On the surface, your bathroom might look clean and polished, but you’d be amazed at how many germs are hiding just out of sight. From the toothbrush holder to the bathmat, mildew and bacteria cling to just about everything. While the bathroom might not win for the dirtiest room in the house (the kitchen takes that top honor) there are multiple spots we often forget about altogether. Say bye, bye to bathroom germs with these tips!

Toothbrush/Toothbrush holder

Ever look inside your toothbrush holder? If you haven’t, you’ll be amazed to see the amount of gunk situated right next to your toothbrush. Toothbrushes should be replaced every three to four months because of bacteria build-up, and tossing a toothbrush holder in the dishwasher every other week will make it as good as new.

Bathtub

Every time we use the shower or bathtub, the bacteria we’re washing away finds shelter on every inch of the tub. It’s best to look for a “tough on scum” cleaner and really scrub with a sponge rather than just wipe clean.

Loofa/Washcloth

Anything that is constantly damp is the perfect hotbed for bacteria and mold. It’s best to switch out anything used to clean your body weekly.

Bathmat

Your bathmat is a breeding ground for mold because it is constantly wet. Try cleaning it in the dishwasher or washing machine about once a week to keep mold at bay.

Bathroom floor

Crowned the dirtiest surface in the bathroom, the bathroom floor can have a very high amount of bacteria depending on factors such as cleaning habits and traffic. Reduce dampness by drying off in the shower and wipe down the floor at least once a week.

Toilet

What makes a toilet so dirty isn’t necessarily what’s always in it, but more or less what comes out of it. When we flush the bowl, the swirling water creates aerosols and germs that disperse onto the floor, sink, walls and even towels. By simply cleaning the bowl weekly and flushing with the lid down, you’re greatly reducing the spread of bacteria.

Faucet/Faucet Handles

As the most touched area in a bathroom, it’s important to wipe down faucets and faucet handles daily. Using disinfectant wipes and solutions will cut the buildup in half.

Razors

Leaving razors in wet conditions can cause them to become rusty and attract old hair and dead skin, which can then lead to irritation when used. Keeping razors in dry places and swiping them with alcohol every few days can ensure a longer life and less bumps.

Say Bye to Bathroom Germs With These Kid-Friendly Cleaning Products

• Green Works Compostable Cleaning Wipes
• Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Lavender
• Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner
• Vaska Spotoff Spot Remover
• Grab Green Countertop Cleaner
• ECOS Toilet Bowl Cleaner
• Babyganics Floor Cleaner
• Concentrate
• Ecover Zero Non-Chlorine Bleach

Bathroom Stats

• More than 75 percent of dish sponges and rags had Salmonella, E.coli and fecal matter compared compared to the 9 percent on bathroom faucet handles.
• There are 3.2 million microbes per square inch of a toilet bowl.
•  The Public Health & Safety Organization conducted a survey that found stove knobs and refrigerator handles to be ranked higher with bacteria than bathroom door knobs.
• The average sponge can carry upward of 10 million bacteria per square inch, around a quarter of a million times more than your average toilet seat.
• Video game controllers carry 7,873 bacteria per 100 square centimeters while toilet seats are home to an average of 1,600 bacteria per 100 square centimeters.

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