If you are planning to clean the house, you probably have a closet, a toilet on your list, maybe even replace kitchen sponges if you are really dedicated. But when was the last time you cleaned the switches?

Research has identified a lot of places that are easily bypassed during cleaning, and are a refuge for bacteria and fungi. When was the last time you cleaned a wallet that almost everyone uses every day?

We are surrounded by a multitude of bacteria and viruses, and it is important to know that not every one of them will cause any disease. But in some places it is desirable to pay more attention during cleaning.

Dishwasher

While you think high temperatures and rigorous device cycles might be enough to thoroughly clean a dishwasher, recent research has shown that “extreme environments” support microbial survival.

Researchers from the University of Copenhagen in Denmark, the University of Ljubljana in Slovenia and the University of Ghent in Belgium found various bacteria and fungi after studying the rubber seals of 24 washers. The age of the dishwasher, previous use, as well as the hardness of the tap water were factors that affected the abundance of germs in each appliance.

It is important to emphasize how your body can tolerate microorganisms found in dishwashers, but it is certainly advisable to clean it from time to time.

Toys with which your children bathe

A team of researchers in the United States and Switzerland studied 19 bathing toys, and found fungi in 58 percent of them. They suggested that the plastic material of the toy, the quality of the tap water and the "nutrients from the bath products" could be the culprits.

Since these toys are very difficult to clean from the inside, it is best to replace them with new ones. But if the child is tied to one of them, make sure to dry the toys as soon as possible after bathing.

Toothbrush holder

Apart from the fact that it is important to change the toothbrush regularly, it is equally important to clean the toothbrush holder. NSF International conducted the study in 2011, and they collected samples from 30 sites in 22 families. They found germs on more than a quarter of the toothbrush holders and therefore it is important to clean the toothbrush holder regularly.

Switches for lamps and lights

Hard surfaces that many people touch are ideal for microbes, so it is advisable to wipe the switches regularly. Microfiber cloths easily clean fingerprints on rough surfaces, so you can also use them to clean switches.

Mobile phone

We all use a mobile phone every day and put it on our face, so it needs to be cleaned regularly.

In a 2012 study, researchers at the University of Arizona stated that mobile phones could "have 10 times more bacteria than most toilets."

It is advisable to disinfect the device several times a day, and when you thoroughly clean it, a soft microfiber cloth can make it easier for you. Do not carry your mobile phone to the toilet and wash your hands regularly.

Wallet

One study, conducted by researchers at Southern Connecticut State University, found E. coli bacteria and the fungus Penicillium on banknotes. In another study, a team at Wright Patterson Medical Center in Dayton, Ohio, examined 68 banknotes and found bacteria on 59 of them that could cause infection in people with immune deficiencies.

Banknotes can also contaminate cards and other items in the wallet. If you have a leather wallet, do not clean it with heavy products as they can damage the material, but you can use soap and similar cleaning products.

Yoga mat and exercise equipment

These things are a haven for bacteria. Due to the sweat that is excreted during exercise, the yoga mat is a perfect incubator for many of our skin infections.

To prevent bacteria from multiplying, these items need to be cleaned regularly. In addition, after cleaning the yoga mat must first be well dried and only then is it ready for new use.