“Ew, You Touched That?” Warning! These Everyday Items Are Crawling With Germs

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Our days are filled with countless small interactions-grabbing a quick coffee, scrolling through our phones, or catching a ride on public transit. In the rush of it all, we rarely stop to think about the things our hands come into contact with. Each surface we touch carries a collection of tiny, invisible companions we'd rather avoid. And while these everyday routines may feel harmless, they're sometimes the perfect hotspot for hidden germs.

So be careful when you come in contact with the following things.

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Money

These days, even though digital payments are the norm, we still need cash now and then. But cash can be a bit of a germ magnet! Studies on currency, like $1 bills from New York, reveal that money can carry all kinds of microbes-everything from oral and vaginal bacteria to pet DNA and viruses.
Some cash even has pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella. Since money circulates for years, especially $100 bills, it's no wonder bacteria builds up.

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Coins are also guilty, with studies from places like Nairobi showing they carry germs and fungi too. For anyone handling cash, especially in places like restaurants, washing hands is a must. So, it might be worth considering using cashless payments to avoid germs from currency notes and coins!

Restaurant Menus

Restaurants may seem squeaky clean, but some of their most-used items can be covered in bacteria-especially the menus! A study from the University of Arizona found that restaurant menus can harbour an incredible 185,000 bacterial organisms. This makes sense when you think about how many people touch them throughout the day, including staff who handle used dishes and utensils.

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Unfortunately, you can't avoid handling the menu, but carrying hand sanitizer is a great idea. Apply it before and after touching the menu, or simply wash your hands after placing your order. It's an easy way to cut down on germs and enjoy your meal with a bit more peace of mind!

Soap Dispensers

Now here's a bit of a shocker - the soap in public restrooms might be as germy as the toilets! University of Arizona researchers found that about 23% of refillable soap dispensers in public bathrooms carried bacteria like Serratia, Enterobacter, and Klebsiella, all potentially harmful. What's worse?

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These germs actually feed on soap ingredients, happily thriving there. So, what's the safe move? Use dispensers with sealed, disposable bags, which tend to stay germ-free. Or, keep some alcohol-based hand sanitizer on you, just in case. Oh, and watch out for those pump tops too; touching them could actually leave you with more bacteria than you started with!

Public Surfaces

Public transportation and busy public spaces are loaded with germs, especially on surfaces like escalator handrails, subway poles, and door handles. These high-touch areas carry microbes from countless people each day, making hand hygiene essential. Research shows that escalator handrails are among the filthiest surfaces, just behind restroom sinks and food court tables.

They can contain everything from food particles, blood, and mucus to bacteria like E. coli and other pathogens. Elevators aren't much cleaner, with buttons covered in germs. To stay on the safe side, wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before and after using public transportation-and if you're on an escalator, try not to touch that handrail!

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With around 2.6 million people flying every day, airports are also a hotspot for germs! Public surfaces like doorknobs, water fountains, kiosk screens, and especially those security trays are full of bacteria.

Those trays carry everything from dirty shoes to bags, making them a major contamination source. To keep things cleaner, stash some hand sanitizer or sanitising wipes in your carry bag for a quick cleanup when you need it!

The Kitchen

The kitchen might seem clean, but it's actually a prime spot for germs! Between uncooked food, utensils, and everyday items like towels and sponges, bacteria have plenty of places to settle in. In fact, one study discovered up to 326 different species of bacteria living on used kitchen sponges alone.

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According to Charles Gerba, a microbiology expert, our kitchens are full of microbial "landmines" lurking on sponges, cutting boards, countertops, and sinks. These spots collect bacteria from everything we handle, from raw ingredients to dishcloths. To keep things cleaner, consider regularly sanitising surfaces and replacing sponges to keep the kitchen as safe as possible!

In conclusion, germs are everywhere, but now you know where they love to hide. So, keep your hands clean and stay one step ahead!

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.