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Stop doing these germ-spreading habits right now
Here are the little things you might be doing that you should consider stopping.
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Using a sponge is good, but make sure you use separate ones for cleaning the sink and cleaning the dishes. (Shutterstock/ 5 second Studio)
W
ithout our knowledge, daily habits we don’t consider important could end up spreading germs and posing serious risks to our health.
Below are some of the little things you should consider to stop doing, as compiled by Reader's Digest.
Leaving the toilet lid up when flushing
Don't be lazy; make sure to close the lid when flushing the toilet, as water and other content could splash and spray in the air. This way, microscopic bacteria spread and land not only on your hands, but also on bathroom surfaces and objects like your toothbrush.
Opening things with your teeth
It might be easier to open things with your teeth when there is no other tool around, but that habit could damage your teeth for sure. Also, there is a risk of spreading germs.
Any bacteria on the packaging will get to your mouth and can cause sickness.
Blowing out birthday candles
Blowing out birthday candles and making a wish is a nice tradition, but also a bit icky when you think about it. The bacteria inside your mouth will contaminate the air around you and the delicious cake. By eating it, all your guests have a risk of getting sick.
A study found that blowing out candles increases the number of germs on a cake by 1,400 percent.
Read also: These are the most germ-infested items in your office
Eating at the beach
Since there are many microorganisms in the ocean, spreading pathogens, cleaning your hands in the seawater is not enough. According to the World Health Organization, washing your hands with soap and water before eating should be part of your hygiene routine.
If you still want to eat at the beach but cannot ensure enough cleanliness, bring hand sanitizer and rub your hands thoroughly with it.
Letting hair accumulate in your hairbrush
What most people forget about is pulling all loose hair out every time they use a brush. Since remains from oils from your skin, dead skin cells and sticky deposits of hair products are carrying all germs back to your head, you should always remove the hair and throw it away.
In addition, soaking your brush in warm and soapy water at least once a month can prevent growing out bacteria as well.
Not disinfecting children´s toys
Especially when you have more than one kid or its friends come by often, you should always clean and disinfect all toys regularly. Young children have an underdeveloped immune system and are subject to germs by picking their nose or putting toys in their mouth. Disinfectant wipes can help last-minute, but cleaning all things in the dishwasher or washing machine is the safer way, or just follow the cleaning instructions on the toys tag or packaging.
Using your kitchen sponge for several tasks
As a place for cooking and eating it is very important to keep your kitchen as clean as possible. Using tools like a sponge is good, but make sure you use separate ones for different things.
Scrubbing the sink with the same sponge you use for the dishes can spread dangerous germs. Bacteria like salmonella and E. coli can even cause foodborne illnesses. Therefore, wash or replace your sponge weekly and use one for each cleaning task. (sop/kes)
