An expert has revealed common household items are hotbeds for germs that could be making us sick - from baths to salt and pepper shakers. Germs lurk in even the most unsuspecting of places, according to Terry Fisher of property buying service WeBuyAnyHome.
He 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.”
Household items can host a range of bacteria, from Staphylococcus aureus and salmonella to E.coli and mould. A study in 2016 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.
Seven household items that could be making us ill
Dish Sponges
Crowned the No.1 offender in the 2016 study, researchers found bacteria such as Stenotrophomonas, Brevundimonas, Rhizobium and Klebsiella lurking in the cleaning items. It makes sense too, as we use them to clean other items and then leave them at the sink without washing them.
Experts advise to heat them in the microwave for one minute then soak them in a little water with half a teaspoon of concentrated bleach.
Door handles
It’s impossible to avoid touching door handles regularly, and depending on the size of the household they can be touched by hands dozens of times every day. They can be a pleasant home for bacteria such as E.Coli, MRSA and, of course, Covid-19.
It’s advised to clean them at least once a week with antibacterial wipes.
Toothbrush holder
Another offender hiding in plain sight, we use the toothbrush holder every day without even thinking it needs to be cleaned too. We also don’t realise that they can pick up germs that are released into the air from the toilet when we flush.
Again, it’s recommended to disinfect them at least once a week.
Bath
The place we go to clean ourselves is also one of the places that make a nice environment for germs to multiply. The warm and wet conditions make it a perfect breeding ground, and while we might clean the bath itself regularly, we can’t reach the pipes which can be home to a whole range of germs.
Regularly disinfecting the bath’s surface is recommended, while we can help descale our pipes by using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. It can also be helpful to pour boiling water down the drain too.
Salt and pepper shakers
Basically, any household item we touch with our hands regularly can be breeding grounds for germs, especially if we don’t consider the need to disinfect them regularly. Like any surface, salt and pepper shakers can be home to the likes of E.Coli and MRSA.
Disinfect them regularly with antibacterial wipes.
Laundry
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.
Plug sockets
We switch appliances on and off regularly using one of the biggest breeding grounds for bacteria - our hands. Just like any other surface in the home that we touch regularly, these should be disinfected once a week - obviously without getting any liquid into the electrical system.
