Between bolting at the first sign of a sniffle to carrying around anti-bacterial wipes like a fashion accessory, it’s easy to understand why germaphobes may have a more “annoying” reputation.
But while they can sometimes take things to the extreme, experts say they have a few habits the rest of us should actually consider.
Wipe Down Your Phone
(Photo: Getty Images)
Many of us share a rather intimate relationship with our smartphones — we touch them on and off all day, and regularly hold them near our faces after placing them on a variety of germy surfaces. Unfortunately, your nose, mouth, and eyes are “the most direct portal for germs to enter your body,” says internist Roshini Raj, MD, author of “What the Yuck?!” She advises cleaning your phone at least once a week with a disinfectant wipe to limit your exposure to unwanted bacteria.
Use A Paper Towel On Public Bathroom Handles
(Photo: Getty Images)
Studies have shown that the toilet seat isn’t the germiest surface in a public restroom. According to research from the University of Florida, faucets, soap dispensers, and door handles actually contain the most bacteria. “Just think about how many people aren’t washing their hands, or at least aren’t washing properly, before they grab the handle,” says Raj. She recommends washing your hands, then using a paper towel to turn off the faucet and push open the door, so you don’t re-contaminate your newly clean hands.
Wash Your Hands — The Right Way
(Photo: Getty Images)
You’ve been washing your hands regularly since you were a kid, but odds are you’re not doing it properly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that you wash your hands for a full 20 seconds (the amount of time it takes you to hum the “Happy Birthday” song twice), making sure to lather the front and back of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails for most of the time. This process helps remove surface germs, which can still stick around if you do a quick wash. “Over 80 percent of infectious diseases are transmitted through the hands, so proper hand hygiene is essential,” says Raj.
Clean Your Handbag Often
(Photo: Getty Images)
Your bag goes everywhere with you — restaurants, work, public transportation — and it often sits on desks, tables, and the floor. Once you bring it home, you may put it on your kitchen counter or bed. So … when was the last time you cleaned it? According to Raj, you should periodically wipe the outside of your bag with a sanitizing wipe to get rid of germs lingering on the surface. Planning to wipe your phone while you’re at it? Use a new wipe, or you’ll transfer the germs from one surface to another.
This article was originally published on Yahoo! Health
