7 Things That Are Dirtier Than Your Toilet Handle

We all know the toilet handle isn’t exactly sanitary—but it’s probably not the dirtiest thing in your house. In fact, there are a handful of everyday items that carry way more bacteria, and most of them never get the same attention when it’s time to clean.

If you’re only scrubbing the obvious spots, you’re likely missing the ones that actually matter most.

Kitchen Sponge

Your kitchen sponge is a breeding ground for bacteria. It’s damp, it holds onto food particles, and it usually sits in a warm spot—everything bacteria loves. Some studies have found more germs on a sponge than on a toilet seat.

If you aren’t changing your sponge out regularly or disinfecting it in the microwave or dishwasher, it’s probably spreading more than it’s cleaning. It’s one of the fastest ways to transfer bacteria across your counters, dishes, and hands.

Light Switches

Light switches are one of the most touched surfaces in your home but rarely get wiped down. That makes them a hotspot for bacteria, especially in bathrooms and kitchens where hands aren’t always clean.

Think about how often people flip a switch after handling raw meat, sneezing, or using the restroom. Give them a quick disinfecting wipe when you clean—it takes seconds and makes a big difference.

Cell Phones

You carry it everywhere, set it down on random surfaces, and touch it constantly—even in the bathroom. Phones are covered in bacteria, and most people never think to clean them.

Even if you’re washing your hands often, your phone can recontaminate them in seconds. Use a disinfecting wipe made for electronics or a UV sanitizer if you’ve got one. It matters more than you think.

TV Remotes

Remotes get handled by sticky fingers, dirty hands, and sick family members—then get tossed back on the couch or coffee table without a second thought. Most never get cleaned at all.

All that handling adds up fast. It’s one of the dirtiest things in living rooms and hotel rooms alike. Give it a wipe-down at least once a week, especially during cold and flu season.

Kitchen Faucet Handles

You’re likely touching the faucet right after cracking eggs, handling raw meat, or rinsing off dirty hands. It doesn’t take long for those handles to pick up bacteria and grime.

They’re touched constantly but often forgotten during cleaning. A quick wipe with a disinfecting cloth every evening can keep it from becoming a health hazard—especially if you’ve got kids helping in the kitchen.

Toothbrush Holder

Toothbrush holders catch more than water. They collect drips, residue, and bacteria from the brush heads, plus anything else floating around the bathroom air. And most holders have crevices that never get cleaned.

Since toothbrushes go in your mouth daily, it’s worth making sure the holder isn’t working against you. Rinse and scrub it out regularly, or toss it in the dishwasher if it’s safe for that.

Dish Towels

Dish towels wipe hands, counters, spills, and sometimes even dishes. That constant contact makes them one of the dirtiest fabrics in the house if they’re not changed often enough.

They can carry bacteria from raw food, contaminated surfaces, and even bathroom germs if hands weren’t washed well. Swap them out every day or two, and don’t use the same towel for drying hands and wiping messes.

*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.