If You Touch These Everyday Things, Wash Your Hands Immediately

Some of the dirtiest things we touch every day do not look dirty at all. They sit in kitchens, bathrooms, offices, cars, bags, shops, and public spaces, quietly collecting germs from dozens or even thousands of hands.

This does not mean people need to live in fear of every surface. But handwashing remains one of the simplest ways to reduce the spread of germs. The CDC says washing with soap and water is the best way to remove germs in most situations, while alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can help when soap and water are not available.