There may be a belief that the toilet lid is the dirtiest part of the house, as other items have many more germs. Most things we use every day are hardly ever cleaned, not with soap or disinfectant – unlike the toilet. Microbiologist Jason Tetro, author of The Germ Code, points out that it’s usually “our” bacteria. But even familiar bacteria, when they build up, can cause skin irritation, itchy scalp or even tooth decay.

Here’s a breakdown of the items that are best cleaned more often:

1. Bathroom and kitchen taps
Whenever someone washes their hands, they first touch the faucet with dirty hands. If it’s not a medical-grade faucet with an elbow lever, it’s filled with germs, warns Tetro.

2. Kitchen sponges
“It’s a wonder how new species of life don’t evolve in kitchen sponges,” virologist Chuck Gerba tells The Guardian. Wet, porous, full of food residue – the perfect hothouse for billions of bacteria such as salmonella and campylobacter. Especially dangerous for the elderly, children or immunocompromised people. Microwave heating temporarily reduces germs, but can boost the most resistant ones. The best solution: don’t use them or opt for biodegradable materials.

3. Cutting benches
According to Gerba, this is one of the most neglected items. The nicks from knives trap germs, especially when raw meat is cut first and then salad is prepared there. Using a dishwasher or intensive scrubbing is essential.

4. Toothbrushes
They harbor up to 10 million bacteria. The toothbrush should be cleaned daily with very hot water and changed every month. The same goes for its case, where germs also accumulate.

5. Hairbrushes
Fungi and yeasts hide between the teeth of the brush. If used after shampooing without being cleaned, it can cause dandruff or fungal infections. The brush should be cleaned once a month.

6. Canteens
Studies have shown that canteens contain up to 20 million microbial colonies – 40,000 times more than the toilet seat. They should be washed thoroughly with warm water, soap and a brush at least once a week. Lids and straws should also not be neglected in washing.

7. Watch straps
In a 2023 study, 60% of watch straps contained intestinal bacteria, such as E. coli. Rubber or fabric straps had the worst results, while metal (gold, silver) straps were the safest.

8. Headphones
They go in, they come out, they fall out, they get swapped – and they end up in the ear, a moist and dark environment perfect for germs. A study of 50 pairs of headphones found fungi and bacteria, even E. coli.

9. Glasses
Objects that come in contact with parts of the body, such as the nose and ears, collect bacteria. Some can even cause eye infections. Although alcohol wipes effectively clean glasses, they can wear out lenses. It is advisable to prefer soapy water and a soft cloth for cleaning them.

10. Spices
A 2023 study of users cooking raw meat showed that spice jars were the most contaminated items. Other studies identified common cold viruses in salt and pepper shakers. Cleaning them is almost never done.

11. Reusable bags
More than half of the bags collected in a study by Gerba contained coliform bacteria, and 8% had E. coli detected. Storage in trunks acts as a microbial hotbed. Washing at regular intervals is recommended, with the use of cotton cloths indicated.

12. Switches on the lights
In tests in hotels, switches were found to collect significant amounts of fecal bacteria. Another study showed that 25% of switches had traces of cold virus one hour after contact with a sick person.

13. Remote controls
A remote control can be up to 15 times dirtier than a toilet seat. We touch it 21,000 times a year, on average. 25-33% of people never clean it.

14. Bathroom curtains
A study found that bathroom curtains had 60 times more bacteria than the toilet seat. The warm, humid atmosphere is conducive to bacteria and mold. Many people share the bathroom, which increases the microbial load. Curtains can be machine washed or disinfected along with the bathtub.

15. Vacuum cleaners
10% of vacuum cleaner bags tested in a survey contained salmonella. When emptying the canister, it is best to do so outside the kitchen and preferably outdoors.