13 Everyday Things That Are Shockingly Gross If You Think About Them Too Long

Yahoo

3 days ago

If you take a moment to really think about the everyday things you encounter, you might find yourself feeling a bit queasy. We often go about our daily routines without much thought about what's lurking in plain sight. But every now and then, it's worth taking a closer look, even if it makes your skin crawl a little. Here are 13 everyday things that are surprisingly gross, especially when you think about them too long.
1. Your Mobile Phone
Consider the number of times your fingers touch your phone each day. We carry these devices everywhere—bathrooms, public transport, and even while eating. Your phone ends up being a breeding ground for germs. A study by the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine found that one in six mobiles is covered in fecal matter. So, while you're scrolling through your social feeds, just remember what else might be lurking on your screen.
Mobile phones aren't just dirty; they're a little too close to us all the time. We hold them to our faces, touch them with our fingers, and never really clean them. Most people wouldn't touch a toilet seat without thinking twice, yet our phones can be much dirtier. It might be time to give your phone a good wipe down with some disinfectant. It's a small effort for some peace of mind.
2. Kitchen Sponges
You might think that your kitchen sponge is doing a great job keeping things clean. But in reality, it's one of the dirtiest items in your home. Sponges absorb all those food particles and bacteria, creating a perfect environment for microbes to thrive. Some studies have shown that kitchen sponges are even dirtier than toilet seats. So, next time you're scrubbing away, remember what's being left behind.
Replacing or sanitizing your sponge regularly is a good idea. You might want to microwave it or run it through the dishwasher to kill some germs. But even then, it's not a complete solution. Bacteria love those warm, moist environments, and the sponge is basically their luxurious spa. It may be best to replace it often rather than try to clean it.
3. Elevator Buttons
Think about all the people who press those elevator buttons every day. It's not something we usually consider when we're rushing to get to our floor. According to microbiologist Charles Gerba, elevator buttons can be quite the germ hotspot. In a 2010 study, Gerba found that elevator buttons have more germs than public toilet seats. You might want to use your knuckle or a tissue next time you need to go up a floor.
Elevator buttons are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning. Building maintenance schedules might include them, but how often are they really sanitized? It's easy to forget that these small surfaces can carry so many bacteria. With so many people passing through, it's no wonder. Just remember to wash your hands after using them, or maybe carry some hand sanitizer for good measure.
4. Remote Controls
Remote controls are handled by multiple people multiple times a day. We fidget with them, drop them on the floor, and they often don't get cleaned. Think of all the crumbs, sweat, and other things that come into contact with them. It's like a petri dish of germs right on your couch. Giving them a regular wipe down can help, but how many of us actually remember to do that?
The design of a remote control doesn't help either. With all the little nooks and crannies between buttons, grime can really build up. It's not just the germs that are a problem, but also the visible dirtiness. A quick swipe with a disinfectant wipe can do wonders. It might make your TV-watching experience a little more pleasant knowing your remote is a bit cleaner.
5. ATM Keypads
Every time you punch in your PIN at an ATM, you're touching something that thousands of others have touched. Financial transactions are crucial, but they're also quite dirty. A study published in the journal "Antimicrobial Resistance & Infection Control" found that ATM keypads are covered in bacteria commonly found in households and kitchens. So, not only are you withdrawing cash, but you're also picking up some unwanted guests. It's a good idea to sanitize your hands after using an ATM.
ATMs are often located in busy areas, adding to their exposure to germs. They don't get cleaned as often as they should, considering how many hands touch them daily. Even if they look clean, looks can be deceiving when it comes to bacteria. Simple habits like carrying hand sanitizer can make a difference. Next time you need cash, consider what else you might be taking with you.
6. Light Switches
When was the last time you cleaned your light switches? These are some of the most frequently touched surfaces in your home. Everyone touches them, and if you have kids, they're probably touched even more often. Light switches can harbor a lot of bacteria, and they often get overlooked during cleaning. A quick spray and wipe can help reduce the germ count.
Light switches accumulate grime over time, especially in high-traffic areas. It's easy to forget about them since they're such a small part of the room. But every time you turn the light on or off, you're potentially spreading germs. Make it a habit to include them in your regular cleaning routine. It'll help keep your household a little bit healthier.
7. Public Toilets
Public toilets are notorious for being germ-heavy locations. But interestingly, a study published by the University of Arizona's Environmental Research Lab shows that toilet seats are often surprisingly clean compared to other surfaces in the bathroom. The flush handles, stall locks, and door handles are the germiest spots. Knowing this, you might want to use a paper towel to touch these areas. It's a little unsettling to think about what you can't see.
Public restrooms are cleaned regularly, but that doesn't mean they're spotless. The high turnover of users means germs get spread quickly. Avoid touching surfaces directly when you can, and always wash your hands thoroughly. Using a paper towel to open the door can help keep your hands clean. It's just one more step in fighting off unwanted bacteria.
8. Shopping Cart Handles
Shopping cart handles are touched by multiple people every day. From toddlers to adults, everyone grabs onto these handles. Many stores offer wipes at the entrance, but not everyone uses them. These handles can be a hotspot for germs from raw food and unwashed hands. Next time you shop, consider wiping down the handle before you touch it.
Grocery stores are busy places, and shopping carts often get left out in the elements. This exposure only adds to the number of germs they can harbor. Taking a few seconds to wipe down the handle can make a big difference in reducing the spread of bacteria. Plus, it's a simple way to keep you and your family a bit safer. It's a small action with a big impact.
9. Office Keyboards
Office keyboards are another overlooked germ hotspot. They're used daily and rarely cleaned, making them a significant source of bacteria. Eating lunch at your desk? You're not just adding crumbs, but also increasing the germ count. A quick wipe with a disinfectant can help, but it's often forgotten in the hustle of the workday. If you share your keyboard, the germ exchange only intensifies.
Keyboards can be tricky to clean with all those keys in the way. But with a little effort, you can keep them relatively germ-free. Consider keeping some sanitized wipes nearby to give your keyboard a once-over every now and then. It's especially important during cold and flu season. Your workspace will feel a little fresher, and you might feel a bit better knowing you're reducing your germ exposure.
10. Door Handles
It's no surprise that door handles are a common place for germs. Everyone touches them, but we rarely think to clean them. Whether it's the bathroom door or the entrance to your building, door handles see a lot of action. The germs that accumulate can be surprising once you start thinking about it. Regular cleaning can help, but it's not always on our minds.
While you can't control the cleanliness of every door handle you encounter, you can take precautions. Carrying a small bottle of hand sanitizer can be handy. After touching door handles, a quick squirt can help reduce the chance of picking up something unwanted. For handles in your home, add them to your cleaning routine. It's a small step that can make a big difference.
11. Gym Equipment
Gym equipment sees a lot of sweat and contact from many people. From dumbbells to yoga mats, these items can harbor bacteria. Most gyms provide wipes to clean the equipment before and after use, but not everyone uses them. This lack of cleaning means germs can linger longer than expected. Taking the time to wipe down equipment is essential for avoiding unwanted exposure.
Sharing equipment means sharing germs, and it's easy to forget this in the middle of a workout. Gym-goers should be mindful of their own cleanliness practices. Towel down benches and mats before and after use. It's also good practice to wash your hands thoroughly after your workout. Staying healthy is more than just physical exercise; it's about keeping germs at bay as well.
12. Restaurant Menus
When you sit down at a restaurant, the menu is one of the first things you touch. But think about how many other people have touched it before you. Menus are rarely cleaned and can be teeming with germs. Researchers have found that menus can have more bacteria than bathroom door handles. Next time you're dining out, consider washing your hands after ordering.
Menus aren't the most obvious items that need cleaning, but they're handled by so many patrons. Sticky fingers, sneezes, and coughs all make their way to the menu pages. While it might seem like a small thing, this can add up to a lot of bacteria. If you're concerned, use hand sanitizer after making your choice. It's a simple way to keep those germs at bay.
13. Handrails
Handrails are there for safety, but they're also a hotspot for germs. Just think about all the hands that have touched the railing on your subway ride or on the stairs at the mall. These surfaces are often overlooked when it comes to regular cleaning. While they provide support, they also collect a lot of bacteria. A quick hand wash afterward can help.
In public spaces, handrails are constantly being touched. While they're necessary for stability, especially for those who need the extra support, they can be quite dirty. Although you can't always avoid touching them, being mindful can help. Carrying hand sanitizer or washing your hands afterward can minimize your risk of picking up germs. It's a small but effective way to keep yourself a bit healthier.
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