Germs are crafty little invaders, often thriving in the everyday items we take for granted. We might feel confident tossing groceries into reusable shopping bags or taking a sip from a water bottle, but these seemingly harmless objects can be hiding more bacteria than we’d ever imagine. In our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook just how dirty some of our most commonly used items can get.
Think about it: when did you last clean your credit cards or give your yoga mat a good scrub? These things are part of our daily routines, yet they can quickly turn into breeding grounds for germs if we’re not paying attention. The truth is, the real germ hotspots aren’t just in obvious places like public restrooms; they’re often right in front of us, blending into the background of our everyday lives.
This list explores ten surprisingly germy everyday items and gives you simple, practical tips on keeping them clean. With just a little more awareness and a few easy habits, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from the hidden bacteria that might be closer than you think.
Related: Top 10 Ways Binge-Watching Is Ruining Your Health
10 Reusable Shopping Bags
We all love the idea of reusable shopping bags—they’re eco-friendly, sturdy, and help cut down on plastic waste. But there’s a downside most people don’t think about: These bags can be a surprising source of bacteria. Dr. Ryan Sinclair was involved with a study by the University of Arizona and Loma Linda University of Public Health that examined reusable grocery bags. It found that while these bags are used over and over, they’re rarely cleaned. As a result, they can easily become a breeding ground for germs. In the study, nearly every bag tested contained large amounts of bacteria, with coliform bacteria found in half of them. Even more concerning, E. coli was detected in 12% of the bags.
The problem doesn’t stop there. When these bags are left in the warm confines of a car trunk, the bacteria inside can multiply rapidly. Dr. Sinclair’s research showed that just two hours of exposure to meat juices in a car trunk could cause bacteria to increase tenfold. That’s a serious health risk, especially if you’re using the same bag for groceries week after week without washing it.
Luckily, the solution is simple: wash your bags regularly. Whether by hand or in the washing machine, cleaning your reusable bags can eliminate more than 99.9% of bacteria. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in keeping your groceries—and your kitchen—safe.[1]
9 Water Bottles
Reusable water bottles are a fantastic way to stay hydrated and cut down on plastic waste, but they might be harboring more bacteria than you realize. Believe it or not, these bottles can hold an average of 20.8 million colony-forming units (CFUs) of bacteria—40,000 times more than what’s typically found on a toilet seat. Each time you take a sip, you’re transferring bacteria from your mouth to the bottle, where it thrives in the moist environment inside.
The misconception that water bottles don’t need frequent cleaning because they only contain water is widespread, but it’s dangerous. Harmful bacteria like E. coli can quickly multiply, potentially leading to stomach troubles such as diarrhea or vomiting. And it’s not just the inside of the bottle you need to worry about; those tricky crevices in screw tops or under flip-up straws can develop mold, adding another layer of risk.
To keep your water bottle safe, it’s crucial to wash it regularly—ideally after every use. A quick rinse with hot, soapy water will usually do the trick, but if it’s been neglected for a few days, a deeper clean using a vinegar and water solution might be in order. These small steps can make a big difference in keeping your bottle—and your health—squeaky clean.[2]
8 Credit and Debit Cards
You might not realize it, but your credit and debit cards could be some of the dirtiest things you touch every day. A study by Queen Mary University in London found that 8% of credit cards carry bacteria, including staph and even fecal matter. In fact, 1 in 12 bank cards has traces of fecal bacteria on it. Every time you swipe or hand over your card, those germs can transfer to your hands and then to whatever you touch next.
Dr. Alan Taege, an infectious disease expert, points out that anything passed from hand to hand, like money or credit cards, is likely to pick up all kinds of germs. The problem is that once those bacteria are on your hands, they can easily make their way to your face, especially if you touch your eyes or mouth without thinking. This simple act can increase your risk of getting sick.
To keep these hidden germs in check, make it a habit to wipe down your cards regularly, especially after heavy use. Keeping a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you when you’re out and about can also help reduce the spread of bacteria. These small steps can go a long way in keeping you healthier.[3]
7 Yoga Mats
Your yoga mat might be your sanctuary for relaxation and fitness, but it’s also a hotspot for bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Unwashed mats can quickly become breeding grounds for germs that cause skin infections like athlete’s foot and staph. These pesky microbes love the warm, moist environment created by your sweat, especially after a tough session in a hot yoga studio.
Even if you always bring your own mat to the gym, you’re not completely in the clear. Germs can easily transfer from the gym floor or someone else’s shoes onto your mat. And it’s not just skin infections you need to worry about—your mat can also harbor cold and flu viruses that stick around for days, just waiting for a chance to make you sick.
To keep your mat (and yourself) germ-free, make cleaning it a regular habit. If you’re using it in a gym or class, give it a good wipe down before and after every use. At home, a thorough clean once a week should do the trick, but if you’re prone to sweating or have sensitive skin, consider upping the frequency.[4]
6 Public Touchscreens
Public touchscreens have made life more convenient, but they’re also crawling with harmful bacteria. A study from London Metropolitan University revealed that these screens are often contaminated with bacteria from human and animal feces, including Enterococcus faecalis and Staphylococcus. These germs can lead to anything from mild skin infections to serious conditions like meningitis or blood poisoning. Even more alarming is the presence of listeria, a bacterium that can cause severe foodborne illnesses.
These bacteria thrive on surfaces touched by countless people every day, making public touchscreens a perfect breeding ground. Whether checking in at the airport, ordering food at a kiosk, or picking a movie on a plane, you’re likely coming into contact with these invisible threats. While places might clean these screens periodically, it’s unrealistic to think they’re sanitized after every use.
To protect yourself, make a habit of washing your hands or using hand sanitizer right after using a public touchscreen, especially before eating or touching your face. These small steps can go a long way in keeping you safe from the germs lurking on these frequently touched surfaces.[5]
5 Contact Lenses and Cases
Wearing contact lenses is a convenient way to correct your vision, but if you’re not careful, they can turn into serious germ magnets. When lenses aren’t cleaned or stored properly, they can lead to infections like microbial keratitis, a painful inflammation of the cornea caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or even parasites. In severe cases, this condition can result in blindness or require a corneal transplant.
Microbial keratitis often strikes when lenses are worn for too long or aren’t disinfected as they should be. The symptoms—red, irritated eyes, worsening pain, light sensitivity, and sudden blurry vision—are warning signs that shouldn’t be ignored. If you notice any of these, take your lenses out immediately and see an eye doctor to prevent further damage.
The good news is that these risks are avoidable. By following proper cleaning and storage guidelines for your lenses and regularly replacing your lens case, you can keep your eyes healthy and free from infection. Taking these small steps can make a big difference in protecting your vision.[6]
4 Makeup Brushes and Sponges
Your makeup might look on point, but if you’re not cleaning your brushes and sponges regularly, you could be inviting bacteria to the party. A study from Aston University revealed that 9 out of 10 makeup products, including lipsticks, eyeliners, and mascara, were contaminated with bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus. The worst culprits? Makeup sponges, with a staggering 96% harboring fungus. Even more alarming, 93% of those sponges had never been cleaned, and 64% had been dropped on the floor.
Using dirty makeup tools isn’t just gross—it can lead to serious skin infections, breakouts, and even more severe health issues like blood poisoning, especially if you’re applying makeup to broken skin or around your eyes and mouth. If you’re not cleaning your tools regularly, you’re putting your skin at risk every time you get ready.
The good news? It’s easy to fix. Make a habit of cleaning and sanitizing your brushes and sponges after each use. This simple step can keep your beauty routine safe and your skin healthy.[7]
3 Tattoo Ink and Permanent Makeup
Getting a tattoo or permanent makeup might seem like a bold way to express yourself, but there are some serious risks you might not see. Recent research by the FDA revealed that even sealed and supposedly sterile bottles of tattoo and permanent makeup ink can be teeming with dangerous bacteria. Once injected into your skin, these pathogens can travel through your bloodstream, leading to severe complications like sepsis—a life-threatening condition that can cause organ failure.
But that’s not all. Contaminated ink can also cause painful skin infections, rashes, and deep tissue infections like cellulitis. The risks are even higher if you have multiple or large tattoos since more ink means more exposure to harmful germs. And if you’re thinking about getting permanent makeup, especially around your eyes, be aware that bacteria in the ink could cause severe infections in this sensitive area.
To protect yourself, always make sure your tattoo artist follows strict hygiene practices and uses only well-tested, sterile inks. Taking these precautions can help keep your body art beautiful and safe.[8]
2 Kitchen Cutting Boards
Choosing the right cutting board isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s a critical decision for your kitchen’s hygiene. Wooden cutting boards have long been a favorite thanks to their natural antimicrobial properties. They absorb and trap bacteria in their fine grains, allowing these germs to die off as the board dries. However, if not properly maintained, deep knife grooves can still harbor harmful bacteria, making cleanliness crucial.
Plastic cutting boards might seem like a safer bet because they’re lightweight and easy to toss in the dishwasher. However, a recent study found that plastic boards can shed microplastics into your food, and over time, grooves from knife cuts can turn into bacterial hideouts. Even though they’re easy to clean, these hidden germs can persist if the boards aren’t regularly sanitized.
Then there are glass cutting boards—easy to sanitize but tough on your knives. Their hard surface can dull your blades quickly and increase the risk of slipping, leading to potential kitchen accidents. No matter what type of cutting board you use, regular cleaning and proper sanitizing are essential to keep your kitchen safe from unwanted bacteria.[9]
1 Cell Phones
Your smartphone is with you everywhere you go, but it’s also carrying something you might not expect: thousands of germs. In fact, studies show that the average cell phone harbors more bacteria than a toilet seat—over 25,000 bacteria per square inch. From resting on public tables to being handled with unwashed hands, your phone collects germs from all the places it’s been, including the bathroom. The warm surface of your phone is a perfect environment for bacteria like E. coli and Staphylococcus to thrive.
Every time you touch your phone, you’re transferring these germs to your hands, face, and everything else you come into contact with. This can lead to anything from minor skin irritations to more serious infections like gastrointestinal issues. Considering how often we use our phones, the risk of spreading these bacteria is alarmingly high.
To keep your phone from becoming a health hazard, make it a habit to clean it regularly with alcohol-based wipes or a UV sanitizer. This simple step can help protect you from the invisible dangers lurking on your favorite device.[10]