Everyday Items Dirtier Than Your Toilet Seat: Shocking Truth

Do you ever wonder how much germs are carried in your everyday items? There's no nice way of putting this, it's a lot. Your toilet seat has fewer germs than the items you would probably consider as clean.

Here are some items which are dirtier than your toilet seat:

Dishcloth

How often do you wash your dishcloth? I would recommend you take a seat for this, as the information discovered by researchers is revolting. Dishcloths hold 456 times the number on a toilet in the average home, mostly because they aren't replaced as often as they should. Each week, toss your dishcloths in the washing machine and your sponges in the dishwasher, or heat in the microwave (while damp) for 30 seconds.

Why Dishcloths Are So Dirty:

• Constant contact with food particles
• Warm, moist environment perfect for bacteria
• Often used for multiple cleaning tasks
• Not replaced frequently enough
• Cross-contamination from different surfaces

Proper Dishcloth Care:

• Replace every 1-2 weeks
• Wash in hot water (60°C or above)
• Use separate cloths for different tasks
• Microwave damp cloths for 30 seconds
• Air dry completely between uses

Handbag

How many places do you put your bag? On the bus, floor or even on the surface in a public toilet? You could probably imagine how much germs there could be on your bag. British researchers studied 25 handbags, the results being that the average handbag is 3 times dirtier than an office toilet seat. Handbags that are used regularly were 10 times dirtier. Even items inside your bag might be worse, especially face creams and lipstick. Next time you have stomach flu, it might be your bag or the contents of it as stomach flu viruses have been traced back to grocery bags. Keep your bags off the ground and regularly wash bag made which are made of fabric. For plastic or leather bags, use disinfectant wipes.

Handbag Hygiene Tips:

• Never place bags on bathroom floors
• Use bag hooks when available
• Clean bags regularly with appropriate products
• Empty and clean contents weekly
• Use separate bags for different purposes

Cleaning Different Bag Types:

• Fabric bags: Machine wash if possible
• Leather bags: Use leather cleaner and conditioner
• Plastic bags: Wipe with disinfectant wipes
• Canvas bags: Wash in warm, soapy water

Computers and Laptops

Eating snacks and meals between clicking away at your computer may have led you to your last bug. When British researchers swabbed 33 keyboards in a London office, they found that they contained up to five times the germs of a toilet seat. Don't worry, you can still eat and type. Just ensure you wash your hands regularly and your computer at least once a week.

Computer Hygiene Facts:

• Keyboards harbor more bacteria than toilet seats
• Food particles provide nutrients for bacteria
• Shared computers are even dirtier
• Regular cleaning prevents illness spread

Computer Cleaning Tips:

• Turn off and unplug before cleaning
• Use compressed air for keyboards
• Wipe surfaces with disinfectant wipes
• Clean mouse and other peripherals
• Wash hands before and after use

Carpet

Bacteria love to munch on dead skin cells. Bacteria are in for a treat. An average person sheds 1.5 million in just an hour! Your carpet has nearly 700 times more than on your toilet seat. Since your vacuum cleaner can't reach to the bottom of the carpet, hire a company to deep clean at least once a year.

Why Carpets Are So Dirty:

• Dead skin cells provide food for bacteria
• Deep fibers trap dirt and germs
• Regular vacuuming doesn't reach deep down
• Moisture from spills creates ideal conditions
• Pet dander and outdoor contaminants

Carpet Maintenance:

• Vacuum regularly with HEPA filter
• Professional deep cleaning annually
• Address spills immediately
• Use doormats to reduce dirt
• Consider professional sanitization

Your Clean Laundry

I bet you weren't expecting that one? It's true; your clean laundry is in fact dirtier than your toilet. A load of your dirty underwear will transfer at least 100 million E. Coli Bacteria (the reason behind diarrhoea) to your washing machine. Water settles at the bottom of your washing machine and creates a moist environment that bacteria love. Your toilet seat is too dry to support a very large bacterial population. Have your clothes as clean as they smell and disinfect your machine by washing a load of whites with bleach first, or pour 2 cups of bleach into the detergent compartment, and run an empty wash on the hottest cycle before wiping it dry; leave the door open after. To avoid spreading bacteria, wash underwear separately with hot water and a colour-safe bleach replacement.

Laundry Hygiene Facts:

• E. Coli bacteria transfer from underwear to machine
• Washing machines can harbor bacteria
• "Clean" clothes may not be as clean as they appear
• Cross-contamination between loads is common

Proper Laundry Hygiene:

• Wash underwear separately in hot water
• Use bleach for whites regularly
• Clean washing machine monthly
• Leave machine door open to dry
• Use appropriate detergents and temperatures

Chopping Board

Do you clean your chopping board after every use? Unfortunately, you need more than just washing up liquid to do the trick. Researchers found that the average chopping board has 200 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. You can probably guess who the main culprit is, raw meat. Wash plastic cutting boards with liquid dish detergent and water; soak thoroughly in 2 teaspoons of bleach and 1 gallon of water. For wooden boards, it's very similar; the only difference is that it's good to use 2 tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water. As tempting as it may be, don't soak overnight.

Chopping Board Hygiene:

• Raw meat is the main contamination source
• Bacteria multiply in knife grooves
• Regular washing isn't enough
• Cross-contamination is a major risk

Proper Board Care:

• Use separate boards for different foods
• Clean immediately after use
• Sanitize with bleach solution
• Replace when heavily scored
• Air dry completely

Additional Items Dirtier Than Toilet Seats

Mobile Phones

• 10 times more bacteria than toilet seats
• Constant hand contact
• Rarely cleaned properly
• Carry everywhere

Money and Credit Cards

• Pass through many hands
• Rarely cleaned
• Can harbor dangerous bacteria
• Used in unsanitary conditions

Kitchen Sinks

• More bacteria than toilet bowls
• Food particles and moisture
• Often overlooked in cleaning
• Cross-contamination risk

Remote Controls

• Touched by many people
• Rarely cleaned
• Food particles from snacking
• Shared household item

Prevention and Cleaning Strategies

Regular Cleaning Schedule

• Daily: High-touch surfaces, kitchen items
• Weekly: Electronics, bags, laundry
• Monthly: Deep clean carpets, appliances
• Annually: Professional deep cleaning

Proper Disinfection Techniques

• Use appropriate cleaning products
• Follow manufacturer instructions
• Allow proper contact time
• Rinse thoroughly when needed
• Air dry completely

Hygiene Best Practices

• Wash hands frequently
• Use separate items for different tasks
• Replace items regularly
• Store items properly
• Avoid cross-contamination

When to Call Professional Cleaners

Consider Professional Services For:

• Deep carpet cleaning
• Appliance sanitization
• Regular maintenance schedules
• Specialized cleaning needs
• Health and safety concerns

St. Anne's Professional Services

• Expert deep cleaning techniques
• Specialized equipment and products
• Regular maintenance programs
• Health-focused cleaning approach
• Guaranteed results

Related Hygiene and Cleaning Guides

• How Often Should You Wash? - Laundry hygiene guide
• 7 Cleaning Secrets from Housekeeping Agency London - Professional cleaning tips
• How to Remove Stubborn Red Wine Stains - Stain removal techniques
• The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Home Cleaning - Professional standards for any home

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Email: [email protected]

Telephone: 020 3670 9997

We will be happy to answer any questions you may have!

Don't let hidden bacteria compromise your family's health. Our professional cleaning services ensure your home is truly clean and safe, targeting the areas that regular cleaning often misses.