Our initial response would be the bathroom, however WebMD reports that the kitchen is the “germiest,”and the worst
offender is the kitchen sponge you use to wipe counters and clean dishes.
Researchers at NSF International found 77% of kitchens surveyed tested positive
for coliform, an indicator for a form of bacteria found in fecal contamination.
Bathrooms are a close second in contamination, and
toothbrush holders were the worse offenders. They apparently accumulate germs
that swirl through the air after the toilet is flushed.
WebMD
suggests that a simple solution is microwaving kitchen sponges two minutes
every night to kill bacteria, or use rags that can be washed in hot bleachy
water routinely. Cleaning countertops and sinks with disinfectant will greatly
improve the situation, and cleaning toothbrush holders in the dishwasher, and
closing the lid on the toilet before flushing will reduce air born contaminants
in the bathroom.
