A study conducted a few years ago by NSF International, identified the places in the common household with the highest germ counts. The results of the study ended with the surprise of homeowners, as the dirtiest places in the homes studied were very different from what homeowners expected them to be.
So where do most of the germs reside in our homes?
Dirty Sponges
The study found that 75% of sponges tested contained fecal matter, E. coli, AND Salmonella. That is pretty terrifying, most of us know that sponges are prone to harbor many germs when they are not cleaned, but not that level or that type of germs. In fact, a sponge was found to have much more illness-causing organisms than the handle of the bathroom faucet which came in at 9% in the study.
To get rid of almost all the germs lingering in a sponge you should clean it weekly at the very least. To clean them you can place them in a bowl of water and then microwave for one minute, or place them in the dishwasher.
Kitchen Sink
The kitchen sink is a place used very often in our homes, and as such it is the home a very large amount of bacteria. We wouldn’t think it to be a dirty place because we are usually using the kitchen sink to clean things, but it hosts 1,000 times more bacteria than the toilet bowl.
Light Switches and Handles
Reading this one you are probably thinking, well that isn’t anything new, or surprising. Many people know that light switches and doorknobs carry germs. The germiest light switches and handles in your home are not where you would expect them to be. Okay, maybe one light switch is, that is the bathroom light switch ( many more germs than the doorknob). Also coming in hot are the knobs on the stove and fridge and microwave handles.
It is a good idea to wipe all surfaces that are touched often with hands at least once a week with a disinfectant wipe, and of course, always wash hands frequently.
Grout
The grout in between your tile is one of the most porous surfaces in the home. These tiny grooves combined with a high moisture atmosphere make a most-loved home for bacteria and mold.
The best way to completely ensure your grout is clean and sanitized is to call in a professional cleaner to deep clean and seal your grout.
Related: Did you know you should have your grout professionally cleaned?
Carpet
Though your carpet may not look overly worn or dirty, it can be harboring up to eight times its weight in dirt and dust. Some carpets in the study were found to be dirtier than a city sidewalk!
It is extremely important to have your carpets professionally deep cleaned at least once a year to remove dirt and sanitize. Once you have had a professional cleaning you want to stay on top of routine and proper vacuuming at least once a week.
Don’t let the shock of these dirty areas overwhelm you, call in the pros to help you get the dirtiest areas of your home back in shape.
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