15 Things You Touch Every Day That Have Never Been Cleaned

You might be surprised by how many things you touch daily that aren’t as clean as you think. It’s easy to overlook these everyday items and assume they’re not a big deal. But when you really start paying attention, you might cringe at how much grime, bacteria, and germs are hitching a ride with you. In this listicle, we’re going to dive into some of those frequently touched items that often get neglected. By the end, you might find yourself reaching for the disinfectant a bit more often!

1. Your Phone

You might not give it a second thought as you scroll through your phone, but it’s likely one of the dirtiest things you touch each day. Studies have shown that the average smartphone is ten times dirtier than a toilet seat. According to microbiologist Charles Gerba, phones can harbor bacteria from everything our hands have touched, from door handles to public transport seats. We bring our phones everywhere, from the office to the bathroom, exposing them to a wide variety of bacteria and viruses. Yet, despite all this exposure, how often do you actually clean your phone?

Cleaning your phone doesn’t have to be complicated. A simple wipe-down with a microfiber cloth and a bit of rubbing alcohol can help reduce the microbial load. You can also invest in UV sanitizers specifically designed for electronics if you want to get a bit more high-tech. Remember, while you’re cleaning your phone, don’t forget about the phone case. It can trap just as many germs, if not more, than the phone itself.

2. Light Switches

Light switches are one of those things you probably don’t think about, but they see a lot of action every day. Every time someone enters or exits a room, that light switch gets a little love tap. We touch them with clean hands, dirty hands, and sometimes even with elbows if our hands are full. Despite this, light switches rarely make it onto the weekly cleaning list.

To keep light switches germ-free, consider incorporating them into your regular cleaning routine. Wipe them down with a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dampened with a mild cleaning solution. If you have young children who are always sticky-fingered, you might want to do this every couple of days. It’s a simple step that can help cut down on germs in your home. Plus, it’s always satisfying to see those switches go from grimy to gleaming!

3. Remote Controls

The remote control is an unsung hero in many households, always within reach but rarely on the list for cleaning. It gets passed around from person to person, left on the couch, and sometimes even dropped on the floor. According to Gerba, remote controls are often overlooked during cleaning, accumulating bacteria and viruses. This makes them one of the dirtiest items in most homes. Just think about how often you touch it and how infrequently you clean it.

Cleaning your remote control can be simple. Remove the batteries first to avoid any risk of moisture damage, then use a damp cloth or a disinfectant wipe to clean the surface. Pay special attention to the buttons, which can collect a lot of gunk. Remember to clean your remote regularly, especially during cold and flu season. It’s a quick and easy task that can make a big difference in keeping germs at bay.

4. Door Handles

Door handles are one of the most frequently touched surfaces in any home. They are touched multiple times a day by everyone in the household. Despite this, they often get overlooked during cleaning. When you think about the number of germs that could be transferred to a door handle, it becomes clear why regular cleaning is essential.

To keep your door handles clean, make a habit of wiping them down with disinfectant at least once a week. If someone in your home is sick, consider increasing this to daily cleanings. Make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies, as dust and germs can easily collect there. Not only will this reduce the spread of germs, but it will also keep your handles looking shiny and new. It’s a small task that makes a big difference in household hygiene.

5. Computer Keyboards

Keyboards are often one of the most neglected items when it comes to cleaning, despite being a playground for germs. Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University, points out that keyboards can harbor bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Every time you eat at your desk or sneeze near your computer, germs can settle between the keys. Yet, how often do you actually give your keyboard a good clean? It’s easy to forget, but think about how many times a day you touch it.

Cleaning your keyboard regularly can help keep it free of germs. Turn off your computer and unplug the keyboard, then gently shake out any crumbs or debris. Use a can of compressed air to blow out dust and dirt from between the keys. Wipe down the keys with a cloth dampened with a little rubbing alcohol. Regular maintenance can keep your keyboard clean and reduce the spread of germs.

6. Kitchen Sponges

Kitchen sponges might be the biggest culprit for spreading germs around the home. They are often damp and warm, providing the perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Every time you wipe down a surface, you could be spreading more germs than you are cleaning. Despite this, many people rarely change or sanitize their sponges.

To keep your sponges clean, try to sanitize them regularly. One method is to wet the sponge and microwave it for a minute to kill bacteria. You can also soak it in a mixture of bleach and water. Remember to replace your sponges frequently, about every week or two. By keeping your sponges clean, you can reduce the risk of spreading germs in your kitchen.

7. Car Steering Wheel

The steering wheel in your car is another item that often gets overlooked when it comes to cleaning. It’s estimated that steering wheels can harbor up to four times more germs than a typical public toilet seat, according to a study conducted by the National Center for Biotechnology Information. You touch it every time you drive, but how often do you actually clean it? Considering how much time we spend in our cars, it’s worth giving the steering wheel some attention.

Cleaning your steering wheel can be quite simple. Use a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dampened with a cleaning solution that’s safe for your vehicle’s interior. Make sure to get into all the grooves and seams where dirt and grime can accumulate. Regularly cleaning your steering wheel not only keeps it hygienic but also helps maintain the appearance of your car. It’s a small effort that can lead to a much cleaner driving environment.

8. Gym Equipment

If you’re a regular gym-goer, you’re probably coming into contact with a lot of shared equipment. While most gyms provide disinfectant wipes, it’s easy to forget or skip over cleaning the equipment before and after use. From dumbbells to treadmills, these surfaces see a lot of sweat and touch throughout the day. This makes gym equipment a hotspot for bacteria and germs.

To protect yourself, always wipe down equipment both before and after you use it. Pay extra attention to high-touch areas like handles and seats. Carry a small hand sanitizer with you to use after your workout as an added layer of protection. By taking these simple steps, you can help reduce your exposure to germs at the gym. It’s a simple practice to keep your workouts healthier.

9. Shopping Cart Handles

Shopping carts are a necessity for many of us, but they are also a hotspot for germs. Think about how many people touch a shopping cart handle on any given day. From children to adults, everyone grabs onto the same spot. Yet, how often are these handles cleaned?

Most stores provide disinfectant wipes near the carts, so take advantage of them before you start shopping. Wipe down the handle thoroughly before you touch it. If wipes aren’t available, consider carrying your own. It’s a small step that can make grocery shopping a bit more sanitary. Plus, it’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to germs.

10. Money

Cash is handled by countless people throughout its lifespan. Every time money changes hands, germs are transferred. Despite this, cash is rarely cleaned or sanitized. It’s easy to forget about this when you’re in a hurry, but money can be one of the dirtiest things you come into contact with each day.

Whenever you handle cash, it’s a good idea to wash your hands afterward. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use hand sanitizer as a temporary solution. Consider using digital payment methods when possible to reduce your contact with cash. By staying mindful of the germs that money can carry, you can help protect yourself from unnecessary exposure. Remember, cleanliness is just a handwash away.

11. ATM Buttons

ATM buttons are used by countless individuals every day. Every time someone accesses their bank account, they touch the same buttons that many others have. Despite their frequent use, ATMs are rarely cleaned. This makes them a potential breeding ground for germs and bacteria.

When using an ATM, consider carrying a small hand sanitizer with you to use afterward. If you prefer to avoid touching the buttons directly, use your knuckle or a stylus instead. By taking these precautions, you can reduce your exposure to germs. It’s a simple adjustment that can help you stay healthier. Plus, it only takes a moment of your time.

12. Elevator Buttons

Elevator buttons are another frequently touched surface in public spaces. They are used by many different people every day, making them a hotspot for germs. Despite their constant use, elevator buttons are rarely cleaned. This can lead to the transfer of bacteria and viruses from person to person.

To protect yourself, consider using your knuckle or an object like a pen to press the buttons. Carry hand sanitizer with you to use after touching high-contact surfaces. By being mindful of the germs on elevator buttons, you can reduce your risk of exposure. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in maintaining your health. Remember, a little caution goes a long way.

13. Faucet Handles

Faucet handles are touched frequently throughout the day, especially in shared spaces like offices and public restrooms. Every time someone turns on the faucet, germs can be transferred to the handle. Despite this, faucet handles are often overlooked during cleaning. This can lead to the spread of bacteria and viruses.

Make it a habit to clean your faucet handles regularly at home. Use a disinfectant wipe or a cleaning solution to remove germs and keep the handles sparkling. In public restrooms, consider using a paper towel to turn off the faucet after washing your hands. These small actions can help reduce the spread of germs. It’s a simple way to stay proactive about hygiene.

14. Handrails

Handrails are a common touchpoint in public spaces like staircases, escalators, and public transportation. They are used for support and balance by countless individuals each day. However, handrails are rarely cleaned, making them a potential germ hotspot. This can lead to the transfer of bacteria and viruses from one person to another.

To protect yourself, try to avoid touching handrails whenever possible. If you need to use them for support, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer afterward. By being mindful of the germs on handrails, you can reduce your risk of exposure. It’s a simple precaution that can help keep you healthier. Plus, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

15. Pet Toys

Pet toys are loved by our furry friends and see a lot of use. They get chewed on, carried around, and played with, both inside and outside. Despite this, pet toys are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning. Over time, they can accumulate dirt, saliva, and bacteria.

To keep your pet’s toys clean, regularly wash them with soap and water. If possible, choose toys that are machine washable for convenience. By keeping your pet’s toys clean, you help maintain a healthier environment for both you and your pet. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference in reducing germs in your home. Plus, a clean toy is a happy toy!