Scientists issue warning for surprising item people use that's 40 times dirtier than a toilet seat
Britt Jones
Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Images
There is something in your home right now that is far more filthy than your toilet seat, and after reading this, you’ll probably want to sterilize it.
Of all the grimy news in the world, this might be up there on the list.
Even though the average toilet harbors an ungodly number of bacteria, one thing that might be in your closet or attic right now could rival it.
This is because scientists have found that it’s carrying 40 times more bacteria, as they are contaminated by everyday things we touch while traveling.
Advert
You might think that I’m talking about your phone, glasses, watch or shoes, but I’m not.
You take this thing on vacation, to out-of-town events, to weekend trips away, and maybe even to work.
Sadly, it’s your suitcase.
InsureandGo confirmed that sad truth about just how dirty suitcases are after testing ten suitcases.
The team took swabs from the wheels and the base of soft-shell and hard-shell models at a London airport rail hub, to find out just what they were dealing with.
Horrifically, the study found that each wheel was harboring hundreds of colonies of bacteria and fungi, which could actually give you food poisoning, infections, and respiratory illnesses.
They discovered that on average, the wheels of a suitcase carried 400 bacterial colonies per three square centimeters.
Compared to the 10 bacterial colonies toilet seats have, that’s a scary figure to be confronted with.
Now, if you’re wondering which type of suitcase was the worst culprit, then it’s soft shells.
This is because the fabric traps dirt and moisture which can be a breeding ground for mold.
What’s even grosser is that you and I both know that we put our cases on our hotel beds, tables, and in our closets too.
I’ve even put mine on my kitchen table while I pack!
Researchers found residue of human or animal feces to black spores and skin microbes after swabbing, which is a grim discovery.
However, because 2.9 million people travel everyday through airports, as per the FAA, there’s so many things we’re touching and sharing.
Amy-May Pointer, a microbiologist and lead study author, told Travel+Leisure: “Suitcases, especially their wheels and bottoms, are germ magnets that can out-germ even a toilet.”
Among the bacteria was Serratia marcescens, a germ that lives in damp places and can actually cause things like urinary and wound infections.
Bacillus cereus was also present, which can be found in soil and on floors and can cause food poisoning.
Aspergillus niger and Penicillium, black mold types, were also found during the study.
These two can trigger respiratory issues in people.
But perhaps the worst thing found was presumptive E coli, which is found in s***.
“A wipe with a disinfectant wipe or soapy cloth on the wheels and base of your luggage can significantly cut down the bacterial load,” Pointer said.
She added: “It's a small step that prevents you from dragging bathroom-floor bacteria into your home (and onto your bed). Occasionally, you can do a periodic deep-clean of your suitcase.”