6x breeding grounds for bacteria in the house

Did you know that on average about 2000 Dutch people get sick every day from bacteria and germs in their own home? And that every year about 700,000 Dutch people get a food infection in their own kitchen? A dishcloth in a student house contains almost eight million bacteria, according to a study by the Consumers' Association. Sick makers, you can't see them, but they are everywhere. Are you still walking around with a runny nose or have you survived the flu for the third time this winter? Then it might just be that a few things in your home need to be replaced. These are the six biggest breeding grounds for bacteria and germs in the house.

Dishcloth

Research from the Consumers' Association shows that that bright yellow cloth on your countertop contains an average of 3.5 million bacteria. And after a day of use, this number has even risen to four billion. So you throw that swarm of bacteria in the wash once a week? Think again.

Those bacteria don't just accumulate because you wipe up all the dirt with it; once a cloth is damp, it becomes a playground for germs.

Bedding

You probably don't want to hear this, but even if you dive in alone, you're not alone in bed. Your bedding contains a whole lot of spores from fungi, bacteria, skin flakes, pollen, sweat, saliva, urine, and skin cells. And I haven't even mentioned all the creams and lotions that come from your body onto your sheets. Besides the fact that you sleep better between crisp sheets, it's also very hygienic to regularly change your bedding.

Bath mat

Replace your bath mat at least once a week by washing it at 90 degrees. The biggest reason why the bath mat is a source of dirt: because it lies on the floor and is damp for most of the day. Because there isn't much ventilation, bacteria have the space to breed happily.

Towel

At the moment you dry off after that wonderfully warm shower, thousands of bacteria, dead skin cells, fungi, saliva, urine, and anal secretions end up on your towel. You can't see them – thankfully – but they are there. Damp towels are breeding grounds for all those nasties, so it's important that you let your towel dry completely after showering. Replace your towel every other day to keep diseases at bay.

Toothbrush

You naturally use your toothbrush to clean your mouth. But what if I tell you that that brush isn't as clean as you think? On an average toothbrush, over a million bacteria live. Don't panic, friend, many of those bacteria are also found in your intestines and actually keep us alive. Replace your toothbrush every three months, always use your own brush, and store it upright in a glass after use.

Refrigerator

Yes, even in the vegetable drawer and egg shelves in your refrigerator, germs and bacteria are brewing. According to USA TODAY, these little critters can even lead to food poisoning. Wash your vegetables and fruit and wipe your refrigerator weekly with a (clean!) cloth.