27 Surfaces That Are Dirtier Than You Think These Might Surprise You
Every day we come into contact with so many surfaces. Here are 27 surfaces that are dirtier than you might think and should be cleaned regularly.
In our daily lives, we come into contact with many different items and surfaces, some of which we may not realize are as dirty as they are. From commonly used household items like sponges and toothbrushes to shared public surfaces like elevator buttons and shopping cart handles, many things can harbor bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can potentially make us sick.
In this list, we’ll take a closer look at 27 surfaces that you might not have realized are as dirty as they are. This is why it’s important to clean and sanitize them regularly to help protect ourselves and those around us from illness.
27 Surfaces That Are Dirtier Than You Think | Which Household Surfaces Tend To Be Dirtiest and Why
We all know that there are germs and bacteria on household surfaces but we don’t always think about all the places we touch in a day. Go grab your cleaner and hand sanitizer!
1. Computer keyboards
According to a study, keyboards can contain up to five times more germs than toilet seats.
2. Money
Banknotes and coins can harbor a wide range of bacteria and viruses and can be a source of contamination and illness.
3. Cell phones
Cell phones can carry more bacteria than a public toilet seat due to constant contact with our hands and faces.
4. Kitchen sponges
Sponges used for cleaning dishes can be breeding grounds for bacteria and are definitely surfaces that are dirtier than you think. Sponges should be replaced frequently.
5. Toothbrushes
Toothbrushes can harbor bacteria and fungi, especially if they are not stored properly.
6. Handbags
Handbags can accumulate bacteria from surfaces they are placed on and can transfer these bacteria to our hands and personal belongings.
7. Carpets
Carpets can harbor dust mites, bacteria, and allergens, especially if not cleaned regularly.
8. Light switches
Light switches are frequently touched but rarely cleaned, making them a potential source of germs and part of the surfaces that are dirtier than you may think.
9. Reusable grocery bags
Reusable grocery bags can harbor bacteria from food, especially if they are not washed frequently.
10. Steering wheels
Steering wheels can be a breeding ground for bacteria, especially in warm and humid environments.
11. TV remote controls
Like light switches, remote controls are frequently touched but rarely cleaned, making them a potential source of germs.
12. Elevator buttons
Elevator buttons are surfaces that are dirtier than you may think because they are often touched by many people, making them a prime spot for the transmission of germs.
13. Water bottles
Reusable water bottles can harbor bacteria if not cleaned properly, especially if they are used for multiple days without washing.
14. Makeup brushes
Makeup brushes can harbor bacteria and other microorganisms if not cleaned properly. This makeup brush cleaner is PERFECT for cleaning and drying makeup brushes! You can even use Forces of Nature as the cleaner.
15. Keyboards and mice in public spaces
Shared keyboards and mice in public spaces, such as libraries and internet cafes, can harbor bacteria and other microorganisms from multiple users.
16. Gym Equipment
Gym equipment can harbor bacteria and viruses, especially if not cleaned properly between uses.
17. Men’s beards
Beards can harbor bacteria and other microorganisms, especially if they are not washed regularly.
18. Refrigerator handles
Refrigerator handles are frequently touched but often overlooked during cleaning, making them a potential source of germs.
19. Headphones
Headphones can harbor bacteria and other microorganisms, especially if shared between multiple users.
20. Shopping cart handles
Shopping cart handles can be a breeding ground for bacteria and viruses, especially during cold and flu season.
21. Pet toys and bowls
Pet toys and food bowls can harbor bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that can be harmful to both humans and pets. It is important to clean these items frequently to prevent the spread of germs.
22. Bathroom fixtures
Bathroom fixtures such as faucets, showerheads, and toilet handles can harbor bacteria and viruses, making them important surfaces to disinfect regularly.
23. Laundry machines
Laundry machines can harbor bacteria, especially if not cleaned and sanitized regularly. This can transfer bacteria to our clothing (affiliate link), potentially causing illness.
24. Remote controls and game controllers
Like computer keyboards and TV remote controls, game controllers and remote controls are frequently touched but rarely cleaned, making them a potential source of germs.
25. Cutting boards
Cutting boards can harbor bacteria, especially if used for meat or poultry. It is important to sanitize cutting boards regularly to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria.
26. Light fixtures and lamp switches
Light fixtures and lamp switches are often overlooked during cleaning and can harbor germs and bacteria just like other commonly touched surfaces.
27. Car interiors
Car interiors can be a breeding ground for germs, especially in warm and humid climates. Surfaces such as steering wheels, seatbelts, and dashboard controls should be cleaned and disinfected regularly.
Cleaning Chemicals to Avoid
It is important to carefully read the labels of cleaning products and follow the usage instructions. It is recommended to avoid certain cleaning chemicals, including harsh solvents like 2-butoxyethanol and butyoxydiglycol found in soil and stain removers, as they are hazardous air pollutants and can have negative effects on reproductive and developmental health.
Corrosive chemicals like sulfuric acid and hydrochloric acid, typically found in oven cleaners, drain openers, hard water stain removers, and toilet cleaners, should also be avoided as they can cause severe skin and eye damage.
Quaternary ammonium compounds, or quats, found in fabric softeners, disinfectants, and sanitizers, have been linked to asthma and reproductive harm and should be avoided.
It is important to look out for ingredients like distearyldimonium chloride, benzalkonium chloride, and other ingredients ending in “-onium chloride,” as well as non-specific terms like “cationic surfactant.”
Sodium hypochlorite, the active ingredient in chlorine bleach, should also be avoided as it is associated with respiratory damage.
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Not only is it effective at removing dirt and grime, but it also contains natural antifungal and antibacterial properties that help to eliminate germs and odors.
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By choosing Forces of Nature cleaning solution, you can feel good about keeping your home clean and healthy without exposing your family to harsh chemicals or harming the environment.
Keeping our surroundings clean and hygienic is crucial to maintaining our health and well-being. From the items we use every day to the shared surfaces we come into contact with in public spaces, many things can harbor harmful bacteria and viruses that can make us sick.
Taking steps to maintain a clean and healthy living space is not only important for our health and well-being, but it can also have a positive impact on the health of our communities. By reducing the spread of germs and bacteria in our homes and public spaces, we can help prevent the spread of illnesses like the common cold, flu, and even more serious diseases.
By using natural and eco-friendly cleaning solutions like Forces of Nature, we can help to promote a healthier and more sustainable way of living that benefits both ourselves and the world around us.
