With the coronavirus pandemic still lurking, we may find ourselves continuing to wash and disinfect our hands but have fallen lax to disinfecting some of our personal belongings, some of which have reported carrying more germs than a toilet. Here are seven things you should be disinfecting almost as frequently as your hands.

Your Cell Phone and Electronics

On average, we touch our phones 2,617 times a day. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) states certain viruses (including COVID-19) can live on glass and plastic surfaces for up to three days. With 2,617 opportunities to transmit new germs to your phone, it is critical to disinfect your phone as often as possible, especially shared phones. Using a 70 percent isopropyl alcohol wipe or Clorox disinfectant wipe is one of the easiest and most effective ways to clean your phone as well as all electronics that get a lot of use.

The Inside of Your Car

Although we may not be commuting a lot these days, chances are your vehicle has germs and lots of them! Disinfect the inner and outer door handles, glove box and latch, console latch, steering wheel, gearshift, and all buttons and handles. 

Your Credit Cards, Bank Cards, and ID Cards

While most stores are requiring you to run your credit or bank card, they may still require you to utilize their touch or keypad to enter your pin or billing zip code. When you return your card safely to your wallet or purse, you transmit those keypad germs to your card and your bag. Those germs can stay on your card for up to three days. Don’t forget to wipe these down with a disinfectant wipe after every outing.

Your Purse, Wallet, Briefcase, Gym Bag, Backpack, and Lunch Box

According to some handbag restoration experts, handbags can carry up to 10,000 types of bacteria, making them dirtier than the average toilet. With leather being a top breeding ground for germs, it’s no wonder these daily used items are germ-infested. Try not to set your bags on the floor or countertops and wipe them down after every outing with a cleaning product recommended for the fabric.

Your Water Bottle

Water bottles are high-use items that generally get re-used time and time again without washing. Since water bottles are coming in contact with your mouth, it’s smart to start a daily cleaning routine. Most water bottles are dishwasher safe, but if yours isn’t, a nice soak in a bleach or vinegar solution, for a minimum of 10 minutes, will do the trick. Make sure you rinse it well after soaking and dry thoroughly before use.

Your Glasses, Sunglasses, Eyewear Cases, and Contact Lens Case

Touching the mucous membranes on your face with dirty hands allows germs that cause respiratory infections to enter the body, which is why the CDC keeps stressing the importance of keeping your hands away from your eyes, nose, and mouth. Disinfecting items that go on your face is a no brainer. Especially for contact lens wearers who are touching their cases before touching their eyes.

Your Car Keys, Fobs, and Key Chains

You should clean your keys when you get back home and avoid taking them out of your bag or pocket when you are away from the house. Since they tend to be used a couple of times a day and aren’t usually handled by strangers, they won’t pick up as many germs but still carry them.