7 Places That Are Surprisingly Full of Germs

We have found seven places where germs hide. Yuck!

There is nothing worse than dealing with a food borne illness. Many germs that cause food borne illnesses will result in stomach upset including vomiting, diarrhea and nausea.

The best way to prevent germs like E. coli and staphylococcus is to know where they are lurking.

So keep some extra anti-bacterial wipes handy when touching any of these extremely common household and outdoor items.

1. ATM machines

It makes sense when you think about it. People are constantly touching the buttons and there isn’t someone standing beside each machine wiping it with anti-bacterial wipes every time someone uses one.

In fact, according to the Food and Safety Information Council, there are an average of 1,271 bacteria living on an ATM keypad.

2. Computer keyboards

Multitasking is the new norm and thus it is only common to eat, to drink, to talk on the phone, to cough and to do almost everything else while plugging away on your computer. However, this is one of the most common places where germs strike. It takes all of 30 seconds to give your keyboard a quick wipe at the end of the day to prevent foodborne illness from striking your family. Keep some anti-bacterial wipes on your office desk as a reminder.

3. Nappy or Handbags

Think about all the different things that you carry around in your nappy or hand bag. You most likely have crushed up food, dirty wipes and God knows what else. So it makes sense that your handbag would be a great place for germs to call home. Taking the time to wipe down your bag with wipes and cleaning it out as often as possible can prevent unwanted nasties from harming you and your family.  And, grab a small tub of hand sanitiser to stick in your bag as well.

4. Fuel pumps

We all have to pump fuel. However, we don’t have to succumb to the number of germs living on the pumps. Keep a pack of disposable gloves in the glove box and pull them out the next time you stop at the pump to fuel up. Not only will you protect your hands from unwanted germs but you will also be protecting them from the carcinogens in the petrol.

5. Earphones

Even if you are the only one using your headphones to make your stroll around the block a little more pleasant, you may be surprised at how quickly germs will grow and breed in your earphones. Because of the higher temperature, your earphones are the perfect place for bugs such as staphylococcus to breed. Cleaning your ear phones after each wear can prevent these germs from spreading to your fingers and your family.

6. Street crossing buttons

Think about how many people must touch the crossing button day in and day out, especially at busy crosswalks. And, if your kids are anything like mine, then they will fight me to be the one to touch the bottom every time. So pull out a wipe before you let them press the button to prevent the germs from spreading.

7. Mobile phones

It’s the device that you are most likely most attached to and not only do you use it to talk, but you are also using it to text, to browse Facebook and to check the weather all through the amazing power of touch. Touch phones and smart phones have made our life a helluva lot easier but they have also made it a helluva lot dirtier. Make sure you wash your hands regularly and give your phone’s screen a wipe down at the end of each day.

Do you know of other places that are surprisingly full of germs?