Let’s make no mistake, our country is all about finding cures for diseases like cancer, AIDS, Parkinson’s, etc. But, what if I told you the biggest war on germs—microbes that can cause the common cold or stomach flu—should be taking place in your home? Sure we have bigger problems on our plate, but other things are lurking on those plates you are eating off of. These household germs are a big deal, not a microscopic one! Charles Gerba, an environmental microbiologist at the University of Arizona who has studied germ’s for more than 30 years told reporters last Wednesday, “Anytime you take a chance on getting ill (from exposure to pathogens), you have a chance of getting really sick.”

Doesn’t that just shoot a hole in the thinking that exposing yourself to germs builds up your immune system? Bacteria is lurking all around your house, but your Illinois street team reporter came up with a few solid ways we can win the war on bacteria in some of the most popular places in our homes.

Kitchen Sponge

Did you know that that colorful little sponge you use to clean your countertops and plates is the most germ-ridden item in your home? Experts say it is dirtier than your own toilet…..so why are you cleaning the dishes you are going to eat your dinner on with it? Major EW!

According to a new study by the Hygiene Council, an international group of disease specialists, 75 percent of sponges tested in U.S. homes were heavily contaminated with germs. Translation: One drop of water from a sponge equals millions of bacteria!

In a study conducted by germ buster Charles Gerba, it was found that a cutting board cleaned using a household sponge was found to have 200 times more fecal bacteria than the toilet seat!!!!!

Solution:

Soak your sponge in a disinfectant or bleach three times a week for a few minutes before letting it air dry. Or, you can put it into the microwave on high for 30 seconds to zap out all the bacteria.

Telephone/Cell Phone/Ear Buds

Who doesn’t like to go run with their ear buds in that hooks them up to hot jams from their iPod? Or, how many times have you picked up your phone to shoot the gossip with your girlfriend/boyfriend and jammed it back into your pocket? Cell phone and ear buds are filled with bacteria, even though it is our own bacteria. But, people who do not consistently wash their hands transfer millions of germs on to their phone. Since our mouth carries the most germs followed by our hands, the transfer of germs is inevitable. Often times, our saliva will land the receiver of the phone and in one tiny molecule, millions of microscopic germs are throwing a party on your keypad. Oh and let’s not forget those ear buds, which are clogged with your sweat and ear wax. You might want to think again before jamming those babies back into your ears.

Solution:

Experts suggest wiping your phone down each day and doing the same with your ear buds. The alcohol helps kill bacteria and sterilizes your techy toys.

 Mattress/Pillow/Blankets

 Your mattress and pillow are “the reservoirs of the zoological park that is your bedding,” Philip Tierno, author of the “The Secret Life of Germs.” This kind of bring a whole new meaning to this is where the magic happens! Beds play host to a plethora of germs like dust mites, fungi, pollen, sweat, exfoliated cells, hair, dander, fecal matter and mold. So, you might want to think about changing your sheets at least once a week.

Solution:

Get rid of germs you are carrying on you from the outside by taking a hot shower before bed. That way, when you hop into the sack you can rest assured you are not bringing unwanted company with you! Also, change your sheets once a week. And, when you are laundering sheets, wash them in water that is at least 140 degrees and then dry them for 45 minutes. Experts say washing sheets in cold water does not kill bacteria, but only spreads it around more!

To find out more about the bacteria bunking at your crib, visit the following links:

http://www.stopgerms.org   (Here you can take a virtual tour of a model home to see what critters are hanging out at your crib and how you can put an end to their party!)

http://www.cdc.gov/germstopper/work.htm (Want to know how to stop the spread of germs at work? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has gathered a fact sheet that tells you how to win the battle against bacteria.)