Take pride in having a clean and shiny(ish) home? Well, while you’re diligently scrubbing your loo and wiping your kitchen surfaces, there could be some simple daily habits that are undoing your hard work and sneaking germs in right under your nose.
We spoke to professor in bacterial pathogenesis at Nottingham University and member of the Microbiology Society, Kim Hardie, and GH household advice expert, Ella Duggan, to find out what common mistakes we’re making. Put simply, Professor Hardie explains, we need to think about anything that’s been in contact with places where germs are. Some of these are more obvious – the soles of your shoes, your hands after touching pets – but there are plenty more unexpected ways bacteria could be making their way in. Here are the habits to watch out for...
Stop wearing your shoes around the house
Always thought people who insist on their guests removing their shoes were a little too precious? Or perhaps you’ve always been one of those insisting, if only for the sake of your cream carpets? Well, it turns out it’s right to be cautious.
‘Wearing outdoor shoes around the house after a long day out or travelling can introduce a whole host of nasties to your furniture. They can carry bacteria like E. coli, C. difficile and MRSA, which in serious cases can cause diarrhoea, illness and antibiotic-resistant infections,’ says GH’s Ella Duggan. Instead, change into a pair of slippers or cosy socks and keep your shoes by the front door.
Change your clothes when you come home
The same can be said for your outdoor clothes when it comes to bringing bacteria in. While the soles of your shoes are going to have the most contact, the coats and clothes you wear while you’re out and about will also be exposed to germs.
‘The habit that always grosses me out personally is sitting on (or even getting into) your bed wearing the clothes you just sat on public transport in. The amount of germs your clothes can pick up, carry and transfer is shocking,’ says Ella. ‘Additionally, not changing when you get home can inflame allergies such as hayfever, by bringing in pollen or dander from the outside world.’
Beware of sharing towels
Busy family bathroom? We’ve been there. You’ve just got out of the shower and reach for the closest fluffy towel so you can dry off and get on with your busy morning. However, this could be spreading germs from person to person.
‘Sharing towels could risk skin infections, including athlete’s foot, verrucas, acne and cold sores. Even respiratory infections, colds, flu and eye infections can be transmitted this way,’ warns Professor Hardie.
Don’t forget about your phone
‘I find the enemy is usually right under our nose, and glued to our sides,’ says Ella, and Professor Hardie agrees that phones are one of the worst offenders when it comes to spreading germs.
‘Phone screens are notoriously filthy and yet we take them everywhere with us. Studies have shown that smartphones carry significantly more bacteria than toilet seats, so keep that in mind next time you're cuddled up in bed with yours,’ says Ella.
Clean your handbag
Similarly, our handbags come with us everywhere, especially during the commute to and from work. You bag could have been sitting on the floor of the bus or train – essentially having the same contact as the soles of your shoes – and then find itself on the kitchen counter or dining table where food is prepared and eaten.
‘I think people underestimate or simply forget how dirty our bags are, but it doesn’t take an expert to realise how much bacteria and grime lurks on public transport,’ says Ella. ‘I try to wipe mine down with a leather safe, anti-bacterial wipe most days.’
Don’t put your suitcase on your bed
Always plonk your suitcase on your bed to pack before a holiday? Then, presumably, you’ll unpack it on your hotel bed when you arrive at your destination? If so, it might be time to rethink the habit.
Suitcases are a notorious spreader of bed bugs, says Professor Hardie, not to mention all the other germs that cases can pick up when rolling along the streets, on public transport and in airports. So don’t let the germs go global! Keep your suitcase away from your seats and give it a clean between trips.
