Skip to content
The 6 Germiest Items You Touch Daily
Discover the six dirtiest things covered in germs that you encounter daily.
When you think of some of the dirtiest things you touch on a daily basis, your mind may jump to the toilet or trashcan. But to many people’s surprise, there are many things considered filthier. Discover some of the germiest items you may encounter daily.
As we enter cold and flu season, the spread of germs is at the top of mind as you may be trying to keep yourself and your loved ones safe from the rapid spread of winter illness.
No one wants to be sick for the holidays, so it is important to use the proper handwashing technique after encountering any of the following items.
The 6 Germiest Items You Touch Daily
In no particular order, discover some of the most common things covered in germs you encounter in your everyday life.
1. Cellphone
How many times a day do you touch your phone? Out of these times, how many times do you wash your hands after using your phone? From sending a text message, scrolling on social media, or even holding your device, your phone collects thousands of germs every time you touch it. It is recommended to clean your phone with a disinfectant wipe daily.
2. Money
Money is transferred from person to person across the country. On average, a bill will touch the hands of 110 people each year. It isn’t really a way to clean money, especially bills, so wash your hands immediately after handling money.
3. Shopping Cart
Not only are grocery carts covered in bacteria from being touched by hundreds of shoppers, but they are also covered in food contamination bacteria, like E. coli. Most grocery stores have wipes placed by the carts to clean your cart before use.
4. Dish Cloth/Sponge
It may be hard to believe, but in your entire house, the germiest thing is your dish sponge! Bacteria multiply quickly in moisture, which comes easily for an item that sits in the wet sink. You are encouraged to throw your dish sponge or cloth out every other week, or when it starts to smell bad, to halt the spread of germs.
5. Remote Control
Not only remote controls in public places like hotels, but your remote control at home carries hundreds of germs. Also, remote controls frequently fall on the ground, which adds even more germs. Like your cell phone, your remote should be cleaned with a disinfectant wipe daily.
6. Coffee Maker
Rarely the reservoir that holds the water in coffee makers is cleaned out. As mentioned earlier, moisture is a breeding ground for germs and mold. Thoroughly clean and refill your coffee maker’s water daily to stop this overgrowth.
Tips for Proper Handwashing
Using the proper handwashing technique can easily halt the spread of germs. It is important to wash your hands whenever you:
- Use the restroom
- Before, during, and after handling food
- After cleaning
- After sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose
- After touching the items mentioned above
An excellent handwashing routine is as follows:
- Wet your entire hands with water.
- Lather and rub your wet hands (back, between fingers, and under nails) with soap.
- Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
- Rinse your hand under clean water.
- Dry your hands with a clean towel.
Our handwashing techniques are in guideline with the CDC’s recommendations.
We are here for you all winter season! Topeka ER & Hospital will have you feeling better quicker with accurate testing and rapid treatment! Our expert physicians are skilled to subside your symptoms with our advanced technology. Open 24/7, even on holidays; come on in for all your emergency medical needs.
Disclaimer: As a service to our readers, Topeka ER & Hospital and Nutex Health state no content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.