10. Wet Laundry.

How can there be bacteria in the machine designed to clean our clothing? When clothes go into the washing machine, bacteria from one piece of clothing can easily transfer to another. Dangerous viruses like hepatitis A are also especially transferable. Using the hot cycle in a dryer has been found to kill off a lot of the remaining bacteria and is a good precaution. Bleach has been found to kill 100 percent of bacteria on clothing when paired with a hot drying cycle.

9. Money / Credit Cards.

These everyday essentials get handled by lots of people, and germs thrive on the surface of money or lurk  in the crevices around numbers  in case of credit cards. Since it's hard to avoid handling the literally dirty money, give a debit cards a quick cleaning with diluted alcohol wipe once in a while and let them air dry before placing them back in your wallet.

8. Kitchen and bathroom Faucets and Sinks.

WebMD reported that Faucets and sponges in kitchens harbor more germs than bathroom surfaces. In the Hygiene Council survey, kitchen faucet handles carried more than 13,000 bacteria per square inch and bathroom faucet handles had more than 6,000 germs per square inch. This is higher than most other spots in the home. WebMD recommends using a disinfectant spray cleaner every night after cleaning up.

7. Vacuum Cleaner.

These marvelous contraptions are designed to clean the home, but they can also be a central source of bacteria. “We looked at 30 vacuum brushes. Fifty percent contained coliform fecal bacteria and 13 percent E. coli,” a scientist told WebMD. “There's not much you can do about the brush,” he says. “Vacuum the cleanest areas first and the dirtiest last,” he suggests. That way, you'll be less likely to spread around as much bacteria.

6. Light Switches and TV Remotes.

These are places we often touch every day, and normally forget to sanitize. Many of us are guilty of grabbing an after-work snack and flipping on our DVR. Bacteria from many different sets of hands and the remnants of couch-potato snacking has probably accumulated into a ceste pool of germs. If a member of your household is sick it is especially important to wipe them down.

5. Your Toothbrush.

Do you store your toothbrush on the bathroom counter? Considering that flushing the toilet can cause germs to fly anywhere from 6-10 feet, you may want to reconsider. At the very least, keep your brush as far from the toilet as possible, and protect it in a plastic container or holder.
The American Dental Association recommends replacing your toothbrush every three months. Antibacterial soaps do little to kill the bacteria found on toothbrushes. To clean it, try running it through your dishwasher about once a week, since the high heat will help sterilize the brush. Finally, don't share your toothbrush with anyone, and avoid storing it in a communal cup or container. Store each brush separately in an upright position to allow the bristles to dry after each use.

4. Kitchen Sponges and Cloths.

Sponges make it easy to wipe up spills and messes, but they also make it easy for bacteria and germs to grow. Sponges stay wet long after they aren't being used anymore, creating the perfect environment for budding microbes to flourish. These pieces designed to clean other things may in fact be some of the most germ-infested parts of the home.  The recommendation is to run sponges through the dishwasher regularly and dish cloths through the washing machine. A recent study conducted by the Hygiene council showed that over 70 percent of kitchen sponges in U.S. homes failed a hygiene test.  WebMD reported that Cleaning cloths were the most contaminated items sampled by the Hygiene council. Thirty-one percent of cloths were contaminated with E. coli and 21 percent with Staphylococcus aureus. Watch out for your purse too.

3. Bathtub and Shower.

The Center for Hygiene and Health in Home and Community conducted an in-home study that revealed many bathtubs contain up to 100 times the amount of bacteria found in a trash can. Experts recommend disinfecting bathtubs and showers at least once every two weeks.

2. Workplace Desktop (PC, keyboard etc.)

According to the National Research Center for Women and Families, studies have found the average desktop has 400 times more bacteria than a toilet bowl. Since most people overlook this area for cleaning, germs that cause the flu and common cold are able to thrive and multiply. And what about the microwave handle and refrigerator door in the office kitchen? Office kitchens in general are very germy places, so you may want to take some precautions the next time you are heating up your lunch.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends regularly wiping down your desk with a disinfectant. Bleach or alcohol-based cleaners do the trick; antibacterial cleaners are not necessary. If you use the office kitchen, make sure to wash your hands with warm water and regular soap before and after eating your lunch. Washing your hands for 15 to 20 seconds is sufficient enough to kill off any harmful germs that may be lingering. Alcohol-based hand wipes and gel sanitizers also work when soap and water are not available.

1. Your Hands

Consider all the surfaces you touch over the course of the day. Then consider all the other people who have touched the same exact surfaces as well. Let's face it — our hands are dirty bacteria transmitters. They are the common link in spreading germs.
You may know that washing your hands is essential, especially during cold and flu season, but do you know how to wash them effectively? The CDC recommends washing your hands, front and back, for 15-20 seconds with regular soap and water (no need for antibacterial soaps–using these can actually cause adverse effects). A good rule of thumb is to recite the entire alphabet in your head from start to finish while scrubbing up. This is sufficient time to rid your hands of any harmful germs that may be lingering.

So, should we run around our homes sanitizing each and every surface? Probably not. Many germs in our homes are not dangerous. Consumers today are bombarded with cleaning products from every direction that encourage sterilizing the house and preventing illness, but in reality many of these germs are natural and good for our bodies. Children especially need to be exposed to many different types of bacteria from a young age in order to develop a strong immune system.
However, some studies show that up to 65 percent of common colds are picked up from bacteria transferred through household items. When anyone with a cold or other illness has entered the house, it may be a good idea to sanitize these ten household items in order to prevent spread of the cold or disease.

The University of Arizona and Kimberly Clarke recently reported some external threats as well:  Vending Machines, Mailboxes, Phones, Purses/Wallets automobile dashboards, children's car seats, cutting boards and TADA the worst ever...the airplane bathroom...