Our homes are meant to be a safe haven, a place where we can escape the outside world and relax. However, there are many hidden dangers lurking inside our homes, and one of the biggest culprits is germs.

Germs are everywhere, and they can easily spread from person to person or from surface to surface. In this article, we will explore the top 20 germ-filled objects in your home and provide tips on how to keep them clean.

1. Kitchen Sponge

The kitchen sponge is one of the most germ-filled objects in your home. This is because it is often damp, which creates the perfect environment for bacteria to grow.

In fact, studies have found that kitchen sponges can contain more bacteria than a toilet seat. To keep your kitchen sponge clean, rinse it well after use and microwave it for 30 seconds once a week to kill any lingering bacteria.

2. Cutting Board

Another culprit in the kitchen is the cutting board. If not cleaned properly, it can harbor harmful bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli.

To keep your cutting board clean, use separate boards for raw meats and vegetables, and wash them thoroughly with hot, soapy water after each use.

3. Kitchen Sink

Believe it or not, your kitchen sink can be even dirtier than your toilet bowl. This is because food particles, grease, and other debris can build up in the drain and create a breeding ground for bacteria.

To keep your sink clean, wipe it down daily with a disinfectant cleaner and pour boiling water down the drain once a week to kill any lingering bacteria.

4. Toothbrush Holder

Your toothbrush holder may seem harmless, but it can actually harbor bacteria such as staphylococcus and E. coli. This is because it is often damp and has little ventilation.

To keep your toothbrush holder clean, wash it regularly with hot, soapy water and let it dry completely before use.

5. Remote Control

The remote control is one of the most frequently touched objects in your home, and it can harbor a variety of germs and bacteria. To keep it clean, wipe it down regularly with a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.

6. Door Handles

Door handles are another frequently touched object that can be a breeding ground for germs. To keep them clean, wipe them down regularly with a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.

7. Computer Keyboard

The computer keyboard is another object that is frequently touched but rarely cleaned. Studies have found that it can harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat.

To keep your keyboard clean, wipe it down regularly with a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.

Related Article 11 household items with more germs than a toilet seat

8. Cell Phone

Your cell phone is another object that is frequently touched but rarely cleaned. Studies have found that it can harbor more bacteria than a toilet seat.

To keep your cell phone clean, wipe it down regularly with a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.

9. Bathroom Faucet

The bathroom faucet can harbor a variety of germs and bacteria, especially if it is not cleaned frequently. To keep it clean, wipe it down regularly with a disinfectant cleaner or a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.

10. Shower Curtain

The shower curtain can be a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can cause respiratory problems and allergic reactions. To keep it clean, wash it frequently with hot water and a mild detergent, and hang it up to dry completely after each use.

11. Bath Mat

The bath mat can also harbor mold and mildew, as well as bacteria from wet feet and dirty floors. To keep it clean, wash it regularly in hot water and a mild detergent, and hang it up to dry completely after each use.

12. Pet Bowl

Your pet’s food and water bowl can harbor harmful bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli. To keep it clean, wash it daily with hot, soapy water and sanitize it once a week with a bleach solution.

13. Laundry Basket

The laundry basket can harbor germs and bacteria from dirty clothes and towels. To keep it clean, wash it regularly with hot, soapy water and let it dry completely before use.

14. Reusable Shopping Bags

If not washed regularly, reusable shopping bags can harbor harmful bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella. To keep them clean, wash them frequently in hot water and a mild detergent.

15. Light Switches

Light switches are another frequently touched object that can be a breeding ground for germs. To keep them clean, wipe them down regularly with a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.

16. Children’s Toys

Children’s toys can harbor a variety of germs and bacteria, especially if they are shared among multiple children. To keep them clean, wash them frequently with hot, soapy water or sanitize them with a bleach solution.

17. Refrigerator Door Handle

The refrigerator door handle is another frequently touched object that can harbor germs. To keep it clean, wipe it down regularly with a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.

18. Bathroom Countertops

Bathroom countertops can be a breeding ground for germs and bacteria, especially if they are not cleaned frequently. To keep them clean, wipe them down regularly with a disinfectant cleaner or a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.

19. Faucet Handles

Faucet handles are another frequently touched object in the bathroom that can harbor germs. To keep them clean, wipe them down regularly with a disinfectant cleaner or a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol.

20. Pillow

Although pillows may seem harmless, they can actually be a breeding ground for dust mites, which can cause allergic reactions. To keep your pillows clean, wash them frequently and replace them every 1-2 years.