What’s the deal with germs?

Did you know that your kitchen sink harbors more fecal bacteria than your toilet after it’s been flushed? And, brace yourself, a toilet can spread bacteria up to 6 feet when you flush with the lid up. Microbes are everywhere and exposure keeps our immune systems strong, but there are some bad ones out there. According to “Dr. Germ” (Charles Gerba, professor of public health, environmental science and immunology at the University of Arizona), the kitchen is actually one of the germiest spots in a home because bathrooms are cleaned more frequently. Sinks and cutting boards carry loads of harmful bacteria and should be washed regularly with bleach. Sponges need to be changed once a week, your fridge handles and hand towels must be cleaned continually, and don’t forget to flush out the water reservoir for your coffee pot—it is one of the top five germiest places in the kitchen!

Source: Applied and Environmental Microbiology and the National Sanitation Foundation