Kitchen vs. Bathroom: The Germ Wars
In the Household Germ Wars, many people believe bathrooms have the germiest hideouts in the house. But according to research from NSF International, the kitchen wages a pretty good battle.
Top 10 Most Germ-Ridden Items in Your Home
(ranked most dirty to least dirty)
- Dish sponges and dish cloths
- Kitchen sinks
- Toothbrush holders
- Pet bowls
- Coffee makers
- Bathroom faucet handles
- Pet toys
- Kitchen counters
- Stove knobs
- Cutting boards
Battle Ground Strategies
Prepare for battle against salmonella, E. coli, mold and other germs, by following these orders.
- Wipe down sinks and drains every day using a cleaning product with bleach.
- Disinfect counter tops, appliances and faucet handles at least twice a week.
- Wash your hands well before, during and after food prep.
- Have at least two cutting boards handy. Use one for slicing raw meat and the other for dicing raw veggies to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.
- Put the cutting boards in the dishwasher after each use or soak them in hot water with some bleach for at least 5 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
- Scrub toilets and showers at least once a week.
- Cover all toothbrushes, and store them away from the toilet.
- Wash your pet’s food and water bowls at least once a week.
- Soak hard pet toys in warm soapy water; drop stuffed toys in the washing machine.
