There are lots of places and places where germs and bacteria are likely to grow and be transmitted. However, it is not always thought of at first glance. For example, did you know that there are twice as many germs on a fountain (a trough) as on a public toilet? Indeed, it is a humid surface, an ideal place for the development of bacteria and viruses, especially gastroenteritis and flu, during peak periods, because these viruses make you particularly thirsty...
So here is a list of surfaces and places to be wary of, as well as good habits to adopt and maintain to limit the damage.
Handbags and wallets
Ladies, don't leave your handbag on the ground in public places: you'll never know what might be there. Hang it on your chair or put it on the bench or even, in a pinch, on your lap.
What about bank notes? They are made of paper, a porous and highly absorbent surface for bacteria and viruses. Gentlemen who keep your pennies close to the body, know that you thus offer bacteria an ideal temperature for their development. On the other hand, because metal eliminates a lot of bacteria, coins are less harmful (although louder) than banknotes.
Remote control
This is the dirtiest object in a hotel room. Indeed, how do you know if it is disinfected? Remember to always wash your hands after handling it, especially before eating. At home, you should clean your remote at least once a week, especially if someone who is sick (flu, cold, gastroenteritis, or other) has used it.
Phone
A phone can be covered by two types of bacteria, those on our hands and those that are transmitted through saliva. It's something we often forget to clean, so be sure to include it in your cleaning routine.
Washing machine
It is important to know that, in general, underwear contains 0.1 g of faeces, which is equivalent to one hundred million E. coli bacteria. Scary, no? So, when you do your laundry, use very hot water and then dry the clothes or towels for at least 45 minutes. It is also recommended to disinfect the washer regularly with bleach, and to place clean clothes on a surface other than where you put dirty clothes. In fact, E. coli bacteria can be transmitted from one surface to another, that is, from dirty clothes to the table, then from the table to clean clothes.
Cutting board
Good to know: there are twice as many bacteria on a cutting board as on a toilet seat. So, rather than just running it under water, make sure to clean it well with hot water and soap and then wipe it dry.
Buttons
The buttons on elevators, direct payment terminals, ATMs, and other common practical tools are rarely cleaned. A good habit to get into is to use your elbow or wrist to press elevator buttons, or to ask a third party to press for you. When it comes to the direct payment terminal, get in the habit of pressing buttons with the corner of your card — which the clerk will have returned to you. As for ATMs, use a pencil or wear gloves to press the keys, or keep disinfectant wipes or hydro-alcoholic sanitizer handy to disinfect your hands after use.
Yoga mattresses and exercise machines
Yoga mattresses, especially if shared, as well as exercise equipment should be disinfected and cleaned before each session. Likewise, at the gym, use disinfectant gel or an antibacterial wipe to disinfect the equipment as well as your hands.
Airplane or train toilets
Airplane toilets are the dirtiest toilets. It must be said that, in a medium-sized plane, only one toilet for 75 people is used over a relatively short period of time. The result is doubtful. The cleanest toilets would seem to be those in a hospital.
Grocery carts
A grocery cart contains bacteria from the biggest sources of germs: hands, face, and food. To reduce the risk of transmission, use an antibacterial spray.
What to remember
In short, always keep in mind that places and surfaces that are humid or have public access remain favorites for germs, bacteria and viruses of all kinds. It is better to always have a hydro-alcoholic gel, disinfectant wipes and/or an antibacterial spray at hand to limit the risks.
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