The 10 Dirtiest Things in Your Home

You’ve heard it before – an average computer keyboard is dirtier than a toilet seat. Is it true or is it just one of those urban legends? Unfortunately the answer is true. In 2008, microbiologists in the United Kingdom did a swab test on 33 keyboards and tested them for common food poisoning bacteria like Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The result? The keyboards were at least five times dirtier than the average toilet seat and contained 150 times the acceptable limit of bacteria. Constantly disinfect your keyboard with alcohol wipes, and while you’re at it, better clean that computer mouse and your entire desk, too.<br /><em><br />Photo from <a title="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1280071" target="_blank" href="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1280071">sxc.hu</a></em> <br /><br />

Dirty dialling fingers plus a constant spray of saliva make these communication gadgets a carpool of germs. In 2007, a British mobile phone company found out that the irradiated warmth of a mobile phone’s interior is dirtier than most other household objects. A piece of advice: never let your dentist take that call while attending to your mouth!<br /><em><br />Photo from <a title="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1224062" target="_blank" href="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1224062">sxc.hu</a></em> <br /><br />

Perennially damp bathroom walls can become a breeding ground for mold and bacteria. Bathroom mold can become a health hazard when inhaled so make sure to disinfect your bathroom walls and floor constantly. You can minimize moisture and humidity inside the bathroom by installing a vent fan and by removing objects that attract moisture like carpets and potted plants. Make sure that there are no leaking faucets or defective plumbing, too. Aside from minimizing humidity and condensation, remember to keep your toilet seat closed before flushing to prevent water and germs from spraying onto adjacent areas.<br /><br /><em>Photo from <a title="http://www.flickr.com/photos/35995738@N00/432790447" target="_blank" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/35995738@N00/432790447">flickr.com</a></em><br /><br />

Couch potatoes love watching the television while eating. But all those oily gook from chips, pizzas and pop corn create a surface on your remote control that is favorable to the growth of bacteria. One great way to keep your remote control clean is to cover it in transparent plastic film, which will prevent crumbs and dirt from accumulating in between the keys. It will also be easier to clean it with antiseptic wipes or a piece of tissue paper dabbed with a little alcohol.<br /><em><br />Photo from <a title="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1195235" target="_blank" href="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1195235">sxc.hu</a></em><br /><br />

They grant you access to every room in your house and they also grant access to germs that can harm your family. Wipe doorknobs frequently with soapy water or antiseptic wipes especially those installed on bathroom and kitchen doors.<br /><em><br />Photo from <a title="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1077277" target="_blank" href="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1077277">sxc.hu</a></em> <br /><br />

The debate on whether wooden chopping boards or plastic chopping boards are more sanitary is still ongoing. Nonetheless, we’re putting our money on plastic chopping boards because they are much easier to clean with a scrubbing sponge, soap and hot water. Wooden cutting boards have very tiny holes and crevices on them which can harbor moisture and disease-causing germs from the food you prepare, especially if you use your board to cut raw meat. If you prefer using a wooden chopping board, make sure to season it every 3 months by applying a thin coat of mineral oil on the surface to prevent moisture from accumulating inside. Do not use vegetable oil to season your board because it can become rancid over time. To prevent water from seeping into the board, never submerge it in water; use only running water when cleaning and immediately pat the board dry afterwards. In addition, constantly disinfect your chopping board by rubbing the surface with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide.<br /><em><br />Photo from <a title="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chopping_Board.jpg" target="_blank" href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chopping_Board.jpg">commons.wikimedia.org</a></em> <br /><br />

The humble basahan might be more sinister than you think. The very sponge and rag that you use to clean the grime off your plates and kitchen surfaces respectively are some of the yuckiest things you can ever find in your home. Thankfully, scientists from Maryland, USA discovered that microwaving your kitchen sponge can kill about 99.99% of bacteria present on it, and about 99% of yeasts and molds. Take note that the heat, not the radiation is what kills the pathogens. Be warned, however, that your sponge or rag should be wet before putting it in the microwave. Soak the sponge or rag in water, put it in a heat-resistant bowl and microwave for 1 to 2 minutes depending on how strong your microwave is set. Never microwave a dry sponge or rag, or a sponge with metallic scrubs because you’ll run the risk of starting a fire. And always make sure that your kitchen sink and food prep areas are also disinfected constantly or else your rag will just be spreading the germs around.<br /><em><br />Photo from <a title="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sklathill/1042913225/" target="_blank" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/sklathill/1042913225/">flickr.com</a></em><br /><br />

Most food items go into the refrigerator. Soups, juices and other liquids are constantly spilled inside and often, expired food items are left in the fridge for days on end. Many people also seldom clean their fridge, making it an ideal place for pathogens to thrive in and contaminate your fresh food. Make sure that your fridge’s temperature is always between 35 and 38 degrees F (1.7 to 3.3 degrees C) to help prevent the growth of germs and to keep food items fresh for longer. Clean your refrigerator once a week, according to manufacturer instructions.<br /><em><br />Photo from <a title="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/9503" target="_blank" href="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/9503">sxc.hu</a></em><br /><br />

We walk and them while kids and pets love playing on them. You can keep your floors clean by leaving shoes and other footwear at the door and by vacuuming and brushing at least every other day. You should also mop the floor often. If you’re not fond of chemical cleaners, try mopping with baking soda and white vinegar mixed with hot water. It will dry off without leaving any odor at all.  <br /><em><br />Photo from <a title="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1316997" target="_blank" href="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1316997">sxc.hu</a></em> <br /><br />

Aside from Junior and the resident chihuahua, the car is every family’s baby. But by driving this baby, you might be unwittingly chauffeuring for a whole host of unwanted passengers. Researchers discovered that the interior of a car contains anywhere between 300 to 400 types of bacteria, the nastiest of them being found on the dashboard, floor carpet, stick shift and steering wheel. You only have to think about the things you transport in your car (fast food takeouts, groceries, trash etc.) to realize where your invisible hitchhikers are coming from. Use disinfectant spray and air out your seat covers and carpets as often as necessary and always wash your hands after driving. Lessening your trips to the drive-thru is also a good idea.<br /><br />Photo from <a title="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/185443" target="_blank" href="http://www.sxc.hu/photo/185443">sxc.hu</a> <br /><br />