I'm not really a germaphobe - but I do try to avoid them. So I was excited to read an article in yesterday's paper called GROSS. It listed 12 of the grossest things we touch every day.We think it's the toilet. Not so. Also, do you make a big deal out of using a paper towel to open the public bathroom door as you're leaving? This article says that door handle is practically germ free due to most everybody having washed their hands just prior to opening it. Guess I'll have to find something else to obsess over.
Here are 12 of the germiest things, in descending order, that we commonly come in contact with. The list will surprise you.
12. (The least germy) Toilet Seat. But flushing releases bacteria-laden aerosols so keep your toothbrush and lipstick somewhere else.
11. Kitchen Counter Top
10. Self-Checkout Touch Screen - Didn't think of this one, huh? But it's touched by thousands of germy hands.
9. Doorknob.
8. Cellphone.
7. Remote Controls.
6. Cutting Board - OK, this one's serious. Don't cut up your raw chicken and your broccoli on the same board - especially if it's wood.
5. Bathroom Faucet Handle - But, get this, bathrooms have less bacteria than kitchens.
4. Keyboard/Mouse
3. Shopping Cart - Dave and I always wipe down the shopping cart push bar.
2. Kitchen Faucet Handle - There's more fecal bacteria in the kitchen sink than in the toilet after we flush. So, not only should we keep the handle clean, but never, ever retrieve food that you've dropped in the sink and it's fallen half way down the disposal. (Yes, I've done this.)
1. Da, Da, Duh! The # 1 dirtiest, most repulsive thing in your house is your DISH SPONGE. As an example, the bacteria count on the toilet seat is 1,20l. The bacteria count on that sponge you've been using for a couple of months in the kitchen is 775,460,560. So, throw it away. Right now!
After reading this article yesterday, I immediately threw away the sponge and used Lysol wipes on everything in the house we touch.
It's amazing Dave and I aren't dead - but, surprisingly, we rarely even have colds. So we must be doing some things right.
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