Where Germs Hide in Your Home and Neighborhood

Do you know the dirtiest places in your clean house and neighborhood?

There are so many places in the home and outside that carry germs that we may not have known about.  Although we cannot protect ourselves from every single germ that exists, we can protect ourselves from a great many.  Even people who pride themselves on being very clean will be surprised at some of the places listed here where germs can accumulate.

Here is a list of some places to look out for.

Toothbrush and holder

 Okay so we know we are supposed to change our toothbrushes regularly, but even if is brand new, when you flush the toilet the germs fly in the air and they collect on the tooth brush, its holder and the drinking glass in your bathroom.

Pets

We all have pets and we love them but the area where pets go contains a lot of germs from saliva, dander, and their waste.  These germs are transferable.  The toys your pets play with can carry e-coli and salmonella, which is included in a bacteria called coliform.  You must make sure to wash all feeding dishes and toys your pets have played with. Don’t allow children to kiss animals. When playing with animals make sure you and your children wash their hands. Make sure you wash your hands after picking up animal waste or cleaning a litter box.  When children are playing outdoors make sure they are not around any areas that may have animal waste.

Petting zoos are another place where you will want your children to wash their hands afterwards. Do not take any food and beverages for human consumption in these areas. 

Even the park sandbox can carry germs from the feces of animals and so on. 

Standing water

Kids like to play around standing water, make sure you empty you wading pools and thoroughly clean them. Take proper care of larger swimming pools and don’t let you children play in puddles. These are all breeding grounds for bacteria and mosquitoes which can transmit the West Nile Virus. Leaky roofs, basements, and so on can also carry mold and mildew.  Campylobacter, salmonella,  and norovirus are common kitchen viruses and they can accumulate in a dirty refrigerator.  Make sure you clean up all the spills in your fridge and there are no open packages.  Clean the interior walls and trays frequently.

Kitchen areas

Clean kitchen counters every day to avoid germ build up and wash down the outside of your appliances daily.

Carpets and hardwood floors carry dust mites, animal fur, dirt from shoes worn outside and so on.  Even fungi from athlete’s foot can nestle in your floors and carpets. Make sure you keep your floors swept and clean.

Schools and community centers

According to some studies, cafeteria trays, and water fountains can harbor bacteria.  Also make sure the children’s desks are properly cleaned.  Old food gum and other dirt can accumulate and bring bacteria.

Another problem at school and daycare centers is head lice; make sure your children do not share combs, brushes, hats, or coats with other children.  With older children and young adults who share community locker rooms it is important to know that Staph bacteria can be present on towels, shower stalls and can be contracted through contact sports such as wrestling. Be careful with open wounds that can carry bacteria.

Discourage your children from picking their nose, or whipping snot and other human expellant on their hands or clothes, germs from a cold and flu can spread like wildfire.

Your dentist office

Make sure you dentist thoroughly disinfects his/her chair.  It is not enough just to sterilize the dental equipment.

Other public places

Telephones, public bathrooms, escalators, even your toilet doorknob can carry germs. You cannot clean every public venue, but when you are cleaning at home make sure to sanitize anything that touches your hands or face.

Note:  Not all bacteria are harmful.  Humans are a pretty healthy species on the whole. However, we can do a lot to prevent the spread of needless germs.

Source:

Mayo Clinic