10 Germiest Areas in the Home [and what to do about them]

Test your knowledge - did you know that the following areas in your home could be the germiest?

1. The Vacuum Cleaner

Why so dirty?

The vacuum is used to clean the home so how can it be a source of contamination? Bags, brushes, filters, and bagless chambers harbor germs from debris that has been sucked into them and lives there until it is removed.

According to WebMD an Australian researcher tested several vacuum cleaners and all of them release a certain amount of bacteria dust and allergens back into the air. The biggest offenders are older vacuums that have never been cleaned.

What to do.

To ensure your vacuum cleaning is not putting germs back into your home, change the bag frequently or clean out the bagless chamber often. Bagless compartments should be washed with warm soapy water and allowed to air dry in a well

ventilated area.

If you are using a canister vacuum the brush attachments can be cleaned by first going over them with the hose of the vacuum to suck excess dust and dirt off. Then clean with warm soapy water and allow to air dry. Cleaning the cleaner frequently is very important for it to do an optimal job.

2. Door Knobs/Handles

Why so dirty?

Door knobs are touched by nearly everyone entering or exiting a home. Germs land here and stay here until removed. A study done by the American Society for Microbiology found that the contamination of 1 door knob resulted in the spread of virus germs throughout a populated building. Within 2 to 4 hours of contact viruses were detected on 40-60% of people in the building. The potential for viral infections are increased by contaminated door knobs and handles - even in the home.

What to do.

Disinfect door knobs frequently. How often? That depends on the amount of traffic in and out. For an average home - one time per day is effective in keeping germs at bay.

Plant based cleaners with ingredients such as tea tree essential oil or eucalyptus essential oil are very effective at disinfecting germs. Also using good old fashioned rubbing alcohol can eliminate germs as well. Apply cleaner and use a microfiber cloth to wipe dry.

3. The Kitchen Sink & Surfaces

Why so dirty?

The kitchen sink and your counters may look clean. Of course the naked eye cannot see bacteria and germs but until these surfaces are properly sanitized they can harbor harmful bacterial, viruses, and microbes.

The USDA noted that slmonella, camp. jenuni (leading cause of food born illness), E. coli, staph can all thrive in the kitchen. Some thrive in wet conditions - others in dry.

What to do.

Disinfect with healthy yet effective cleaners. It is super important to allow any cleaner you use to sit on the surface for a few minutes so that it can trap and destroy germs. Again safe alternatives such as good quality tea tree essential oil, Thieves essential oil blend, and eucalyptus essential oil -when used properly -are very effective.

Hot water has also proven to kill germs. A microfiber towel rinsed in hot water is effective when used in conjuction with a cleaning solution.

A handheld home steam cleaner is another great option. Use caution and follow any manufacturer's instructions as well as know what your surfaces can handle so as not to damage them.

4. Washers & Dryers

Why so dirty?

Washers tend to always be a wet environment. Molds and bacteria thrive and populate in wet environments. The CDC also found that many contaminants found in washers and dryers are from dirty cloths - seems pretty obvious right? Shorter wash and drying cycles also allow bacteria to grow.

What to do.

Opt for the longer cylces. If your load can handle it use heat. At the end of your laundry day or one time per week wipe down or run a cycle with a disinfectant. Don't forget to allow the solution to sit for a few minutes before washing it away. If you are wiping your washer and/or dryer out use a hot micrifiber cloth.

5. Dish Sponge

Why so dirty?

It stays wet. Germs thrive and populate in wet areas. The USDA noted that sponges contaminated with staph transfer it to stainless steel surfaces and survives for up to 4 days. One study of found that out of 10 kitchens tested in the U.S. - 33% of sponges had E coli and 67% had other fecal coliform on them.

What to do.

USDA says that chemical treatment to kill bacteria is less effective than heat. Some recommend microwaving the sponge . However placing the sponge in the dishwasher for your daily cycle will also get the job done. In fact pouring boiling water over the sponge (in a sink) will also destroy nasty germs. Wring out the sponge and allow it to dry. Don't forget to replace them regularly too.

6. Cutting Boards

Why so dirty?

Food bacteria can hang out in the grooves and pours of cutting boards - both plastic and wood. Some research has shown that wood cutting boards allow germs to sink down where they die off. Others have noted that plastic cutting boards get grooves in them from knives and it is almost impossible to clean the bacteria out of them. The debate will continue on which is better - plastic or wood.

What to do.

The FDA states that both are safe as long as they are cleaned well and replaced often. Use seperate boards for cutting raw meat and produce. Many everyday home products can disinfect if properly used.

Some product companies would like to say that only using chlorinated bleach will destroy germs from raw foods. However solutions such a hydrogen peroxide has also proven effective is changing the molecular structure of bacteria and virus to make them ineffective as contaminates. Hydrogen peroxide is much safer for your health than chlorinated bleach. Young Living's Thieves essential oil blend is well known for its anti-bactieral abilities and is much safer than bleach.

Since the food you and your family consumes comes into contact with your cutting boards - choose safe cleaners.

7. Toothbrush Holder

Why so dirty?

Out of all of the bathroom items the National Science Foundation tested toothbrush holders had by far the most micro organisms (3,318,477 / 1.5 sq.in.) Twenty seven percent of holders tested had coliforms, 64% yeast fungus, 14% staph bacteria. If the toilet is flushed with the lid open, then it is a potential landing surface for airborn fecal matter as well.

What to do.

There is just no substitute for proper and regular cleaning. Wash the holder in warm soapy water or in a dishwasher (if it is dishwasher safe) 1 to 2 times per week. Use a holder that is open from top to bottom to make it easier to to clean.

Other strategies for reducing germs is to put the toilet lid down before flushing. Wash your hands before using the toothbrush. If you want to place the toothbrush holder in a cabinet make sure that it - as well as the toothbrushes - are dry to reduce germ growth.

8. Shower Curtains

Why so dirty?

Because shower curtains stay wet for a period of time bacteria thrives here. There is a certain kind of bacterial called biofilm microbes that are tolerant to high temperatures and mild cleansers like shampoo. Also soap scum slows drying which in turn aids in bacterial growth.

What to do?

Eliminating shower curtain bacterial requires persistence and regularity along with the correct cleaning solutions. Some would recommend a cleaner with bleach for this job. But bleach poses serious health risks. A safer option is hydrogen peroxide. As noted earlier HP has the ability to change the molecular make up of bacteria and microbes breaking them down. Another safe option is vinegar. It also can break down soap scum and bacteria for effective cleaning.

You may want to consider using a nylon shower curtain that can be put through a cycle in the cloths washer. The agitation along with cleaning solution will have your shower curtain clean and smelling good.

9. Remote Controls

Why so dirty?

They are frequently touched, often overlooked for cleaning, and hard to clean thoroughly. Contaminants found on remotes have been urine, feces, cold viruses, oils and many other germs.

What to do.

Initially you may want to get into the crevices with a dry old toothbrush to dislodge crumbs and debris. Then use a plant based disinfecting cloth or spray a hot, well wrung out microfiber cloth with a plant based cleaner and wipe it thoroughly.

After this thorough cleaning keep the remote clean by wiping it down with a dry microfiber cloth one time per day.

10. Cell Phones

Why so dirty?

They are possibly the most frequently touch items in existence. Germ and oils from fingers and surfaces they touch will be on both the front and back of the phone.

What to do.

Phones must be cleaned frequently. Daily if possible. Once a week remove the case to get out crumbs and debris and give a good cleaning. On a daily basis use a dry microfiber cloth. Microfiber cloths can remove oil residue, germs, dust while not scratching.

So how did you do? In some cases many think because it is a cleaner - like the vacuum, sink, sponge, washer or dryer - it may already be clean. But as we saw, unless they are cleaned deliberately and properly they can become a source of germs and infections within the home. Try your best to keep these and any other areas in your home that you see are potential germ spots clean. If you need help - do not hesitate to contact us.

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Have you noticed other areas in the home that are germ spots? Tell us about it by commenting below.

Resources:

WebMD

American Society for Microbiology

CDC

National Science Foundation

USDA

FDA

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