The dirtiest household item is often a kitchen sponge, with more than 75% of all sponges containing potential fecal bacteria, research has shown. Kitchen sponges have been found to be more than 200,000 times dirtier than toilet seats. The average kitchen sponge is thought to contain more than 10 million bacteria per square inch (6.45 square cm), which is typically the result of its moisture levels and small crevices that allow germs to breed. The risk of spreading germs with a kitchen sponge can be reduced by microwaving it to kill bacteria.
More about dirty household items:
- A toothbrush holder is often the dirtiest household item in the bathroom, with more than 25% of all toothbrush holders containing bacteria.
- Coliform, a bacteria family that contains E. coli and Salmonella can be been found in more than 75% of all households, research shows.
- The personal items that contain the most bacteria include money, with almost 10% containing fecal bacteria, followed by cell phones, remote controls, wallets and keys.