‘Eight household items that are dirtier than your toilet seat, according to experts’

A cleaning expert has revealed the surprising household items that could be harbouring more germs than your toilet seat.

And the list includes everyday essentials most Brits touch constantly without thinking twice.

According to expert Esosa Igbinenikaro, phones, TV remotes, reusable shopping bags and even coffee machines can become breeding grounds for bacteria if they’re not cleaned properly, as reported by Whats The Jam.

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The warning comes as many households focus heavily on scrubbing bathrooms while neglecting the items they actually handle most throughout the day.

“Bathrooms are usually the focus when it comes to cleaning,” Esosa from MyBuilder.com explained.

“With people often scrubbing and bleaching their toilets several times a week.

“Whereas other everyday items like the TV remote are overlooked, as in reality, they are frequently handled without washed hands.”

One of the worst offenders is thought to be the humble mobile phone.

Experts warn phones can carry up to 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat because they’re constantly touched, taken everywhere and rarely disinfected.

Kitchen sponges and dishcloths were also flagged as major hidden germ traps.

According to Esosa, a sponge can collect around eight million bacteria in as little as two weeks.

The expert recommends either replacing them regularly or disinfecting them in the dishwasher or microwave.

TV remotes and gaming controllers also made the list due to people using them while eating and drinking.

Meanwhile, fridge handles were highlighted as another overlooked hotspot because of cross-contamination from raw meat and unwashed hands during cooking.

Other common household items singled out include door handles, light switches, chopping boards, reusable grocery bags, and coffee machines.

Coffee machines may appear clean on the outside, but Esosa warned their warm and damp interiors create the “ideal conditions” for mould, yeast and bacteria to thrive.

Reusable shopping bags were also highlighted because bacteria from raw meat packaging can linger inside for long periods if the bags aren’t washed.

“To improve hygiene in the home, ensure you regularly clean not just obvious items but objects such as TV remotes, door handles and light switches,” Esosa added.

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