The top germiest spots you need to clean

Did you know that aside from your toilet bowl, kitchen counter and pet cage, there are other spots and things inside your home – such as makeup, yoga mat and headphones – that rack up tons of germs?  It is crucial to keep these things clean and dirt-free to have a healthy body and prevent sickness.

“Contact with dirty everyday items such as mobile phones, kitchen sponge and sink  increase your risk of having illness-causing bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli and Staphylococcus and influenza virus which might cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps,” says MediCard president Dr. Nicky Montoya.

Here are some of the germiest places and personal belongings that you must clean:

Dish sponge. The irony here is that sponges are supposed to ‘clean’ dishes and countertops and yet it is the dirtiest thing in most homes. According to a study, 77 percent harbored coliform bacteria, 86 percent contained yeast and mold, while 18 percent had staph bacteria. To disinfect a sponge, soak it in water then heat it in the microwave for one to two minutes, or just pour boiling water over it. It is also best to replace your dish sponge every two weeks.

Makeup and makeup brushes. Imagine putting on grimy makeup and brushes on your face. Numerous studies found that approximately half of all makeup brushes and mascara tubes are harboring germs. Make sure to keep and use makeup for about 6-months maximum and clean brushes using a disinfectant cleaner frequently.

Kitchen sink. Did you know that the kitchen sink is dirtier than most bathrooms? It has typically more than 500,000 bacteria per square inch in the drain. Clean your sink with an antibacterial product after preparing or cleansing food such as raw meat, fruits and vegetables.

Cell phone. Cellular phone has been a considered a necessity for people. But did you know that mobile phones are one of the risk factors for infection? According to a study, 1 in 6 cell phones is contaminated with fecal matter. That is why it is advised to shut down your device once a week and clean or wipe it with a disinfectant cloth.  

Yoga mat. Practicing yoga is a relief for those who want to relax and calm their mind and body. However, yoga mats, especially communal ones, harbor sweat and microbes that can linger for days if unwashed. It is best to invest in a yoga towel to keep sweat off the mat itself or occasionally scrub mats with a bit of dish soap and water.

Headphones. Using headphones or earphones for one hour has been shown to coat them with bacteria from the ear, and increase the germ level in your ears by nearly 700 times. Keep your earphones dirt-free by simply cleaning your earbuds using a soap solution, or replacing detachable silicone covers.

Awareness of the dirty spots inside and outside your home and getting check-ups are important in preventing diseases.  MediCard has 13 free-standing clinics located in key cities nationwide that offer consultations, diagnostic tests and specialty medical services. 

Visit a MediCard clinic near you or check out their website at www.medicardphils.com for more information.