Josefine Bagger Sommerlund
A clean-looking home isn’t always a bacteria-free one.
Even when everything looks tidy, bacteria lurk on the everyday items we use the most.
Toothbrush – A Hidden Germ Bomb
- Your mouth contains hundreds of types of bacteria – they transfer to your toothbrush
- When someone is sick at home, toothbrushes easily spread germs
- Use separate toothbrush holders and rinse thoroughly after each use
- Electric toothbrushes can be cleaned effectively under running water
- Replace your toothbrush roughly every 3 months
Toilet – Always Close the Lid Before Flushing
- Flushing with the lid open spreads bacteria through tiny droplets
- These droplets can land on toothbrushes and nearby surfaces
- Always close the lid – it’s more hygienic and reduces germ spread
Water Bottles – Bacteria in Every Sip
- Reusable bottles collect bacteria at the mouthpiece
- Sharing bottles increases the risk of spreading bacteria
- Rinse with boiling water regularly, if the bottle can handle heat
- Don’t forget to clean the lid and threads
Remote Control – A Greasy Germ Magnet
- Passed around daily and rarely cleaned
- Grease and bacteria build up in cracks and crevices
- Clean with a lightly damp cloth or alcohol on a cotton swab
- Use electronic-safe disinfectant wipes
Door Handles – Touchpoints for the Whole Household
- Everyone touches them, but no one really thinks about it
- Bacteria can survive on metal for days
- Wipe down with a disinfecting cloth a couple of times a week
Mobile Phone – Always With You, Never Really Clean
- Travels everywhere – even into the bathroom
- Bacteria transfer from your hands and face
- Clean the screen and case regularly with a suitable cloth and a bit of alcohol
Keys – Pocket-Sized Germ Carriers
- Go everywhere with you and are rarely cleaned
- Wipe them with alcohol or wash with soap regularly
- Avoid placing them directly on kitchen surfaces
Light Switches – Small but Dirty
- Touched daily by multiple hands
- Often overlooked in everyday cleaning
- Wipe down weekly with an alcohol wipe or damp cloth
Screen and Cleaning Cloths – Overlooked Dirt Collectors
- Used to clean dirt – but rarely washed themselves
- Become bacteria-filled after just a few days
- Wash at 140°F (60°C) and replace them regularly
Reusable Shopping Bags – Eco-Friendly but Full of Bacteria
- Fabric bags travel between supermarket, car, and home
- Come in contact with dirty surfaces and raw foods
- Wash them in the machine often and let them dry fully before reuse
