A doctor has revealed five common household items that are dirtier than a toilet.
Dr Joe Whittington, a board-certified emergency medicine physician, often shares everyday health insights and facts with his 2.2 million followers on Instagram (@drjoe_md ).
But one of the 47-year-old’s recent posts has left viewers taken aback.
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In the clip, which has over 35,200 views and 2,600 likes, Dr Whittington reveals five common household items that have “more bacteria than a toilet seat”.
And the last one has left people shocked, reports What’s The Jam.
He said: “The amount of bacteria on an object is measured as colony-forming units per square inch.
“And the average toilet seat has 50 CFUs.
“As for our five items.”
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Number one is a television remote with 5,000 CFUs.
He explained: “It has 100 times more bacteria than your toilet seat.
“Coming in at number two is a cutting board.”
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According to Joe, the average chopping board could be holding up to 200 times more bacteria than a toilet with 10,000 CFUs.
And at number three – mobile phones, with 25,000 CFUs.
He said: “500 times more bacteria than a toilet seat.
“But here is where it gets really bad.”
At number four? Pillow cases.
Dr Joe says these have over 3,000,000 CFUs.
Joe, from California, US, said: “If it hasn’t been washed in a week, it has 60,000 times the amount of bacteria as a toilet seat.
“And not to be outdone at number five.
“Your kitchen sponge.”
Joe shockingly reveals this cleaning product has as many as 10,000,000 CFUs.
He said, “200,000 times more bacteria than your toilet seat.
“I think it is time we all stop scrolling and start cleaning.”
Users have flocked to the comments to share their reactions.
Jamie said: “That’s it. I’m cutting vegetables on the toilet from now on.”
JD added: “I’m a Germaphobic. I alcohol my phone down all the time.”
Someone else said: “That’s it. I’m throwing my sponge, phone, and pillowcase in my toilet so it will be cleaner.”
Another person commented: “My pillow case deserves to be tested. I’m not ever going to say how long it’s been there.”
Al added, “My god, are we supposed to live in a bubble. None of the things you mention ever bothered me in any way.”
Dr Joe suggests a couple of ways to keep these household items squeaky clean – and much more sanitary than the bog.
He added: “Replace or sanitise your kitchen sponge regularly.
“Microwave it damp for one to two minutes daily or run it through the dishwasher.
“Replace it weekly.
“Disinfect your phone daily.
“Use 70% isopropyl alcohol wipes or screen-safe disinfectants.
“Don’t forget the case; it’s just as dirty.
“Clean cutting boards thoroughly.
“Sanitise plastic boards with diluted bleach or white vinegar.
“Use separate boards for meat and produce.
“Replace worn boards with deep grooves.
“Wipe down remote controls weekly.
“Use disinfectant wipes or a cloth with rubbing alcohol.
“Pay extra attention to the buttons and crevices.
“Wash pillowcases frequently.
“Wash them in hot water at least once a week.
“And use hypoallergenic or antimicrobial pillow protectors for added defence.”
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