From toothbrushes to kitchen cutting boards, many of the items we use daily contain more bacteria than the toilet
From an early age, adults have taught us to wash our hands after using the toilet. And justifiably so! But studies show that it’s not just the toilet seat that is dangerous.
From toothbrushes to kitchen cutting boards, many of the items we use every day contain more bacteria than the toilet bowl. But many people aren’t aware of the dangers these items can pose.
Sixteen Things Dirtier Than a Toilet
Phone
Experts have experimentally proved that a smartphone accumulates more bacteria than the surface of the toilet seat, including staphylococcus bacteria. And almost 75% of Brits said they take their phone with them to the toilet.
Tablet
Researchers found about 500 units of staphylococcus aureus on the surface of tablets – a number 30% higher than the number of bacteria on the toilet bowl.
Computer keyboard
Hard to believe, but a fact! There are 5 times more bacteria on a computer keyboard than on a toilet seat.
Tip: Don’t forget to wipe your gadgets with a disinfectant or alcohol solution from time to time. And your phone every time you come home from the street.
Money
Money goes through hundreds of human hands. In numbers, paper bills accumulate about 200,000 microorganisms.
ATM
Each ATM button is covered with about 1,200 germs.
Car steering wheel
Like a computer keyboard, the steering wheel is home to 5 times more bacteria than the toilet seat.
The carpeting in the home
Carpets harbor 650 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. The most dangerous microorganisms are E. coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella.
Chopping board
Scientists have found 200 times more bacteria on kitchen cutting boards than on the toilet seat. Raw meat and fish boards are most affected.
Tip: Wash your board thoroughly after use by scalding the surface with boiling water.
Towel
A wet towel creates the most favorable environment for microorganisms to breed: moisture, heat, and organic material.
Tip: Change your towel every week.
Toothbrush
If you have a bathroom next to a toilet, consider keeping your toothbrush free of small splashes of water with dangerous germs. Scientists have proven that when you flush your toilet, the splash from the toilet can travel up to six meters.
Tip: Keep your toothbrush in a ventilated toothbrush case.
Faucet handle
Often people use a faucet when there is a need to wash dirty hands. 20 times more germs collect on it than on the surface of the toilet seat.
Dishwashing sponge
Kitchen sponges collect 400 times more germs than toilet seat lids. And as much as 10% of sponges harbor salmonella.
Tip: Have a few sponges. One of which is for washing dishes that have come into contact with raw meat or fish. Throw away old sponges more often.
Light Switch
A light switch is a home to up to 30 germs per square centimeter.
Restaurant menus
Restaurant menus have 100 times as many germs as the toilet seat.
Tip: Don’t forget to wash your hands before you eat.
Supermarket shopping cart
Imagine the number of unwashed hands the supermarket cart goes through in a day. It accumulates many times more bacteria than the toilet seat.
Elevator Buttons
Elevator buttons have also come under the observation of scientists. They harbor 40 times more bacteria than the toilet seat.
The only advice you can give to somehow reduce the chances of catching dangerous bacteria – wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and periodically treat them with special disinfectant solutions, and sprays, which can be bought at any drugstore or supermarket.