We all know that toilet seats are the epitome of ick, right? I mean, just the thought of all the bums that have graced that porcelain throne is enough to make you want to douse yourself in hand sanitizer. But what if I told you that there are everyday items lurking in your home and in public spaces that are actually harboring way more germs than your average toilet seat?
That’s right, folks. While we’re busy giving the side-eye to public restrooms and covering toilet seats with those flimsy paper liners, we’re completely oblivious to the fact that we’re coming into contact with germ-ridden objects on a daily basis. From your trusty smartphone to that kitchen sponge you use to clean your dishes, these seemingly innocent items are actually secret germ magnets.
So, put on your hazmat suit and grab your disinfectant wipes, because we’re about to take a deep dive into the germy underworld of everyday objects. Brace yourself for some seriously cringe-worthy revelations and prepare to look at your surroundings in a whole new (and slightly paranoid) light. Let’s get ready to be grossed out and educated all at the same time!
Restaurant Menus
You know those menus you peruse at your favorite restaurant, trying to decide between the burger and the pizza? Yeah, those things are like a petri dish of germs. Think about it – how many hands have touched those menus throughout the day? And how often do you think they’re actually sanitized? The answer is not nearly enough. In fact, studies have shown that restaurant menus can harbor a staggering amount of bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella. So the next time you’re tempted to lick your fingers after pointing to your desired dish, maybe opt for a napkin instead.
Pet Toys
We all love spoiling our furry friends with toys and treats, but have you ever stopped to think about how filthy those chew toys can get? I mean, our pets are basically putting them in their mouths and then dragging them all over the house. How often are we actually washing those toys? Probably not as often as we should be. Pet toys can be a breeding ground for all sorts of bacteria and germs, including Staph and Strep. So the next time you’re tempted to give your pup a kiss after they’ve been gnawing on their favorite squeaky toy, maybe think twice.
Elevator Buttons
Riding an elevator is like playing Russian roulette with germs. Think about how many people press those buttons every single day, and how infrequently they’re cleaned. It’s a recipe for a germ-fest. Especially the buttons for the ground floor or the most popular floors – those things are like a petri dish on steroids. In fact, studies have shown that elevator buttons can harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat. So the next time you’re tempted to press the button with your bare finger, maybe use your elbow or a tissue instead.
Public Transport Handrails and Poles
If you’re a regular user of public transportation, you might want to invest in a good pair of gloves. Those handrails and poles that you grip onto for dear life are like a germ party that never ends. With countless people touching them every day, it’s no wonder that they’re a hotspot for bacteria and viruses. In fact, during flu season or outbreaks, these surfaces can be a major source of transmission. So the next time you’re tempted to lean your face against that pole during a particularly crowded commute, maybe reconsider.
ATM Keypads
When you’re withdrawing cash from an ATM, you’re not just getting money – you’re also getting a healthy dose of germs. ATM keypads are touched by countless individuals every single day, and how often do you think those things are cleaned? Probably not nearly enough. While the money itself can be a source of germs, the keypads are the real culprits. With multiple fingers pressing the same buttons over and over again, it’s like a germ jamboree. So the next time you’re tempted to type in your PIN with gusto, maybe use a pen or your knuckle instead.
Smartphones
Our smartphones are basically an extension of our hands at this point, and unfortunately, they’re also an extension of all the germs we come into contact with throughout the day. We take them everywhere – to the bathroom, to the gym, to the restaurant table – and then we put them up to our faces to make a call. It’s like a germ delivery system. In fact, studies have shown that smartphones can harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat, including E. coli and Staph.
Kitchen Sponges
You know that sponge you use to clean your dishes and wipe down your counters? Yeah, that thing is basically a germ hotel. Kitchen sponges are the perfect breeding ground for bacteria because they’re often damp, warm, and full of food particles. In fact, studies have shown that kitchen sponges can contain more bacteria than any other item in your home, including your toilet seat.
Computer Keyboards
If you’re someone who spends a lot of time typing away at a computer keyboard, you might want to invest in some serious hand sanitizer. Computer keyboards, especially shared ones, can be a haven for bacteria and germs. With multiple people using them throughout the day, and with crumbs and dust getting trapped between the keys, it’s like a buffet for bacteria. In fact, studies have shown that computer keyboards can harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat.
Shopping Carts
When you’re pushing that shopping cart around the grocery store, you’re not just picking up eggs and milk – you’re also picking up a whole lot of germs. Shopping cart handles are touched by countless people throughout the day, and they’re rarely (if ever) cleaned. In fact, studies have shown that shopping cart handles can harbor more bacteria than a public restroom. So the next time you’re tempted to let your child chew on the handle while you shop, maybe bring a toy from home instead.
Door Handles
We touch door handles every single day without giving it a second thought, but maybe we should. Door handles, especially in public places like offices and schools, are touched by a huge number of people, making them a prime spot for germ transmission. In fact, during cold and flu season, door handles can be a major culprit in the spread of illness.
Money
Money makes the world go round, but it also makes germs go round and round. Paper money and coins are exchanged between countless people every day, and they rarely (if ever) get cleaned. As a result, they can pick up all sorts of bacteria and viruses along the way, making them a major germ hotspot. In fact, studies have shown that paper money can harbor more bacteria than a household toilet.
Light Switches
We flip light switches on and off every day without really thinking about it, but maybe we should be giving them a little more attention. Light switches are frequently touched but rarely cleaned, making them a prime spot for germs to congregate. In fact, studies have shown that light switches can harbor a wide variety of bacteria, including Staph and E. coli.
Remote Controls
Whether it’s the TV remote, the cable box remote, or the remote for your air conditioner, these handheld devices are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning. But think about it – how many people in your household touch those remotes on a daily basis? And how often do you actually take the time to disinfect them? Probably not nearly enough. Remote controls can be a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses, especially if someone in your house is sick.
Handbags and Wallets
We carry our handbags and wallets with us everywhere we go, but have you ever stopped to think about all the places they’ve been? From the floor of a public restroom to the sticky table at a coffee shop, our bags and wallets can pick up a lot of germs throughout the day. And let’s not forget about all the germy items we keep inside them, like money and credit cards. In fact, studies have shown that handbags can harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat.
Kitchen Cutting Boards
Cutting boards, especially those used for raw meat, can be a major source of foodborne illness if they’re not properly cleaned and sanitized. In fact, studies have shown that cutting boards can harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat, including E. coli and Salmonella. It’s important to use separate cutting boards for raw meat and produce, and to wash and disinfect them thoroughly after each use. So the next time you’re tempted to chop your veggies on the same board you used for raw chicken, maybe think twice.
Remember, regular cleaning and good hygiene practices can significantly reduce the number of germs on these everyday items and help prevent the spread of diseases.
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