The dirtiest place in your home might surprise you. It’s not just about visible dirt and mud — we’re delving into the microscopic world of potentially harmful germs and bacteria. Sure, welcome mats and garage floors might contain the most visible dirt, but the reality of contamination levels is quite different. Now, you’re probably thinking, it must be the bathroom, but alas, according to the professionals at the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), that isn’t the dirtiest place, either.

On the Hunt for Germs

To help people practice a healthier lifestyle, the NSF, a global organization that helps standardize food safety and sanitation, identified germ “hot spots” in the home. It’s true that not all bacteria are harmful, but some that are commonly found on items and surfaces in the house can make you and your family sick. These include yeast, mold, and coliform bacteria (such as salmonella and E. coli). Levels of these bacteria were measured on everyday household items to identify which were the dirtiest. Spoiler alert: Toilet seats did not fall within the top 10 germiest items.

The Dirtiest Places Revealed

The kitchen is the dirtiest room in the home — it contained more germy items than any other rooms tested. If you’re surprised, you aren’t the only one. The results of the NSF’s study caught participants off guard, too. While most guessed that toothbrush holders would be the dirtiest items, the results showed that one kitchen item had more microorganisms than anything else: the kitchen sponge. Around 77% of kitchen sponges and rags tested positive for coliform, 86% contained some yeast or mold, and 18% had Staphylococcus aureus, which can cause infection. 

Comparing these results with toilet seats provides a stark contrast — only 5% of toilet seats harbored coliform, 27% had yeast or mold, and 5% contained Staphylococcus aureus. Knowing how dirty dish sponges are, the second-germiest place might come as no surprise. The kitchen sink is the second-dirtiest place in the home. Other dirty areas in the kitchen include coffee machine reservoirs (where water is held), countertops, stove knobs, cutting boards, and refrigerator door handles. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of these areas is crucial for a safe and healthy home.

Another revelation from this study came as NSF microbiologists scoured the bathroom for germs. The dirtiest place wasn’t the bathroom doorknob, faucet, toilet handle, or even the toilet seat; it was the toothbrush holder. Although toothbrushes are perceived as a clean item because we use them to clean our mouths, this is far from the truth. The human mouth is home to around 700 species of microbes. “The oral cavity is home to hundreds of different types of microorganisms, which can be transferred to a toothbrush during use,” explains Assistant Professor Maria L. Geisinger, DDS. Couple this with a damp, enclosed environment (a brush holder), and it’s a breeding ground for bacteria.

Not all of the dirtiest items are located in the kitchen or bathroom. To ensure your environment is clean and safe for you and your loved ones, check out the top 15 dirtiest places and items in the home, according to the NSF.

Top 15 Dirtiest Places

1. Dish sponges and rags

2. Kitchen sink

3. Toothbrush holder

4. Pet bowl

5. Coffee machine reservoir

6. Bathroom faucet handle

7. Pet toy tennis ball

8. Countertop

9. Stove knobs

10. Cutting board

11. Toilet seat

12. Pens

13. Bathroom doorknob

14. Bathroom lightswitch

15. Microwave handle

Keeping Dirty Places Clean

According to the NSF findings, warm and moist environments are the best breeding grounds for household germs, so clean these areas or swap out these items most often. This includes dish sponges, toothbrush holders, pet bowls, and coffee machines. In the case of the dirtiest item, sponges, you should swap them out for a new one once a week, according to experts. Microbiology professor Phillip Delekta, Ph.D. explains, “In view of the trillions of germs inside a sponge, probably no domestic method will eradicate all of them, and after a few days or maybe even hours, the sponge is recolonized again.” To extend the life of your sponge, opt for a dishwasher-safe product to make weekly cleaning a breeze. 

Keeping toothbrush holders clean is at the forefront of your mind after reading the results of this study. Fortunately, there are a few tips and tricks. “Soaking toothbrushes in an antibacterial mouth rinse has been shown to decrease the level of bacteria that grow on toothbrushes,” says Geisinger. She adds that the American Dental Association does not recommend storing toothbrushes in enclosed or covered holders. Instead, allow them to air dry upright between uses. Hopefully, this knowledge of the germiest places allows you to take control of your home’s cleanliness to create a safe place for you and your family.

When using a toaster, just a few seconds can mean the difference between a superbly crisp piece of bread and a kitchen full of smoke. But rather than rely on those finicky toasters, you should actually be making your toast with an iron — the very same iron that you use to get wrinkles out of clothing. Any standard household iron may very well be the answer to achieving that perfectly toasted piece of bread, but just be sure to sanitize the iron between each use. Here’s how to use an iron for toasting bread.

Gather Your Ingredients

The ironing method can be used either for individual pieces of toast or in order to make the perfect sandwich melt. Either way, gather whatever ingredients are necessary. It all starts with your favorite type of bread, plus any meats or cheeses that you may desire. You’ll also need a tablespoon of butter or margarine, aluminum foil, a wooden cutting board or standard ironing board, and a clean iron.

Prepare the Bread

If you’re making a single piece of toast, butter both sides of the bread and then wrap the entire thing in aluminum foil. But if you’re making a melt, here’s what to do. Start by buttering each slice of bread on only one side, then flip the bread over. If using cheese, place one slice onto each piece of bread and add any meat, veggies, or condiments. Put the sandwich together and then tightly wrap it in aluminum foil. Once it’s wrapped, plug in the iron and allow it to get very hot — the hotter it is, the more crispy and golden the crust will be.

It’s Ironing Time

As the iron heats up, place the aluminum-wrapped bread or sandwich atop a cutting or ironing board. Once hot, firmly press the iron against the top side for two minutes. Then flip the food over and repeat, pressing the iron against the aluminum for two additional minutes. While you can tinker with the time in the future depending on how crispy you like your bread, two minutes per side is an excellent starting point.

Carefully Remove and Enjoy

Unplug the iron and safely put it off to the side. Then unwrap the food — the aluminum foil will be safe to touch, but be careful to avoid burning yourself on hot bread or gooey cheese. The result should be perfectly golden and crispy pieces of toasted bread. There may be some trial and error at first, but this method is far more reliable than the average toaster oven. All that’s left is for you and your stomach to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

The Perfect Tools

If you’re in the market for an iron, there are few better options than Rowenta, whose high-quality irons are sold at stores such as Williams Sonoma. For a more affordable alternative, this PurStream iron is a fantastic choice as well.

Cutting Board

For cutting boards, it’s important to use ones that are made of wood and can stand up to the heat of the iron. This cutting board made of acacia will get the job done and help you achieve that perfectly crispy sandwich. Food52’s bamboo double-sided cutting board is another wonderful choice that’ll provide durability against the intense heat of the iron.

Aluminum Foil

For aluminum foil, Reynolds Wrap is the most trusted brand. For the perfect melt on your sandwich, we recommend Colby cheese. This cheese melts super easily under the heat of an iron and adds tons of creamy texture and delicious flavor to any melt.

Selecting the right laundry cycle can be as difficult as deciding where to order takeout, as so many options are available. With this plethora of choices, it’s easy to panic and pick incorrectly, whether that means ruining your favorite pants or ordering subpar Chinese food. But when it comes to laundry day specifically, cleaning your dirty clothing doesn’t have to be so overwhelming, as there are a few simple tricks for picking the right wash cycle each time. So say goodbye to those shrunken shirts and stained sweaters, and say hello to perfectly clean clothes without fail.

Read the Label

Occam’s razor is a philosophical principle suggesting the simplest explanation is likely correct. So if you’re experiencing frequent laundry mishaps, it probably means you aren’t reading the label carefully enough. Sure, throwing everything in the same load may be tempting, but certain items are meant to be washed with extra care. If the label says “machine wash cold” or “wash with like colors,” then you should follow that advice like gospel rather than treating it as optional. Following these instructions becomes more difficult if the laundry tag features symbols, which can be as confusing as Egyptian hieroglyphs. Thankfully, our helpful guide to decoding those symbols covers everything you need to know, ensuring that you opt for the right wash cycle every time.

Use the Delicate Cycle

Whether the instructions on the label are unclear or the clothing doesn’t even have a tag, you can always use the machine’s delicate cycle for added peace of mind. The average delicate cycle is meant for fragile fabrics and undergarments but can be used to wash any type of clothing. This cycle utilizes cold water to prevent colors from running and slow spin speeds to avoid damaging the material. Of course, the delicate cycle isn’t strong enough to tackle those deep stains. But even still, the delicate cycle will give your clothing a quick clean without the risk of any damage or shrinking.

Use Cold Water

If you’re looking for more power than the delicate cycle offers, use a normal spin cycle with cold water. The colder the water, the less likely the risk is that your clothing will shrink in the wash, as it maintains the consistency of the fabric. Warm or hot water, on the other hand, may alter wool, cashmere, and other delicate fabrics to the point that their fibers condense and the item is ruined.

Pre-Wash Your Extra Dirty Clothing

A pre-wash is a great alternative to harsher heavy-duty cycles. Selecting the pre-wash option will soak your clothing in water before the laundry cycle, which helps to dislodge any dirt so that the stains are more accessible to remove. On the other hand, a heavy-duty cycle will subject your clothing to pretty intense temperatures and spin speeds, which could lead to damage. If your washing machine comes with a pre-wash option, you should always try that route before using more intense speeds. You can also always hand soak your dirty clothes in the sink before throwing them into the wash.

Dealing With Wrinkles? Try This

The permanent press cycle is an excellent way to reduce wrinkles on clothing made of synthetic fibers or things like button-down shirts. This is achieved by using a low heat setting and washing the clothes with cool water at the end of the cycle. However, be aware that permanent press is not for delicate clothing, as this cycle falls somewhere between delicate and normal.

Warmer Temperatures for Durable Clothing

Linen, wool, cotton, denim, and other durable materials can withstand hot temperatures without ill effects. If you’re doing a load of durable whites, feel free to use a hot laundry cycle. For durable colors, try a warm wash cycle instead, which cuts back on the risk of potential bleeding. Essentially, there’s a lot more room for trial and error when washing durable materials, so there’s less of a need to be overly cautious when selecting the right laundry cycle.

Must-Buy Products for the Laundry Room

No matter what laundry cycle you choose, having the perfect products for an equally perfect clean is important. For those with sensitive skin, try this hypoallergenic laundry soap from ECOS. The product is paraben and phosphate free, and uses a 100% vegan formula for those who are also environmentally conscious. If you struggle with missing socks, cut down on your losses with these laundry-safe mesh bags that keep all your clothing nice and organized. Finally, a clean load of laundry begins with a clean washing machine, and there’s no better way to keep your machine clean than with these water-activated descaler pods. Run them through your washing machine to get rid of any unpleasant odors and built-up grime, thus ensuring a cleaner load of laundry.

Feature Image Credit: FabrikaSimf/ Shutterstock