The Germiest Places in Your World
November 06, 2011, By Tom McNulty 0 comments
This is going to be a “tough love” column, but the conversation must be had. It delivers knowledge that may help you avoid illness or even—wait for it—death!
It’s all about the germiest things you’re likely to encounter in a typical day.
When it comes to unsanitary places, the truth not only hurts, it’s often smelly, sticky, icky or even invisible. In any case, there’s precious little good to it, but more than enough bad and ugly to go around.
The information that follows comes from a variety of sources, and as always, includes my own humble opinions.
Shopping cart handles – Touched by unwashed masses of shoppers. Do: Swab with antiseptic wipes from the store or bring your own or wear gloves.
ATM buttons – Similar to shopping cart handles and public bathroom doorknobs, and not often cleaned. Paper money also harbors germs. Do: Carry hand sanitizer or alcohol-based wipes with you.
The kitchen sink – It carries up to a half-million bacteria per square inch (BSI), which also cover your sponges and faucet handles. Do: Clean counters and skin with antibacterial soap after any food prep (meats, fruits and vegetables). Blast sponges in the microwave; spritz the sink twice a week with a weak bleach/water solution (1 tbsp/1 qt. water) and pour what’s left down the drain.
Outside bottoms of handbags – Imagine all the bad stuff that’s on the ground…from dogs to garbage to tobacco juice. That’s where you set your bag, too. Do: Hang your bag on a hook, use leather or vinyl bags rather than cloth, don’t put your bag on your kitchen counter.
Airplane bathrooms – All bathrooms are germy, but cramped, overused airplane restrooms are worse. Do: Use paper on the toilet seats, close lid when flushing, wash hands thoroughly.
Wet laundry loads – Underwear bears E.Coli, and it transfers to your hands, other clothing and the machine. Do: use hot water except for colored loads, wash whites with chlorine bleach, wash underwear separately.
NEXT: Inside stall door knobs in public restroom
