Have you ever wondered how dirty your house really is?
Do you keep up with the cleaning, vacuuming and washing? Even if you do, you might be surprised about how many household germs exist in your home. One study from the Society for General Microbiology found 340 different types of bacteria on 30 household items. Many items in your home can make you unwell if kept dirty, so it is vital to understand where different types of bacteria fester.
Don’t panic.
Rub and Scrub has listed 4 common germs found in the house, to ensure you are clued up on all the unwanted visitors that may be staying in your home.
(Germs can appear anywhere in the house, but we’ve listed where some are often found!).
Kitchen:
You may be surprised about the dirtiest objects found in your home. Research has suggested that the dirtiest area in your kitchen is the sink (which many argue is the dirtiest place in the whole house-even dirtier than our toilets!).
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Common household germs and bacteria found in the kitchen are:
Salmonella
There are around 10,000 cases of salmonella reported in the UK every year.
Salmonella can be contracted if:
- You consume animal products such as milk or meats contaminated with salmonella. Furthermore, salmonella can be contracted if you allow the bacteria from these meats to leak into other food or drink sources.
- You consume vegetables or fruit which has contracted salmonella through contact with animal manure.
Side effects:
- Nausea
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Temperature
- Headache
E. coli
E. coli bacterium usually lives in the intestines of animals and humans. Hundreds of cases are reported every year, although E. coli rarely causes serious harm.
E coli can be contracted:
- If you do not wash your hands or cook food correctly
- If you cross contaminate food, spreading the bacteria onto other sources.
- If people store food incorrectly (leaving food out for too long or storing food at the wrong temperature.)
- If you drink or swim in water that has been contaminated with E coli (water is contaminated through encountering animal or human waste containing the bacteria.)
Side effects:
- Stomach pains and/or diarrhea
- Vomiting or nausea
- Dehydration
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- High temperature
- Bruising
Bathroom:
The global public health and safety organization revealed that the dirtiest area in the bathroom was the toothbrush holder! The study found that there was mold and yeast on 64% of the toothbrush holder and 27% had coliform- significantly more than the toilet.
A common household germ found in the bathroom is:
Staphylococcus aureus
Staphylococcus aureus is a germ, making up part of the staphylococcus group of bacteria. Staphylococcus aureus is commonly found in the nose or skin of healthy adults (around 25-30% of adults hold the bacteria).
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Staphylococcus aureus can be contracted
- If you share towels, toothbrushes and/or razors
- If you do not clean the bath, toilet or sinks properly (as this can result in skin to skin contact with the bacteria).
- In rare circumstances through droplets in coughs and sneezes
Side effects:
- Swollen skin
- Sores, crusts and blisters
- Painful lumps or bumps
- Bloodshot eyes and sore eyelids
Bedroom:
The dirtiest area found in the bedroom is the mattress, containing up to 26 gallons of sweat a year (and bed bugs a lot of the time).
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Common household bacteria found in the bedroom are:
Fungal spores (mold) e.g. Penicillium, Cladosporium and Aspergillus
Fungal spores such as mold is an airborne bacteria and can enter your bedroom through open windows. Furthermore, fungal spores can develop in your mattress due to the excess moisture (sweat) being absorbed into the mattress.
It is vital to get rid of mold effectively and immediately, as it can spread through your home quickly.
Fungal spores can be contracted if:
- You inhale the bacteria
- You come into skin to skin contact with the bacteria (e.g. lying on mattresses that are contaminated).
Side effects:
- Headache
- Allergic reactions
- Respiratory problems
- Coughing, sneezing and/or a runny nose
- Indigestion
- Earache
