With Ebola in the headlines, we are all suddenly more health conscious. We're washing hands more frequently, buying sanitizer, and watching what we touch.
But there are some germ brewers in your home you probably never think about.
Where's the most bacteria growing in your home? Kitchen sink? Nope. Toilet seat? Nope.
But you're close in both cases, because a new report in the Huffington Post says kitchen and bath towels are some of the most germ infested places in your home.
It cites a University of Arizona study that found 89% of dish rags and kitchen towels carry coliform bacteria.
And your bathroom towels, if you don't wash them often, are almost as bad.
How often to wash them
The report recommends washing towels after 3 days of use, not 3 weeks as many of us do.
And from the "doesn't that stink" file, the fact that many of us don't get all the bacteria off our towels when we wash them in the machine.
If you wash them in cold or warm water with no bleach, they could still harbor some germs. And if you get sick, you'll say doesn't that stink?
The report suggests hot water and a small amount of bleach.
Worried about ruining the color? Use vinegar instead.
Bottom line: While none of this will really protect from Ebola, it can help prevent the spread of winter flu and cold germs, and just might make your home a little cleaner.
And that way you don't waste your money.
Don't Waste Your Money is a registered trademark of the E.W. Scripps Co.
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