You might think bacteria are only found in dirty places, but the truth is, they can thrive in the cleanest of environments too.
From rocks and oceans to arctic snow and even our own bodies, bacteria are everywhere. Some can even be beneficial for our health, but others can cause serious diseases.
And it’s certainly not thrilling to know there are spots where bacteria likes to chill and dominate, and usually in places you don’t expect too.
That’s why we’ve compiled 11 of the unexpected bacteria hideout, along with simple steps that show you how to fight back against all this bacteria buildup and maintain good hygiene. Are you ready?
01
Toothbrush Holder
Before you give your toothbrush a scrub-a-dub, have you for once thought about the dirty-little-secret hiding in plain sight? That’s right, the toothbrush holder! Washing the holder is just as important to keep clean as your toothbrush. If you don’t keep your toothbrush holder in check, you’re inviting mold, yeast, and bacteria to move in like squatters.
And before you know it, your pearly whites will be brushing with some unwanted roommates.
The safest route would be to keep your toothbrush holder in a cabinet, away from any questionable bathroom aerosols. And every few days, remember to give it a good scrub with hot, soapy water. And more importantly, avoid your toothbrush holder hanging out anywhere near the toilet for better hygiene.
02
Bacteria in the Eyes
Unbelievable. Did you know our body is an ideal habitat for microbes, known as tiny living organisms that can be found in various parts of the human body, including the eyes? These microbes form a unique ecosystem within the eyes and can play a role in eye health and disease. An imbalance in the eye microbiome can increase the risk of conditions like dry eye disease and endophthalmitis.
The composition of the eye microbiome can be influenced by factors like age, ethnicity, geography, and the use of contact lenses. Bacteria on the eyelids and eyelashes are part of the skin microbiome.
03
Bacteria in Your Belly Button
Your belly button is home to a tiny jungle of microbes! This is called the umbilical microbiome. Scientists have studied 60 belly buttons and found over 2,000 different types of bacteria living there. Some of these bacteria can only be found in faraway places like Japan or ice caps. Some people have even made cheese with bacteria from belly buttons, but this is not something that you should try at home.
04
Your Pet Toys
Your furry friends are like family. But they too are not spared of all the germs and bacteria that could be hanging out on their toys. If you don’t take care of those toys, it’s like you’re inviting germs and bacteria into your home. And nobody wants that for themselves or their loved ones.
So, be sure tackle those toys. Hard toys can be scrubbed down with a gentle bleach solution and some soap and water. As for the softies, just toss them in the wash.
05
TV Remote
For the love of all things germ-free, wash your hands before you touch that remote.
The beloved TV remote. It’s the most sought-after object in the living room, isn’t it? Everyone wants to have control over the TV, but not everyone thinks about all the germs they’re leaving behind.
When you think about it. Everyone’s hands are all over that remote, whether they’re clean or not. And not everyone is as germaphobic as you are. Plus, the remote drops on the floor, get squished in the couch cushions and is constantly being touched while people are munching on snacks and sneezing. It’s like a germ party, and we’re all invited.
Now and then, give it a good wipe-down with a disinfectant wipe or spray it with cleaning to keep it clean.
06
Money
Those coins and banknotes are like little Petri dishes of germs and bacteria. You know how money goes from person to person before it ends up in your hands, right?
Money has also been said to be likely dirtier than a toilet. Ew, right? Germs like salmonella, E. coli, and staphylococcus aureus love to hang out on banknotes and coins. And if you don’t wash your hands after handling cash, you could end up with an infection. So, it’s best to avoid touching your face after handling money and keep your hands clean by washing them thoroughly, for good measure.
07
Bedding
Our beds are basically another five-star hotel for bacteria and germs. they love snuggling up in our sheets just as much as we do.
They’re all over the place, And the scary part? They feed on all the dead skin we shed while sleeping. Gross, right?
A simple way to prevent this is to make efforts to keeping your bedding clean by dusting before and after use, and washing it every week or two, will help keep bacteria at bay and ensure a cozy and healthy sleep environment.
08
Light Switches
You know those light switches in your house or office that everyone seems to touch? Yeah, those. The fact that even strangers can touch them and who knows what kind of germs they’re carrying?
The problem is places that lots of people touch are a breeding ground for germs.
To protect yourself, always remember to grab some disinfectant wipes and clean those light switches regularly. And don’t forget to wash your hands after touching them too.
09
Faucet
Faucet handles.No matter how diligent we are about washing our hands, those handles get touched by all sorts of icky stuff. And not everyone is considerate enough to clean the handles after using them, so they’re tricky to clean because you can’t clean your hands before washing them.
After you’ve washed your hands, give the faucet handle a quick wipe-down with soapy water. Or, you can simply grab some antibacterial wipes or disinfectant spray and give those handles a deep clean. Do it every day and you’ll keep those germs and grime at bay.
10
Cafeteria
You know what they say, a cafeteria is a melting pot of yummy eats and all sorts of germs. With so many people shuffling in and out, chowing down and chatting up, it’s no surprise that this place can be a playground for bacteria.
And let’s not forget about all those crumbs that hit the floor, or drinks that get knocked over, adding to the germ collection.
So, here’s a pro tip: pack a little hand sanitizer in your bag and give your table a quick wipe down with a disinfectant wipe, if you can. Most importantly, don’t forget to wash your hands before and after your visit to the cafeteria.
11
Phone
Your trusty cell phone is always by your side, but do you ever stop to think about the germs it collects along the way? Your phone is exposed to germs every time you eat, sneeze, cough, or touch various surfaces. And if you use your phone in the bathroom – that’s a whole other level of germy exposure.
But here are a few simple steps you can take to keep your phone germ-free. Give it a quick wipe with an antibacterial cloth or disinfectant spray every day. Before you dig into your grub, make sure to wash those paws.
And for the love of all that is clean, Try to keep your phone out of the bathroom.
You don’t want to introduce any fecal aerosols to your device. Stay healthy and germ-free.
