Someone wipes their phone screen with a tissue.

These are the everyday objects with the most
viruses and bacteria

Germ alert!
The taps on the public toilet, the handle in the underground or the touch screen at the ticket machine – everyone knows that viruses and bacteria can be found onthese surfaces. But what about inside our own four walls? How germ-laden are our everyday companions and on which objects are most microorganisms found?

The 10 biggest germ hotspots in everyday life

Toilet, fridge, or smartphone – which everyday objects are most loaded with germs? Find out where the most germs are found in your everyday life by clicking the slider [1]!

Place 10: Cutting Boards

Tomatoes and a knife on a wooden cutting board with a tag that says 713 microorganisms per 10cm².

Place 9: Stove Knobs

Stove Knobs

Place 8: Kitchen countertops

Kitchen countertops

Place 7: Pet Toy Tennis Ball

Pet Toy Tennis Ball

Place 6: Bathroom Faucets

Bathroom Faucets

Place 5: Coffee Machine Reservoirs

Coffee Machine Reservoirs

Place 4: Pet Bowls

Pet Bowls

Place 3: Toothbrush Holders

Toothbrush Holders

Place 2: Kitchen Sinks

Dish Sponges/Rags

Place 1: Dish Sponges/Rags

Dish Sponges

This is why surface disinfection is a useful additional measure

Taps, pet toys and similar items are not only our daily companions, but also real places for germs to collect. Many fungi, viruses and bacteria can survive for considerable amounts of time on the surfaces of such objects, spread via hands or dust particles and thus become a risk of infection. On dry, lifeless surfaces, for example, flu viruses can survive for up to two days. Streptococci even have a lifespan of up to 6 months [4].

As a rule, normal cleaning is sufficient to remove bacteria and viruses. However, if there are ill or immunocompromised people in the household, it may be useful to disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched, such as taps, light switches or door handles. For a surface disinfectant to be fully effective, however, you should use a suitable product and follow the manufacturer’s directions and instructions for use.

Surface disinfection in everyday life: easier than you think!

Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces thoroughly on a regular basis when necessary may sound like a lot of work, but with the right products, it's easier than you think.
Someone cleans their tablet with Sterillium® surface wipes.
Two of our everyday heroes are Sterillium® surface spray* and Sterillium® surface wipes*. They offer optimal germ protection both at home and on the go. These products combine fast efficiency with high material compatibility and even enable gentle disinfection of sensitive and delicate surfaces such as the touch screens of smartphones and tablets, keyboards, or acrylic glass. In this way, you can get your everyday companions safely clean in no time and remove bacteria and viruses in a targeted manner.

Sources:

[1] The Public Health and Safety Organization / 2011 NSF International Household Germ Study https://d2evkimvhatqav.cloudfront.net/documents/2011_NSF_Household_Germ_Study_exec-summary.pdf(retrieved on: 08.06.2022)

[2] Tannhäuser R et al. (2021) Am J Infect Control S0196-6553(21)00669-6.

[3] Simmonds R et al. (2020) J Hosp Infect 104(2):207-213

[4]Quarks.de/ This is how long germs survive on surfaces https://www.quarks.de/gesundheit/medizin/so-lange-ueberleben-keime-auf-oberflaechen/(retrieved on: 08.06.2022)


*Use disinfectants safely.
Always read label and product information before use

Please amend in accordance with local requirements (e.g. law of advertising, product status, CLP labeling).

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