5 Harmful Household Items

Germs are everywhere, but do we ever really think there may be more in our own homes? Here are five things in your home that may be detriments to your health:

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1.) Your sponge

There may be as many as 20 million microbes on your sponge as you read this. But many people don’t realize you need to clean your sponge. The best way to clean a dirty sponge is to put it in the dishwasher or microwave it on high for 1 minute.

image courtesy of google images2.) Your bed

2.) Your bed

The first thing we do when we get home from a vacation is throw our suitcase (and maybe ourselves) onto our bed. But you may have picked up some hidden hitchhikers during your trip. The Environmental Protection Agency says bedbugs are on the rise and becoming an increasing health problem. The best way to steer clear of pesky mites? Wash everything in your suitcase. Also, clean your suitcase with a brush and vacuum the inside.

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3.) Your laptop

Did you know that average public toilet contains 41 germs per square inch? According to the a study done by researchers at the University of North Carolina Health Care System, there are 21,000 germs per square inch on the average personal keyboard. The best way to keep your keyboard clean is to frequently wipe it down with antibacterial wipes.

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4.) Your doorknob

Think of how many people touch your doorknob a day; your roommates, friends stopping by, your landlord, the pizza guy. Now think of where they may have been before and what they may have touched. Wipe down your doorknob frequently with sanitizing wipes or sprays.

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5.) Your salt and pepper shakers

Have you ever cleaned your salt and pepper shakers? They may be things you touch multiple times a day: before cooking, after handling raw foods while cooking or at the dinner table. Salt and pepper shakers are also commonly shared, so make sure to put them in the dishwasher before refilling or wipe them down with antibacterial wipes in between washes.