EVER felt like your home is a breeding ground for germs?
A US study found the average house is home is 8,000 different type of bugs and bacteria.
So, we know our homes are dirty, but where exactly are these nasty bugs living?
Jordan Haworth, a gut health scientist based in the US, has revealed which items in our home are carrying the most bacteria – some of which you've probably never cleaned.
Picking up a nasty bug like salmonella "just once" is enough to leave you with "life-long gut health problems like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)," the expert explains.
1. Coffee makers
Our morning coffee might be making us sick, the expert says in the TikTok video.
While you might think they are clean, you'll be surprised to know that coffee makers can be a "breeding ground" for bacteria and mould.
"You should flush the system with vinegar and always change the water before use," he says.
2. TV remote
Surprisingly TV remotes are another item Jordan highlights, despite it being something we only use a couple of times a day.
According to several studies there are up to 20 times more bacteria on your TV remote than your toilet seat.
Most read in Health
I'm a nutritionist – these foods can affect your mental health
Warning as 47% of under-45s unaware they're at risk of silent killer
I'm a midwife and these are the items I’ve found lost inside pregnant women
Mum left with dent in her head after partner spotted 'something different'
"Think of how many times you've been scrolling through Netflix and eaten something at the same time," the expert says.
"This is your sign to clean it now," he adds.
3. Shoes
Many outdoor shoes carry a bacteria called C. Diff, Jordan says.
"This bacteria can leave you with severe diarrhoea.
"It doesn't matter if your Air Force One's are dusty or fresh, always take your shoes off at the front door," Jordan says.
4. Dish clothes
Dish clothes are one of the handiest things you can have in a kitchen – and they are also the dirtiest.
"I bet you use the same one to clean table wear and surfaces," Jordan says.
"Start by soaking yours in boiling water for around 15 minutes every week," he adds.
5. Microwave
Spills inside a microwave can sometimes be be inevitable.
But if these aren't cleaned up , bacteria like E. coli or salmonella could linger and contaminate the next food that sits on the turn table.
"If you've got any food spill stains in your microwave get it cleaned you filthy animal," Jordan says.
6. Chopping boards
Chopping boards can harbour 200 per cent more bacteria than a toilet seat, according to NHS Direct.
"You should be using a separate chopping boards for raw meat," Jordan suggests.
7. Fridge
Because of how much food is kept inside your fridge it's worth giving it a deep clean once a month, the scientist says.
"Storing food properly is also important, start with ready to eat produce at the top and work your way down," he explains.
8. Bath towels
Dirty towels can carry a huge variety of microbes, and they've even been linked to spreading infectious diseases, according to the NHS.
"Make sure you have a separate towel for washing your hands and showering to reduce the spread of bacteria," Jordan says.
9. Light switch
When was the last time you cleaned your light switch?
Lights switches are often warm, meaning they're breeding grounds for bugs.
Some studies have found up to 217 different types of bacteria leaving on each square inch of a switch.
10. Pets
Yes, kisses from your dog may be cute – but are they really that good for you?
Read More on The Sun
Mum spots a creepy detail whilst looking back at the snaps of her baby boy
I’ve saved £1,000 on rent living in a 5-bed house for free – how you can too
"Their toys, bowls, food and poo are full of bacteria.
"And they've probably had their face in all of them," Jordan explains.
Source: Read Full Article