Where To Look For Long-Lasting Germs

Think about all the rooms and surfaces in your home. You do your best to keep them sparkling clean but according to the Society for General Microbiology, some bacteria can divide every 20 minutes at the right temperature and with the right nutrients.

Take a look at the top 7 spots where germs reside and how you can outfox those lingering bacteria.

Kitchen
There’s no doubt that our kitchen surfaces see their fair share of germs from time to time but there are specific items that hold onto germs more tightly than others. Make sure to frequently clean or change your sponges and rags, cutting boards, coffee maker and parts of the refrigerator that come in contact with uncooked and unwashed foods.

Light switches, handles and knobs
These often-forgotten surfaces are some of the most frequently touched in the house. Don’t neglect wiping down and sanitizing bathroom light switches, refrigerator handles, stove knobs and microwave handles.

Makeup bags and counters
Whether you’re big on beauty products or not, there are so many nooks and crannies in makeup brushes and applicators that are a prime home for germs. These germs can potentially cause eye and skin infections so make sure to clean brushes often, keep everything in a clean, dry space and replace your cosmetics regularly.

Bathroom
No surprise here. Moisture from hot showers can create a breeding ground for bacteria to linger long after you’ve cleaned yourself. Pay special attention to drains, faucets and tubs. And replace your bath towels and toothbrushes regularly.

Laundry
Laundry is an inherently clean task! But there are a few faux pas that can lead to lingering germs. When wet laundry is left in the machine, even for a brief time, it can be a great place for germs to live. Warm or hot water is much more effective in killing bacteria and viruses than cold water is so use it whenever possible.

Home office
When working from home we need to be mindful of the germs on equipment surfaces. Remote controls, computer keyboards, phone and tablets often get passed from one household member to the next and need to be cleaned more frequently than other surfaces.

Pets
Here’s a sneaky one. We love our furry friends, but they have a lot more free rein than we think. When pets wander outside, they can bring germs and bacteria into the home and into any of the above spots without us knowing. Clean their bowls and toys regularly and give their paws a little wipe down if they’ve been out and about.