A home expert has revealed the most germ-ridden spots in homes that are often overlooked – and says that they could be making you ill if you don’t clean them properly
A home expert has revealed the unexpected areas and items in our homes that are teeming with germs – warning that neglecting their cleanliness could lead to illness.
While you might assume the toilet or kitchen bin would be the most germ-infested parts of any home, this expert advises thinking beyond the obvious spots.
There are numerous everyday items that may not seem like they need cleaning, but if left untouched for too long, they could cause you to catch a cold, throat infection or fever. Terry Fisher from top home buying service, We Buy Any Home, has highlighted these often overlooked spots and is urging people to clean them more frequently.
Speaking to The Sun, he said that any surface that is frequently touched should be regularly cleaned. “These surfaces can provide a nice home for a range of bacteria, from Staphylococcus aureus and salmonella to E.coli and mould,” he explained.
With the recent winter chill leading to a rise in seasonal illnesses, it’s crucial to thoroughly clean every part of your home. So, here are Terry’s top spots to clean that are often neglected:
Toothbrush holder
You might not consider this a dirty spot as it’s associated with cleaning your teeth, but Terry warns that these items can pick up germs from a flushing toilet daily, so it’s best to clean them at least once a week.
Computer keyboards
Whether you’re tapping away for work or binge-watching Netflix in the evenings, if your keyboard is getting daily action, it might just be screaming out for a clean. Most of us may never have considered it, but Terry insists: “Failing to disinfect our keyboards regularly allows the germs and bacteria to continue to build up and for new ones to be transferred from our fingers, too.”
TV remote
This extends to your TV remote – an item touched frequently without a second thought, yet failing to wipe the bacteria away could lead to sickness, the expert warns.
Light switches and plug sockets
As for light switches and plug sockets, Terry advises: “Just like any other surface in the home that we touch regularly, these should be disinfected once a week.”
Kitchen appliances
Don’t overlook kitchen appliances either. The kettle, buttons, and knobs on stoves, ovens and microwaves also require attention. Though they may seem insignificant, Terry warns that neglecting these smaller items and not cleaning them at least weekly could harm your health.
