6 household objects you didn’t know could make you sick
It’s the germs you don’t even think about that could be causing your household to get sick. Whether it’s the flu, gastro or a sore throat, it doesn’t take much for illness to spread through your home.
But it’s not as obvious as getting sneezed on during a meeting or kissing someone who isn’t well. There are lots of places in the home that can spread germs – and they may not be as well-known as you think.
1. Shoes
Think of all the germ-infested places your shoes go each day – public toilets, on grass where a dog may have recently pooped, stepping in chewing gum, and in communal areas like the gym change room. We then traipse those germs through our own home and all over the floor. Try to get into the habit of kicking off your shoes at the door, to avoid the spread of nasty bugs.
2. Bathroom
Naturally, areas in the bathroom such as the toilet and taps are common sources of germs. Washing your hands after using the bathroom is a no-brainer, but what about those of us that like to play games on the phone or text while on the loo?
This act is placing germs right onto your phone, which you will most likely touch again ever after washing your hands. Try to break this dirty habit ASAP, and in the meantime, give your phone a once-over with an antibacterial wipe.
3. Remote control
In a similar way to mobile phones, the remote can be harbouring some dangerous germs that could be making you sick. Think how many not-quite-clean fingers have touched that remote. And let’s face it, who normally cleans it? Nobody – until now. Give it a wipe with a cloth spritzed with antibacterial spray.
4. Shopping bag
You might feel quite virtuous carrying reusable bags into the supermarket. But when was the last time you washed them? Think about it – all the soil from those unwashed vegetables, loose coins, and crumbs from your French stick – they’re all sitting in the bottom of your bag, making them a breeding ground for bacteria. Make a point of regularly washing your tote so that you don’t get totes sick.
5. Switches and handles
Anywhere in the home that is regularly touched by people’s hands are going to be a source of germs. So your door handles, light switches, drawer handles and bin lids are going to be rife with grime. Be sure to include these when you clean the house, so that you can avoid the spread of infection.
6. Tea towels and cloths
They’re supposed to clean our dishes and benches, but many cloths and towels are home to all sorts of nasty bacteria that could be affecting your family. Scouring pads and sponges can hold onto germs that feed off the food particles inside. Tea towels can be used to wipe hands after cutting up a chicken, and then used to dry drinking glasses – leading to contamination. Pop your tea towels in the wash at the end of each day if you want to reduce the risk (and have a separate towel for drying hands).
Have we missed anything? Are there are any other areas in the home that you know could be spreading germs?