What are the dirtiest objects in your home?

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**Joseph Chance** (1:04)
What are the dirtiest objects in your home?
Thanks for asking.
You might assume that your toilet bowl is the dirtiest place in your flat or house, but in fact, that's pretty far from the truth. Our homes are actually filled with items that are perfect hosts for germs and bacteria. And sometimes it's the objects you least suspect. For example, those in your kitchen or bathroom in particular. That might sound ironic, given they're supposed to be the cleanest rooms in your home. But in reality, they're also where you introduce the most bacteria. And that can have real consequences on your health. That's right, these bacterial hotspots can cause viral illnesses like colds, stomach bugs and even more serious infections. According to BBC Food, the domestic kitchen is to blame for a fair share of the 2.4 million cases of food poisoning that occur in the UK each year. What's the dirtiest item in the kitchen then? It's the kitchen sponge. That's because it comes into contact with all sorts of bacteria. Simply rinsing it with water isn't nearly enough to clean it. A German study published in Scientific Reports in July 2017 found that a single cubic centimeter of sponge can contain 118 different types of bacteria, making it the most contaminated object in your house. That's due in particular to the sponge's porous structure and constant moisture, which create the perfect environment for microbes to thrive. To avoid this, you should really be replacing your sponge at least once a week, or consider using reusable sponges that are more hygienic if properly maintained, and also better for the environment. For example, silicon sponges don't hold moisture as much as traditional ones, and can be washed at high temperatures in the dishwasher. All right, so what other items should I be cleaning more often then? One example is your toothbrush, which can harbour a significant number of germs, so it's important to replace it regularly. Your smartphone is another culprit, as the Daily Mail pointed out in 2018, reporting that mobile phones are seven times dirtier than toilet seats. Within that article, Professor of Bacteriology Hugh Pennington is quoted as saying, swabbing a smartphone is almost like checking your handkerchief for germs. You are likely to find them because of the close physical contact you have with this device several times a day. The main takeaway is that you really want to be cleaning your phone's case, microphone and screen on a daily basis.
And finally, there's your pillow. I know, it looks so clean and comfortable. But it's actually a real breeding ground for bacteria. You should wash your bedding regularly and wash your pillows in the machine at 40 to 60 degrees Celsius. That's because bacteria can penetrate the fabric, allowing it to accumulate dirt, oils, dead skin cells and other germs. This can lead to skin problems like cacne by clogging your pores and causing irritation.
There you have it.
Now you know what the dirtiest objects in your home are. In under three minutes, we answer your questions and help you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines. Listen along and you will really know for sure.