Safety First: Top Places Full Of Germs

1. Pillow

Use a pillow cover and wash linens weekly to get rid of the bacteria and microorganisms that are hiding in your pillows.

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2.  TV Remote Control

Just think of all the things you do while lounging and watching TV.  When you're sick the t.v. remote is your best friend.  Be sure to disinfect it often, invest in a cover to avoid a remote control that's ridden with germs.

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3. Toothbrush

This is scary since we use toothbrushes to keep our mouths clean, but they can be one of the top places in your home where germs and bacteria are lurking. There is an easy fix, run your brushes through a dishwasher or soak them in mouthwash periodically. Make sure to replace them every three months, or after recovering from a sickness.

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4. Toothbrush Holder

Store your toothbrushes on the opposite end of the room from the toilet. Its awful to think about, but when toilets flush tiny particles are shot up in the air. Also store your brushes with the bristles upwards so they can dry properly. Finally never let them touch other toothbrushes.

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5. Computer Keyboard

Here's another spot in the house that your constantly touching but not necessarily cleaning very often.  Simply remember to wipe it down with a disinfectant often.  Avoid eating over your computer, and wash your hands before logging on.

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6. Bathtub

We would hope the place where we clean ourselves was constantly clean itself.  The can host fungi, fecal matter, staph bacteria, gross! The best solution to this, is constant cleaning. If possible, spray and wipe down your bathtub after every use.

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7. Sponge

Most likely the number one place filled with germs in your household.  The kitchen sponge can be a huge breeding ground for salmonella and e. coli.  Don't worry, there's a simple fix for this problem.  Toss your sponge in the microwave on high for one minute after every use.

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8. Coffee Maker

Pour a solution of apple cider vinegar and hot water through your drip coffee maker at least once a week to help disinfect it.

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9. Washing Machine

Wash your clothing in the right order.  Wash your whites (your underwear which contains the most bacteria) last after you've finished the other loads.  Once a month be sure to run your washing machine without any clothing in it to really get out the grime that your dirty clothing left behind.

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10. Cutting Board

The raw meat and produce can carry E. coli and salmonella. Cutting boards must be thoroughly cleaned after every use. For plastic boards, run them through the dishwasher, rinse wooden boards with diluted bleach, and vinegar.

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11. Shower Curtain

When we shower, the curtain gets wet and most likely will stay wet for long after we're done. A moist curtain is begging for the growth of mold and mildew. Try simply wiping down your shower curtains with a towel after use.

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12. Dishwasher

The dishwasher is a big breeding ground for mold! Make sure you're looking out for mold in your machine, and wiping down the inside of your dishwasher regularly.

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13. Linens

Try not to share hand towels, try fun monogram ones or his and her towels. Try to get in the habit of washing your sheets and towels once a week in hot water.

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14. Re-useable Shopping Bag

Most people have admittedly never cleaned their disposable shopping bags. It's great to be eco-friendly and avoid plastic, but we must remember to be clean as well! Especially if you're regularly shopping with them and toting around things like meat, a thorough wiping is essential.

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15. Microwave

We all know the inside of a microwave can get filthy so it's essential to clean it regularly. Don't forget the outside of the microwave is just as germ ridden.  Wipe down the buttons after use, especially if you've been handling raw meat.

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16. Light Switch

Light switches are another area in the house that everyone handles constantly and daily. When doing your normal housekeeping routine, add in a wiping of those light switches too!

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Know what is the best preventative measure against germs?

Wash your hands, often.  Your hands are the way that you transfer germs and bacteria from surfaces to your mouth, and from your body to others.

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