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When you think of areas at home that harbor germs, the bathroom might be top of mind. But a study by NSF International proved that the kitchen was by far the germiest room in the home. When is the last time you wiped down the refrigerator handle or the buttons on your stove?
"Most people take steps to clean bathrooms and perceived dirty places," says Nathan Bexfield, M.D., a pediatrician at University of Utah Health Care. "But there are lots of germy places at home that you might miss."
Here are five items at home that have more germs than your average toilet.
Sponge
Ironically, the item you use to clean the kitchen is the germiest. Ranking first on the list, more than 75 percent of the sponges tested contained coliform bacteria. Germs cling to sponges and can spread to anything you wash down.
Safe solution: "To kill 99 percent of bacteria, zap damp sponges in the microwave for one minute, and replace sponges every couple weeks," Bexfield says.
Photo credit: University of Utah Health Care.
Coffee maker
When you make coffee, do you dump the grounds then forget about the reservoir? In the study, yeast and mold was found on 50 percent of coffee makers.
Safe solution: Warm, moist environments breed germs. After each use, wash the coffeepot and reservoir with hot soapy water and air dry. Run a vinegar-water solution through the coffee maker monthly.
Photo credit: University of Utah Health Care.
Toothbrush holder
It's pretty gross to think that toothbrush holders ranked second on the list for germiest items at home. Nearly 65 percent contained yeast and mold, 27 percent had coliform (the same family as E. coli and salmonella), and 14 percent tested positive for staph bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus).
Safe solution: "Wash your toothbrush holder in hot, soapy water or run it through the dishwasher weekly," Bexfield says.
Photo credit: University of Utah Health Care.
Purse
Think twice before putting your purse on the kitchen table. Chances are, it has visited a lot of bathroom floors, shopping carts and other germ-infested places.
Safe solution: Wipe the handles and bottom of your purse with disinfectant wipes, and use a bathroom hook when available. Wash hands regularly and use hand sanitizer.
Photo credit: University of Utah Health Care.
Pet toys
When was the last time you washed Fido's toys or food bowl? In the study, 23 percent of pet toys contained dangerous staph bacteria, and 45 percent of pet bowls had mold and yeast. You did wash your hands after playing fetch, right?
Safe solution: "Wash bowls in the dishwasher every couple of days, and frequently wash toys in the washer using hot water," Bexfield says.
Photo credit: University of Utah Health Care.
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