Where Germs Are Hiding in Your Home

The amount of germs that share our living spaces might come as a surprise to many. Microorganisms are ever-present in our environment and in our bodies, and many are known to be beneficial — or even essential — for our health. Germs may accumulate easy but ridding them from a home simply requires some regular upkeep.

1. Carpet

Bacteria thrive in moist environments, so why are there a lot of microscopic critters in carpet? Germs such as E. coli flourish there, thanks to the crumbs that make up an endless food supply. Regular vacuuming will help. Our recommendation is a professional carpet cleaning.

2. TV remotes, telephones and video game controllers

What do you do when you’re sick? You jump in bed with the TV remote. Clean these regularly with a disinfectant wipe to banish flu and cold viruses.

3. Coffee tables

Like to put your feet up after a long day? Odds are you’re sprinkling salmonella, campylobacter and other fecal bacteria on your coffee table. So consider leaving your shoes at the door.

4. Towels, linens and pet beds

Up to 30 percent of people unknowingly carry staph bacteria on their bodies, and a portion of those carry a drug-resistant and sometimes deadly strain called MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). All linens should be washed weekly in hot water and dried in a hot dryer. And don’t forget a high-heat cycle in the dryer for the family pet’s bed, which is also a hotspot for MRSA.

5. Nightstands

Nightstands can be a breeding ground for bacteria. Some people eat in bed and the spilled crumbs, along with irregular cleaning, give bacteria the time and food they need to flourish. Other people may be wiping down the nightstand with the germy sponge used to clean the bathroom. Clean nightstands frequently with a clean, damp cloth.

Sources:
https://www.aarp.org/home-garden/home-improvement/info-03-2011/germs-in-your-house.html
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319750
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/article/household-germs-bacteria-fungi-pathogens-spd

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