Last updated on June 15th, 2021
You don’t need to be a crazy germaphobe to be able to live a healthy life. But some knowledge of the countless germs that you’re exposing yourself to on a daily basis, and being equipped with a way to protect yourself from them, can surely go a long way in trying to stay safe from them.
Here’s a rundown of the 7 germiest things you touch every day. And no, we aren’t talking about the obvious ones like toilet seats.
Read on. And buy yourself a hand sanitizer, if you don’t already have one.
1. Toothbrushes
Did you know, that the toothbrush that you don’t think twice about putting right inside your mouth every morning, has more germs than a dog’s mouth? And that’s saying something!
There are two very good reasons behind this germ invasion. One, we leave them wet once we finish using them, which can let some really potent germs grow and flourish, some of which can even cause meningitis. Second, our toothbrushes are very close to the toilet, which releases a fine spray of fecal matter, every single time you flush.
Consider changing your toothbrush often and keep the toilet lid closed when you flush.
2. Keys
When was the last time you thought of cleaning or disinfecting your house or car keys? I am sure, the answer is – Never! We handle them all the time, yet surprisingly, never think of them as dirty. But they tend to become a (rather permanent) home to disease-causing bacteria. It’s a good idea to sanitize them once in a while!
3. Shopping Carts
Carry disinfectant wipes if you plan to handle shopping carts, as they’ve been known to carry bacteria like E. coli, as people tend to handle raw meat and then touch the cart handles afterward, transferring the germs. If you don’t have wipes, sanitize your hands once you’re done using the cart!
4. Buttons
No, we don’t mean the ones on your shirt. These are the buttons on the ATMs and elevators that you use throughout the day, which are teeming with germs ready to jump onto your hands the moment you make contact. Protect yourself. Carry a bottle of hand sanitizer when you’re out and about!
5. Cell Phones
This is almost common knowledge now. Our cellphones, which we touch to our hands, face, and other surfaces like restaurant tables, bathroom countertops, and desks at work, are a haven for germs. It might be a good idea to wipe them down with a disinfectant wipe every now and then and reduce, if not stop our exposure to some nasty bacteria.
6. Refrigerator Handles
Yes, that harmless-looking door handle on your refrigerator is home to a wide variety of nasty germs including yeast and mold. So, the next time you want to grab a midnight snack, maybe this thought could stop you. Some way to shed those extra pounds!
7. Remote Controls
That innocuous-looking thing we all wage wars over, might not be worth touching after all! Yes, it is covered with infection-causing germs like Coliform bacteria, mold, and even staphylococcus aureus. And if it happens to be a hotel remote you’re holding, it is way worse than the ones at home, with 13 times more germs than the acceptable limit. Gloves anyone?
