Let's face it, nobody likes doing their laundry. Many of us are guilty of throwing a load in the washing machine and forgetting about it, putting off the most annoying part - hanging it all out to dry. But it turns out that common habit might be worse than we thought, and could cause bigger problems than just damp smelling jumpers.
WeBuyAnyHome 's Terry Fisher explains that if clothes are left in the washing machine after the cycle ends for more than 30 minutes they can become a hotbed for nasty germs. He explains: "One of the most important parts of keeping a household clean and tidy is washing our clothes regularly. But wet laundry left in the machine for as little as 30 minutes after the cycle has finished can cause germs to flourish."
His comments come after a study found more than 340 different bacteria on some 30 household items, with the dish sponge being crowned the most contaminated followed by the toothbrush holder.
Kitchen sinks, pet bowls and coffee holders were also named in the top five most contaminated household items we touch regularly.
Not all bacteria are harmful to the body, but several can contribute to illnesses such as colds, throat infections and fevers.
Household items can host a range of bacteria, from Staphylococcus aureus and salmonella to E.coli and mould.
Terry said: "Most of us like to think our houses are nice and clean and we do a good job of banishing germs.
"But the truth is it’s impossible to keep our homes totally free from bacteria and even the most unlikely of everyday items are breeding grounds.
"While the usual cleaning tasks such as mopping floors, cleaning showers and wiping surfaces regularly are fairly obvious, items that are used everyday and perhaps haven’t been disinfected for months or even years can be forgotten.
"Household staples such as remote controls, salt and pepper shakers and door handles are used many times per day and we don’t usually think to disinfect them regularly.
"While it can be a difficult task to keep our homes spick and span and keep germs at bay, knowing some of the worst offenders can be half the battle."
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