The item in your kitchen that's 'dirtier than a toilet seat' and is a 'salmonella breeding ground'

If you believe your loo seat is the ultimate breeding ground for germs, it is time to reconsider. From cleaning tools to tech gadgets and even e-cigarettes, everyday household items can harbour up to 15 times more bacteria than your toilet.

Shockingly, many Brits are completely oblivious to just how germ-ridden these items can be. Markus Lindblad from Northerner unveils five surprising things that are filthier than your toilet seat.

He also discloses precisely how frequently you should be giving them a good clean. Brace yourself to add a whole new roster to your cleaning routine.

Kitchen sponge

Despite their purpose being to clean, kitchen sponges are actually among the dirtiest objects in your kitchen. Due to their damp nature and constant contact with food remnants, sponges become an ideal breeding site for bacteria, such as E.coli and Salmonella

Previous studies have suggested that your kitchen sponge could host 200,000 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. Dodge this grimy catastrophe by washing your sponges in hot water or replacing them more often.

Vapes

A common habit for many, vaping devices can harbour 400 times more bacteria than a toilet if not cleaned properly, due to continuous hand-to-mouth contact and moisture. To inhibit bacterial growth, regularly adhere to these cleaning steps:.

Disassemble: Detach the tank, mouthpiece, other removable parts, and the battery.

Clean: Rinse the tank under warm water and let the parts soak for 10-15 minutes. Use alcohol wipes to clean particularly dirty areas.

Soak mouthpiece: Immerse in warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and use a cotton bud to clean the inside.

Wipe exterior: Clean the outside of the device with a kitchen towel, taking care not to get any liquid in the battery compartment.

Reassemble: Once all parts are dry, reassemble the device. Before using, ensure everything is correctly assembled and there are no leaks.

If you are exploring other nicotine substitutes, nicotine pouches could be a more sanitary option as they can simply be discarded in the bin after use.

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TV remotes

A TV remote is a significant germ hotspot, shockingly harbouring up to 15 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. Its frequent handling by multiple, often unwashed, hands makes it a gathering point for various germs from coughs, sneezes, crumbs, and even pets.

So, during your next cleaning session, remember to disinfect the TV remote to help prevent the spread of germs and reduce bacterial growth.

Mobile Phones

Mobile phones accompany us everywhere, from bathrooms to bedrooms, workplaces to gyms, and the constant need to have your phone in hand makes them a hotbed for bacteria. Every time you use your phone, you transfer oil, sweat, food particles and bacteria from your hands, so it's hardly surprising that your phone could harbour 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat.

Do not become complacent; it's recommended to give your phone a disinfectant wipe down at least once a week, particularly focusing on the screen

Computer Keyboards

We're all guilty of munching our lunch at our desks. However, you might reconsider this habit once you discover just how filthy your keyboard can be.

From lunchtime crumbs and dust to bacteria from hands, PC or laptop keyboards can harbour up to five times more germs than a toilet seat. This could be even worse for those who share computers!

Personal laptops or computer keyboards should be cleaned at least once a month; however, shared computers should be wiped down after each use to prevent any accumulation of bacteria.