Lots of microbiologists identify it as the single dirtiest item in your home (much more dirtier than your toilet seat).

Sponges, which are habitually warm, wet, & have traces of food on them, are perfect breeding grounds for bacteria. One NSF (formerly, the National Sanitation Foundation) study found that more than 75% of sponges were contaminated with coliform bacteria, which shows fecal contamination from the same family as Salmonella & E. coli.

Campylobacter, the biggest cause of foodborne disease in the US, is also usually found on sponges.

Tierno recommends you use bleach to clean your sponge.

Unfortunately, reaching to grab the dish towel that you keep by the sink might unknot some of the good you did by washing your hands in the first place. Dish towels normally have the same issues as sponges, since they are also damp, warm, & come into contact with food particles.

One study found E. coli on more than 25% of dish towels, putting them firmly into competition with sponges. Wash them after 2 days of use.

Beds share many of the same uniqueness that bacteria love. Humans sweat a lot, so they are wet & warm - ideal for bacteria & for fungal growth & our skin particles rub off onto our sheets along with everything we have come into contact with during the day.

The result is enough to make a germaphobe make a face. Wash your sheets once a week or so, say experts.

When people walk around the grocery store with potentially unwashed hands  grabbing food & whatever else catches their eyes, they can transfer some unsavory bacteria from their hands to the cart & vice-versa.

One little survey found bacteria like E. coli on more than half of carts, which the authors say could be accountable for outbreaks of food poisoning among children who ride in carts.

Things that you & many other people touch often with their hands quickly become hotbeds of bacteria, especially if they are not wiped down regularly. Doorknobs are no exception.

Some research has found loads of potential pathogens on doorknobs, other research much less, but either way, it does not take a lot to get sick.

That little toothbrush holder is perfect at picking up whatever bacteria is around your bathroom.

One survey found staph bacteria on 14% of toothbrush holders & yeast or mould on 64%. Clean those containers.

Remember to clean surfaces that are touched regularly or that just might be neglected often. Wash towels & sheets more than you think & of course, wash your hands.