Every day, we come across countless devices that we interact with in our homes, offices, and public places. It can be anything from doorknobs to elevator buttons to touchscreens.

These devices are essential to our daily lives, but they can also be a source of germs and bacteria. Poor hygiene surrounding these devices can lead to the spread of infections and diseases, making cleanliness and maintenance a priority.

Touchscreens: A Magnet for Germs

Touchscreens are everywhere, from smartphones to ATMs to self-checkout machines. These devices are designed to make our lives easier, but they can also spread germs and bacteria.

According to a study by the University of Arizona, a typical office keyboard has an average of 200 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. If you think that’s bad, touchscreens are even worse! They can carry up to 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat.

Germs and Bacteria on Keyboards

Your keyboard is a place where a lot of bacteria can accumulate, which is why it’s essential to clean it regularly. It’s not just the surface of the keyboard that can harbor germs and bacteria, but also the spaces between the keys.

These places are challenging to clean and can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Some of the most common bacteria found on keyboards are staphylococcus aureus, which can cause skin infections, and escherichia coli, which can cause diarrhea and other gastrointestinal problems.

Bacteria on Elevator Buttons

Elevator buttons are another device that we come into contact with all the time. According to a study by the University of Toronto, elevator buttons can carry more bacteria than a public toilet seat.

These buttons are touched by almost everyone who enters the elevator and are rarely cleaned, which makes them a hotbed for germs and bacteria.

Dirty Doorknobs

Doorknobs are another device that we interact with several times a day. They are touched by multiple people, including those who are sick. According to a study by the University of Colorado, germs can survive on a doorknob for up to 8 hours.

This makes it essential to keep doorknobs clean and disinfected regularly.

Cleaning and Disinfecting Your Devices

The best way to prevent the spread of germs and bacteria is to clean and disinfect your devices regularly. Here are a few tips to keep your devices clean:.

Wash your hands often, especially when interacting with devices that are shared or touched by multiple people.
Use disinfectant wipes to clean your devices regularly. Pay attention to areas that come into contact with your fingers, like touchscreens, keyboards, and doorknobs.
Avoid touching your face, especially your mouth, nose, and eyes after touching shared devices.
Avoid sharing personal devices with others, especially when they’re sick.
Use a stylus or other accessory to interact with touchscreen devices to avoid touching the screen directly.

Conclusion

Interacting with devices is part of our daily lives, but it can also be a source of germs and bacteria. It’s essential to practice good hygiene and cleanliness to prevent the spread of infections and diseases.

By keeping our devices clean and disinfected, we can protect ourselves and those around us from the harmful effects of germs and bacteria.