5 Everyday Items That Are Covered in Hidden Germs (and How to Clean Them)
Germs. We’re taught from childhood that these invisible microorganisms are bad for us, and we need to stay away from them so we don’t get sick. But they’re everywhere, making it challenging to follow this rule, even in our own households!
Awareness helps. Knowing the everyday items that you touch and how germ-laden they are can be a great reminder to clean them (and your hands, too). Here are 7 everyday items covered in hidden germs, along with helpful tips to keep them clean.
1. Kitchen Sponges
Number one on nearly every germy object list is the kitchen sponge. This handy item is in almost all kitchen sinks, just waiting to be picked up to scrub dishes and counters.
But sponges get wet and sop up food and debris. As they dry out, they’re sitting at room temperature. This warm, moist environment is the perfect haven for millions of bacteria, like E. coli and Salmonella, to thrive.
Keeping these essential objects clean doesn’t have to be hard, though. Rinse well after each use, making sure all the food particles are gone. Squeeze the excess water out before storing the sponge in an upright holder away from water splashes. Sanitize weekly by running it through a dishwasher with a heated dry cycle or microwaving non-metallic sponges for one minute, then letting them cool.
2. Cell Phones
If you’re like most people, your cell phone is a third appendage by now. You may take it everywhere you go, including the bathroom. But how often do you wipe it clean?
Cell phones have warm surfaces that bacteria love. Depending on how often you use yours (and where you take it), it can be up to ten times dirtier than a toilet seat!
To reduce germs, power down your phone and remove all cables. Grab an isopropyl wipe or Clorox wipe, and gently dab the surfaces of the device, taking care to avoid open charging ports and speakers. Let the phone air dry completely before touching it. Repeat this process as needed, removing the case and cleaning all surfaces for a weekly deep cleaning.
3. Oral Health Accessories
From your toothbrushes to your retainer or night guard, your oral health accessories are there to help keep your teeth and gums in good shape. However, these objects are always going in and out of your mouth, and if you aren’t sanitizing them regularly, they’re a hotbed of bacteria.
Toothbrushes should be replaced every three months, according to the American Dental Association. In between replacements, though, keeping them stored safely reduces germ growth. Start by rinsing the bristles thoroughly after use, then place the toothbrush upright in an open-air container away from the toilet, ensuring it doesn’t touch other brushes.
Night guards, retainers, and dentures should be cleaned daily using the manufacturer’s recommendations. Weekly and monthly sanitizing with an ultrasonic cleanser can remove hidden germs safely and extend the lifespan of your oral appliance, but it should also be replaced as needed. This article by JS Dental Lab shares other easy ways to clean your retainer or night guard, and how to know when it’s time for a new one.
4. Keyboards, Mice, and Remote Controls
These devices make it easier to work on your computer, play games, and watch TV. Yet, if you aren’t cleaning them in between use, you’re transferring germs from one surface to multiple others.
Whether you’re the only one who uses it or it’s a shared object, keeping your keyboard, mouse, and remote clean is essential. The food you’ve eaten while scrolling, working, or playing stays on the surface. The germs from the cold you’re fighting are hanging out there, too. The dog might’ve drooled on it, or the cat stepped on it after using the litter box.
Clearly, it’s time to clean those devices. Wipe the surfaces with a microfiber cloth to remove debris, then use an isopropyl alcohol or Clorox wipe to disinfect each nook and cranny. Let them dry completely before using again, and repeat at least weekly (more often for frequently used objects).
5. Money
We all use it nearly every day, giving it to others and getting it back as payment or change. But this constant circulation makes money a big-time germ spreader.
Most dollar bills are home to thousands of germs. When was the last time you washed your hands after touching coins or cash? The bacteria from that money spreads to any other surface you touch, including your skin and mouth.
If you come into frequent contact with coins or bills at your job, it can be cumbersome to wash your hands after every interaction. However, keeping hand sanitizer nearby is a good option. Before you touch anything else out of your immediate workspace, sanitize your hands, and keep your working area regularly cleaned.
Conclusion
Staying healthy means avoiding germs, but in this high-paced world full of things, it’s an all-day endeavor! You might not be able to avoid everything that houses bacteria, but knowing the heavy hiding places gives you a heads-up on where you need to be extra cautious.
The five everyday items in this list are bacteria-friendly, but you can make them less inviting with regular cleaning and sanitization.
