Overview

• Kitchen sponges can harbor millions of bacteria within two weeks, including fecal coliforms linked to serious gastrointestinal illnesses.
• Over 70% of shopping cart handles test positive for coliform bacteria and additional studies have found Klebsiella pneumoniae, Citrobacter freundii and Pseudomonas species on trolleys.
• Mobile phones and hotel TV remotes often carry Staphylococcus aureus, enterococcus and MRSA at levels comparable to or higher than those on toilet seats.
• Chopping boards trap Salmonella and E. coli in knife grooves, while cloth towels retain E. coli and Salmonella for hours and toothbrushes near toilets pick up pathogens from airborne droplets.
• Experts advise weekly sponge disinfection, hot-water laundering of towels, routine sanitization of handles and electronics, and timely replacement of damaged or worn items to curb microbial growth.