Invisible to the naked eye, bacteria are nevertheless omnipresent in our environment, but certain surfaces are particularly covered with them. Here are the 10 dirtiest things we come into contact with on a daily basis.
The remote control
The remote control is a hotbed of bacteria. And for good reason. It is handled several times a day, and by all hands. Not to mention that it picks up dust and crumbs. According to an American study, this domestic appliance contains 290 potentially pathogenic microorganisms per cm², ie 20 times more than the toilet seat. Hence the importance of cleaning it regularly with a disinfectant wipe or a microfiber cloth soaked in alcohol, insisting on the keys.
The computer keyboard
But there is even dirtier. We eat, sneeze, cough, and hit it without thinking about washing our hands first. This is how thousands of bacteria settle on our computer keyboard. Whether at home or at work, other people can also grab it, which further increases the risk of transmitting bacteria. A computer keyboard contains 400 times more bacteria than a toilet bowl. To clean it, use a compressed air bomb, which will dislodge dust and other residues, then pass an antibacterial wipe over the entire surface.
The pillows
They’re not just for us. According to a study carried out by Saint Bartholomew’s Hospital (London) and the London NHS (National Health Service), a third of the volume of pillows contains bacteria, dead skin, dust mites, their excrement… Just changing pillowcases regularly is not enough. You should also remember to wash your cushions every three months. Note that synthetic pillows can be machine washed at 40°C or 60°C. For those in feathers or down, it is better to opt for the delicate laundry option (40°C maximum) and avoid spinning.
Mobile phone
Another nest of germs: the cell phone, which you often take to the bathroom, then slip into your pocket, under the pillow before sleeping… It contains more bacteria than a subway bar. In total, more than 7,000 different bacteria are present on a smartphone. They are deposited via our fingers – knowing that, according to a study conducted by Deloitte, the French consult their mobile on average 26.6 times a day (and almost double, or 50 times a day, for 18-24 year olds) -, but also via the sputters that we expelled when we are in communication.
Toothbrush
A small object that has a large number of bacteria. A toothbrush can contain up to 10 million bacteria, according to a study by researchers at the University of Manchester. In addition to being placed in a humid environment, an environment conducive to the development of several bacterial species, it is infected by bacteria from the mouth, but also by splashes, or even the tube of toothpaste. It is therefore essential to thoroughly rinse your toothbrush after each use in hot water and to change it at least every three months. Finally, it is strongly recommended not to put several toothbrushes in the same cup in order to avoid the migration of microorganisms from one tool to another.
handles and switches
Touched many times during the day, and by different people, light switches and handles are a great source of germ transmission. Even if in appearance they are not dirty, it is important to remember to disinfect all the door handles of your house: those of the cupboards, but also that of the microwave, and the refrigerator, which is a real bacteria reservoir. As a reminder, in order to avoid food contamination, it is recommended to clean the inside of your fridge once or twice a month. For the switches, you can rub them with a cotton ball soaked in alcohol or white vinegar.
banknotes
Coins and banknotes, which pass from hand to hand that are not always clean, are particularly carriers of bacteria. This is why during this pandemic period, payment by contactless bank card is highly recommended. According to a study carried out a few years ago by scientists from the University of Oxford, banknotes in Europe harbor on average more than 26,000 bacteria.
handbags
On the list of the dirtiest objects, we also find handbags, which we put on the floor, on the table, or which we hang on a door handle in the toilets, and which are very rarely, if ever, cleaned. In addition to a wallet, a make-up bag, keys, or even a diary, a handbag can contain more than 10,000 different bacteria per cm². And leather models would be the most affected. To limit their presence, it is therefore necessary to clean it regularly (inside and outside, emphasizing the handles) with an anti-bacterial wipe, and remember to keep it on your lap. You can also invest in a bag hook, a small accessory allowing you to hang your handbag on the edge of a table.
kitchen sponge
Sponges are perfect incubators. You should know that a single cubic centimeter of sponge can contain up to 50 billion bacteria of 118 different species. Each time you use it, to clean your dishes, your work surface, or even to wipe the table, new bacteria from leftover food come to stay there. Not to mention that it bathes in hot water and remains permanently moist due to its porous constitution which gives it water retention power. It is recommended to wash it two to three times a week, either in the washing machine at 60°, or with white vinegar or baking soda, and to change it after two weeks of use.
The shoes and the doormat
Spits, chewing gum, excrement, cigarette butts… When we walk, thousands of bacteria nest under our shoes. According to researchers at the University of Arizona, outsoles harbor an average of 421,000 bacteria from nine different families. By rubbing your feet on a doormat, you prevent some of these germs from entering. But if we don’t disinfect it at least once a month, bacteria will proliferate and by thinking of cleaning the bottom of our shoes, we will actually line our soles with germs. To avoid flooding your home with bacteria of all kinds, the best solution is to take off your shoes when you get home.