Most people think about keeping their home clean, but some of the items they use most are often overlooked.
A YouGov survey cited by HealthDigest found that only a small number of people clean their mobile phone every day, even though it is constantly in contact with their hands and face.
The same applies to reusable water bottles.
According to a study by WaterFilterGuru, many people wash them only occasionally.
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Experts recommend washing them every day, especially after exercise, when sweat and moisture can encourage bacterial growth.
Bacteria in the kitchen
The kitchen may look clean, but that does not mean it is free of bacteria.
A study published in Scientific Reports found that kitchen sponges can contain large amounts of bacteria.
Another study published in the Journal of Food Protection detected intestinal bacteria in many kitchen sponges and kitchen sinks.
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Experts therefore recommend replacing or cleaning kitchen sponges regularly.
At the same time, the kitchen sink should be cleaned at least once a week. If it has come into contact with raw meat, it should be disinfected immediately.
Simple habits
Clothing that sits close to the body should also be washed regularly.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, bras should be washed after being worn a few times. Otherwise, they can develop unpleasant odours, cause skin irritation, or promote bacterial growth.
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Good hygiene is not just about showering or washing your hands.
According to the studies and experts mentioned above, simple habits such as cleaning your mobile phone, washing your reusable water bottle, cleaning your kitchen sponge, sanitising your kitchen sink, and washing bras more often can help reduce the amount of bacteria encountered in everyday life.
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