8 Things Around the House You Think Are Clean (But Definitely Aren’t)
These objects are actually dirtier than your toilet seat.
I wouldn’t call myself a neat freak by any means – but I find coming home to a clean space satisfying. Whether returning from a quick errand or an extended vacation, a home that welcomes you back without a reminder that you have to clean it is a load off. Okay, maybe not the entire home. But at least a picked-up living room and no dirty dishes in the sink helps.
However, there are degrees of “clean”. If you’re a parent or you work in the food or medical services, you should know this for sure. Just because something looks clean doesn’t mean it is. And it’s obviously beneficial to our health that we take a closer look at some of the things that get our seal of approval.
Specifically, household items that get heavy usage inevitably collect dust and bacteria that’s not always clear to the naked eye. Even if you regularly remove your shoes before entering your home, or you have multiple bottles of sanitizer at the ready, there’s plenty that still goes unnoticed.
Apart from your lucky shirt or favorite pair of slippers, here are eight things around the house that are a lot dirtier than you think.
TV remotes
TV remotes are one of the dirtiest objects in the home. “[They] are high-touch surfaces that are rarely cleaned, making them a common reservoir for germs,” confirmed home care and cleaning review analyst, Noah Pinsonnault. “They’re handled frequently, sometimes while eating, and shared among multiple people, which increases the likelihood of contamination.” So as you’re working through your weekly watchlist, maybe dedicate some time to cleaning your remote.
Shower curtains/shower heads
It’s safe to assume most of our attention goes to cleaning the shower walls and bottom – but what about the shower curtain and shower head? Apparently, shower curtains can carry up to 60 times more bacteria than toilet seats. Neglected shower heads can produce mold, leading to skin infections.
Door knobs
Considered a top five dirtiest high-touch surface in the home, door knobs can carry bacteria and even viruses for weeks. While bathroom door knobs are the hottest of spots, don’t forget door handles on kids’ bedrooms and kitchen pantries/refrigerators either. It’s recommended that we clean door knobs weekly.
Reusable water bottles
“Reusable bottles are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning frequency, especially if they’re only used for water,” noted Pinsonnault. “However, the combination of moisture and backwash can create an environment where bacteria can develop, particularly around lids and seals.” Mold and contaminants like E.coli can develop inside the straw as well. So, disassembling the bottle for a thorough cleaning is necessary.
Keyboards
As someone who fully owns up to eating over my laptop, this doesn’t surprise me. Computer keyboards harbor a lot of bacteria and residue that easily goes unnoticed, but can be hazardous to your health. Sharing a computer is nice. Sharing germs? Not so much. As annoying as it may be, shut that computer down and give it a good cleaning.
Couch pillows
Washing bedding seems a lot more natural than washing couch pillows, because the latter have a more decorative purpose. So, you might dust them before you wash them. But while they look good, couch pillows are a big resting place for skin cells, sweat, dust mites, food residue and pet dander.
Laundry baskets
With so much attention going to the dirty clothes inside the basket, the dirtiness of the basket itself gets overlooked. Clothes baskets can carry mold and bacteria over time from soiled clothes that sit for a stretch of time. If you’re active, or you have an active family that does laundry maybe once a week, give your clothes basket a wipe down too.
Kitchen sponges/brushes
Pinsonnault called kitchen cleaning utensils some of the most bacteria-dense items in a home, because they’re constantly exposed to food particles and moisture. “They can harbor significant microbial growth, including bacteria that can transfer back onto dishes and surfaces,” he added. As you’re busy cleaning other things, don’t forget to also clean and/or replace your cleaning tools.
DeVonne is a writer and editor with over a decade of experience covering a wide range of lifestyle topics. He's worked on brands like Parents, Men's Journal, Healthline and Bankrate, with focuses on trending news and culture. He’s also led various multimedia initiatives in the wellness and parenting spaces. He currently lives in the Charlotte, NC area.
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