Of course, hygiene should not be overdone, too much of it can even cause allergies. However, there are a few mistakes that most of us make every day without realizing it – and that are pretty gross.
1. Flush the toilet with the lid open
The toilet lid should be closed, especially when washing up. When flushing with the lid open, a fine mist of toilet water gets into the air – and with it bacteria and faecal germs. These can be found on surfaces and objects around the toilet drop: for example on toothbrushes, towels or cosmetics. Not a pleasant idea. For this reason, you shouldn’t take your cell phone to the toilet either!
2. Store toothbrush incorrectly
We put the toothbrush in our mouth every day – so it should definitely be clean. With the toothbrush, however, many make several mistakes:
- Do not wash the toothbrush cup (or wash it often enough): There are a lot of germs in the cup that can spread unhindered there. The cup should therefore be rinsed thoroughly on a regular basis.
- Storing a toothbrush in a cupboard: Bacteria spread particularly well in a humid environment. So that the toothbrush does not become a spinner, it should dry as quickly as possible. This takes a lot longer in a closed closet. Therefore: keep the brush upside down in a glass and without a cover – and as far away from the toilet as possible.
- Change toothbrush too seldom: It’s time for a new toothbrush every two to three months – many of us change brushes far too infrequently. If you use a new toothbrush on a regular basis, however, you also end up with a lot of plastic that ends up in the trash. Are a more environmentally friendly alternative Toothbrushes made of wood, for example made of bamboo.
3. Plastic cutting boards instead of wood
Wood is not only more environmentally friendly than plastic, it can also be more hygienic. Several Studies prove that certain types of wood have antimicrobial properties – that is, they can kill bacteria. For kitchen chopping boards, experts therefore recommend wooden ones, because plastic cannot do that.
Another disadvantage of boards made of plastic: When cutting, grooves and cutting marks can appear – bacteria like to nestle there. Wood, on the other hand, can swell and at least compensate for small cuts. However, if a board has a lot of deep notches, it should be replaced – regardless of whether it is plastic or wood. With thicker wooden boards, there is still the option of sanding the top layer.
4. Wash hands incorrectly
Probably the biggest hygiene fault of all – not only during the corona pandemic: Do not wash your hands. According to the Federal Center for Health Education (BZgA) around 80 percent of infectious diseases are transmitted through the hands.
But even those who wash their hands regularly can do a lot wrong. The most common mistake is to wash your hands too briefly. According to the BZgA, you should lather your hands for at least 20 seconds. It is also important to dry yourself thoroughly afterwards, as pathogens prefer moist environments.
By the way: The temperature of the water does not play a role in eliminating the germs. So washing your hands with cold water is just as effective – and that saves valuable energy!
5. Thaw food too quickly
Leftover food, fresh fruit and vegetables or a supply of pesto – To freeze food is a great way to keep them longer and thus Food waste to avoid.
But be careful: If the frozen food thaws too quickly, germs and bacteria become active – and the heat causes them to multiply faster than usual. Do not thaw food at room temperature or near the heater! Even if it takes longer, it is healthier to put the frozen food in the refrigerator or a cold water bath.
6. Dry your hands on the tea towel
Another mistake in the kitchen: Using the same cloth to dry dishes, other surfaces and your own hands. There are a lot of germs and pathogens romping about on the hands, which get onto the tea towel when it is dried. They come over the cloth onto the dishes and spread further.
It is particularly problematic to wipe your hands on a cloth after cutting fish or chicken – this can spread potentially dangerous bacteria or salmonella. According to an investigation by the American Kansas State University Tea towels are one of the biggest germs in the kitchen.
However, that doesn’t mean that paper towels and disposable paper towels are better choices. You should only make sure that the cloth for drying dishes is really only used for this purpose – and that the cloths are washed regularly.
Read more on Techzle.com: 
- 11 things that should disappear from your bathroom
- 10 things that should disappear from your household
- 6 foods you shouldn’t reheat in the microwave