst culprits for accumulating bacteria; and many of us may not be aware of this!
Food particles from plates left to soak, or utensils which have been used to prepare raw food products and are then left sitting in the sink, can serve as a breeding ground for bacteria, such as E. coli and salmonella. Both of these can be seriously dangerous to humans.
Even after washing the dishes, these bacteria may have come into contact with your hands, meaning they could then be spread throughout the rest of the house.
Unfortunately, many people neglect their kitchen sink when it comes to proper cleaning. In addition to this, people often use the same dish sponge for a lot longer than they should, which means the bacteria has more opportunity to build up and spread.
To sanitise your sink and prevent the spread of bacteria, it is recommended that you wash it once a day with a solution of bicarbonate of soda or white vinegar, and water, letting the solution run down the drain. You should also remove the drain plug and give it a good clean too. Then wash your hands thoroughly. When it comes to dish sponges, replace every 2 weeks to avoid the accumulation of germs, or swap to a reusable one that can go through the washing machine for thorough cleansing.
Results: Do you worry about bacteria and germs lurking in your house?
References
2 American Society for Microbiology. (2012, June 17). Remote controls are one of the most contaminated objects in hotel rooms. ScienceDaily.
