10 Things In Your Home That Are Way Dirtier Than You Think

You might think you house is clean or that you swap out commonly used goods often enough, but there are some surprising traps lurking in plain sight. It goes beyond the usual suspects too. Think of the stuff you touch every day without a second thought. From your kitchen sponge that’s basically a bacteria breeding ground to your phone that’s dirtier than a public restroom, these everyday items are way filthier than you’d expect. If you’ve been skipping out on cleaning them, you might want to reconsider.

Cleaning a phone.Photo byPhoto credit: Shutterstock.

Kitchen Sponge

Your kitchen sponge is a bacteria breeding ground. Studies show it can harbor up to 362 different species of bacteria, including E. coli and salmonella. The constant moisture and leftover food particles create the perfect environment for germs to thrive, making it dirtier than most toilet seats. Swap it out at least every other week.

Remote Control

The remote control is one of the most touched items in your home, but how often do you clean it? Between greasy fingers, dropped snacks, and countless hands, it’s a hotspot for germs. Research shows it can harbor more bacteria than a toilet handle—especially if you tend to snack and binge-watch. Grab a sanitizing wipe and give it a rub down every week.

Toothbrush Holder

Toothbrush holders are often neglected, but they’re a bacteria magnet. When you rinse your toothbrush, water drips down and pools in the holder, creating a breeding ground for mold, yeast, and bacteria. Studies have found it can be one of the dirtiest spots in your bathroom, even rivaling your bathroom sink.

Light Switches

Light switches are high-touch areas that are rarely cleaned. Everyone in the house touches them daily, transferring germs from hands to switches. A study found that light switches can carry as many germs as a public restroom. Considering how little they’re cleaned, it’s time to start adding them to your cleaning routine.

Pressing a light switch.Photo byPhoto credit: Shutterstock.

Coffee Maker

Inside your coffee maker is a hidden haven for mold, yeast, and bacteria. The warm, moist environment inside the reservoir is perfect for these unwanted guests to grow. Studies have found that about 50% of coffee makers have mold or bacteria lurking inside, potentially contaminating every cup of coffee you brew.

Reusable Shopping Bags

Reusable shopping bags are great for the environment, but not so much for hygiene. After being tossed in the trunk, placed on dirty counters, and reused without washing, these bags can harbor bacteria, including E. coli. Experts recommend washing them regularly to avoid cross-contaminating your groceries with harmful germs.

Shower Curtain Liner

Your shower curtain liner may seem clean because it’s in the shower, but it’s a favorite spot for mold and mildew. The constant moisture creates a perfect breeding ground for these fungi, especially if the bathroom isn’t well-ventilated. That musty smell? It’s a sign you should replace or wash it before things get out of hand.

Preparing raw chicken with spices nearby.Photo byPhoto credit: Shutterstock.

Salt and Pepper Shakers

Salt and pepper shakers sit out on the table or countertop, getting touched during cooking and eating, but they’re rarely cleaned. An ABC study found that shakers are some of the germiest items in the kitchen, with bacteria levels that rival bathroom doorknobs. They’re easily contaminated by raw meat, so give them a good wipe down regularly.

Phone Screen and Case

Your phone goes everywhere with you—even the bathroom. It’s constantly touched, but rarely cleaned. A study found that the average phone screen carries 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. From bathrooms to kitchens, you’re spreading germs wherever you go. Wipe it down daily to avoid turning it into a mobile germ farm.

Pillows

Pillows might look clean, but they’re a hidden source of dust mites, dead skin cells, and sweat. Over time, these can build up, making your pillow a potential health hazard. Experts recommend washing or replacing pillows every six to twelve months to keep them fresh and to avoid allergies and other health issues.