Home is where the heart is, but it is also where germs love to lurk. One may believe the home is squeaky clean, but these sneaky invisible guests lurk everywhere, or live on the surfaces of the most used objects.

The biggest concern however is that they can cause illnesses and trigger allergies.

Here are some important facts about germs so you can better understand the relationship between them and your home.

1. The kitchen sink is dirtier than the toilet

Yes, it’s true. Researchers have found 100,000 times more germs in the kitchen sink than in the toilet, which is a terrifying number.

What’s more alarming is how close the kitchen sink is to the food preparation area, which means cross-contamination is much more likely.

Contaminated food is no picnic – it can cause Salmonellosis and other severe illnesses.

Other germ-infested items in the kitchen include taps, cutting boards, coffee makers, stove knobs, dish rags and sponges.

2. Remotes are not all fun and games

While scrolling through Netflix, you might not realise the number of germs being transmitted from your hand to the remote control.

Remotes attract soil and bacteria such as E. Coli and Salmonella, and if a member of the household is ill they can cause an even more rapid spread.

Wash your hands thoroughly after touching the remote and disinfect it with wet wipes before and after use.

3. Germs love pets and their bowls

Yes, everyone loves their furry friends, but they can be a major cause for concern if proper hygiene is not maintained.

Pets love to wander and can potentially bring in germs from outdoors or even from the toilet area.

Their food bowls can contain Salmonella and E. coli which can make one ill. The bowls should be washed daily and disinfected at least once a week.

And it may not only be germs pets are passing on. Animals shed fur and dander, which can trigger allergies.

Cleaning the home regularly ensures pet fur does not pile up. Calling in a professional house cleaning service makes sure that even homes with pets stay spic and span.

This article first appeared in kaodim.com

One of Southeast Asia’s fastest growing local services platforms, Kaodim connects users to dependable and professional local service providers – fast and hassle free. With the Kaodim app, users can access professional services for home renovation, office cleaning and much more.