Keeping your home clean and hygienic isn’t just about how good it looks. It’s also about keeping germs at bay. Germs are tiny microorganisms that can cause diseases and infections. Unfortunately, germs can be found in every corner of your house.

So, to protect you and your family, it’s important to clean and sanitize your home regularly. But where should you start? Here are the 10 most germ-infested spots in your home that you should pay extra attention to.

1. Kitchen Sink

Believe it or not, your kitchen sink is one of the dirtiest places in your home. It’s often covered in food scraps, grease, and bacteria. A study has found that more than 45% of kitchen sinks contain harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella.

To keep your kitchen sink clean and germ-free, wash it with hot, soapy water after each use and disinfect it with a solution of bleach and water once a week.

2. Kitchen Sponge

If you thought your kitchen sink was bad, wait ’til you hear about your kitchen sponge. It’s a breeding ground for bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Studies have shown that kitchen sponges can contain up to 10 million bacteria per square inch.

To keep your kitchen sponge clean and hygienic, replace it every two weeks or microwave it for two minutes daily to kill germs.

3. Cutting Board

A cutting board is an essential kitchen tool, but it’s also a prime spot for germs to grow. If you don’t wash your cutting board properly, bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella can thrive on its surface.

To avoid contamination, use separate cutting boards for different foods, such as meat, vegetables, and fruits. Wash them with hot, soapy water after each use, and disinfect them with a solution of vinegar and water once a week.

4. Bathroom Sink

Similar to your kitchen sink, your bathroom sink is also a breeding ground for germs. Toothpaste, soap scum, and other debris can accumulate in the sink, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to grow.

To keep your bathroom sink clean and germ-free, wipe it down with a disinfecting wipe after each use, and disinfect it with a solution of hydrogen peroxide and water once a week.

5. Toilet Bowl

It’s no surprise that the toilet bowl is one of the most germ-infested spots in your home. When you flush, tiny particles of fecal matter can spray into the air, landing on the toilet seat, lid, and surrounding surfaces.

To clean and disinfect your toilet bowl, use a toilet cleaner with bleach, and scrub it thoroughly with a toilet brush. Don’t forget to disinfect the toilet seat, lid, and handle as well.

6. TV Remote

Your TV remote may seem harmless, but it’s actually teeming with germs. Studies have shown that TV remotes can harbor bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and E. coli.

To keep your remote germ-free, wipe it down with a disinfecting wipe or alcohol swab regularly.

7. Doorknobs

Doorknobs are a frequently touched surface, making them a hotbed for germs. You and your family members touch doorknobs multiple times a day without even realizing it.

To keep doorknobs clean and free of germs, wipe them down with a disinfectant spray or wipe daily.

8. Kitchen Countertops

Kitchen countertops are where you prepare food, so it’s important to keep them clean and hygienic. Spills, drips, and crumbs can attract bacteria and other harmful microorganisms.

To clean kitchen countertops, wipe them down with a solution of hot water and dish soap. For extra sanitation, use a solution of vinegar and water or a disinfectant spray.

9. Pet Food Bowls

If you have pets, their food and water bowls can harbor bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. To keep your pet’s bowls clean and hygienic, wash them with hot, soapy water after each use.

If you feed your pet raw food, sanitize their bowls with a solution of bleach and water once a week.

10. Computer Keyboard

Your computer keyboard is another germ-infested spot that you might not be aware of. Studies have shown that computer keyboards can contain more bacteria than a toilet seat.

To clean your keyboard, unplug it from your computer, turn it upside down, and shake out any debris. Then, use a disinfecting wipe or alcohol swab to clean the keys and the surrounding area.

By paying extra attention to these 10 most germ-infested spots in your home, you can help keep your family healthy and safe from harmful germs.