Serious Warning: Studies Show You Must Wash Your Hands After Touching These 10 Everyday Things

We all know handwashing is important. The last few years have certainly drilled that lesson home. It stands as our first line of defense against getting sick.

And most of us are pretty good about washing up after using the restroom or before eating.

But what about the hundreds of other surfaces we touch throughout the day? You might be surprised to learn which everyday objects are secret magnets for microbes.

Germs, or microbes, are everywhere—in the air, on our food, and on virtually every surface we contact.

While most are harmless, some can make us quite ill. The key is limiting the transfer of the bad ones from our hands to our faces.

That’s why you should wash your hands immediately after touching these 10 things.

1. Money

In our increasingly digital world, we handle less cash than we used to. That’s probably a good thing from a hygiene perspective.

Studies have shown that paper money is a paradise for germs. Researchers in New York City tested $1 bills and discovered hundreds of different microorganisms. They found everything from bacteria that cause acne to DNA from pets and viruses.

Other studies have found pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella on cash and coins. Considering a single bill can stay in circulation for up to 15 years, it’s impossible to know the journey it’s been on before it lands in your hand.

The porous nature of U.S. currency, made of cotton and linen, gives germs a comfortable place to settle. So, the next time you pay with cash, make a mental note to wash up soon.

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2. Public Handrails, Handles, and Doorknobs

Think about your commute. You might grab an escalator handrail, hold a pole on the subway, and then push open a door to your office.

Each of these surfaces has been touched by countless other people, making them hotspots for germ transmission. Public transportation is a major hub for this microbial exchange.

Studies of the subway microbiome have found that the most common bacteria on these surfaces come directly from human skin, including Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. While many of these are harmless, they can still cause infections.

It’s a simple rule: if it’s a high-touch surface in a public place, assume it’s contaminated and practice proper hand hygiene afterward.

3. Restaurant Menus

You sit down for a nice meal, and the first thing you touch is the menu. It turns out this could be the germiest item on the table.

Researchers at the University of Arizona found that restaurant menus can harbor an astonishing 185,000 bacteria.8 That’s significantly more than what’s found on a typical toilet seat.

Why are they so dirty? Menus are passed from customer to customer all day long. Staff who handle dirty dishes and cash also handle the menus.

Plastic-laminated menus are often worse, as moisture can get trapped and allow bacteria to multiply!

The best practice is to order your food, hand the menu back, and then wash your hands immediately, especially before your food arrives.

4. Any and All Touchscreens

From airport check-in kiosks to the credit card machine at the grocery store, touchscreens are now a part of daily life. They are also giant magnets for bacteria.

One study found that the average self-check-in screen at an airport had over 253,000 colony-forming units (CFUs) of bacteria—one screen even topped 1 million CFU. For comparison, a toilet seat averages about 172 CFU.

And don’t forget the screen you touch most often: your smartphone. Our phones go everywhere with us, and studies show they are often contaminated with the same microbes found on our hands, including Staphylococcus and even fecal bacteria.

Dr. Katy Burris, a dermatologist at Columbia University Medical Center, notes that simple washing with soap and water is effective at reducing the transmission of these pathogens.

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5. Anything in a Doctor’s Office

A doctor’s office is, by definition, a place filled with sick people. This makes nearly every surface a potential risk for germ exposure, from the armrests on the waiting room chairs to the doorknobs.

But the worst offender might be the sign-in clipboard pen. One study found that the shared pen at a doctor’s office can have 46,000 times more germs than an average toilet seat.

To protect yourself, try to schedule appointments for the first thing in the morning when the office is likely at its cleanest.

Use hand sanitizer after you sign in and, of course, wash your hands immediately once your appointment is over.

6. Animals (Even Your Own Pets)

We love our furry friends, but it’s important to remember that animals can carry a variety of diseases that can be transmitted to humans. These are known as zoonotic diseases.

According to Dr. Nesochi Okeke-Igbokwe, we should wash our hands after touching any animal, whether it’s ours or someone else’s.

Common infections include parasites like hookworms and roundworms, which can be passed through feces, and ringworm, a fungal infection spread by direct contact.

Reptiles are known carriers of Salmonella, and even pet birds can transmit psittacosis, or “parrot fever”. Good handwashing is the best way to prevent these infections from spreading.

7. Kitchen Sponges and Cutting Boards

Your kitchen might feel like a clean sanctuary, but it can be one of the germiest places in your home.

The undisputed champion of filth is the kitchen sponge. Its porous, moist environment is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

One study found as many as 326 different species of bacteria living on used kitchen sponges.

Cutting boards are another major source of cross-contamination, especially after being used for raw meat.

To maintain proper hand hygiene in the kitchen, Dr. Burris suggests always washing your hands before you start preparing a meal and immediately after handling raw meats.

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8. Pens That Aren’t Yours

We’ve already covered the particularly germy pen at the doctor’s office, but really, any shared pen is a risk. Think about the pens at the bank, the post office, or the one your server hands you with the bill. 

According to one report, the average office pen has about 200 bacteria per square inch—10 times more than the average office toilet seat.

Many people have a habit of chewing on pen caps, which adds oral bacteria to the mix. While it’s not practical to sanitize every pen you use, you can make it a rule to wash your hands immediately, and a shared pen is definitely one of them.

9. Soap Dispensers

This one feels ironic, doesn’t it? You go to wash your hands, but the dispenser you touch could be teeming with bacteria.

Research from the University of Arizona found that refillable bulk-soap dispensers are especially problematic. As you press the pump, any bacteria on your hands can be transferred to the dispenser.

Dr. Charles Gerba, a microbiologist at the university, famously stated that touching these dispensers can transfer more bacteria to your hands than sticking them in a toilet.

The issue is that these dispensers are rarely cleaned, and “topping off” the soap can introduce new contaminants.

A good habit is to use a paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the door after washing.

10. Pretty Much Anything in an Airport

With millions of people from all over the world passing through every day, airports are a veritable buffet of germs.

From the check-in kiosks we’ve already discussed to the plastic security bins where people place their dirty shoes, the opportunities for contamination are endless.

Other major hotspots include water fountain buttons and the armrests at the departure gates. Once on the plane, tray tables and seatbelt buckles are notoriously germy.

The best strategy for air travel is to carry a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol and use it frequently, especially before eating or touching your face.

The Right Way to Wash Your Hands

Knowing when to wash your hands is half the battle. The other half is knowing how. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends this simple process for proper hand hygiene:

1. Wet your hands with clean, running water.
2. Lather your hands with soap, making sure to get the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
3. Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
4. Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
5. Dry your hands using a clean towel or let them air dry.

It’s impossible to live in a germ-free bubble, but you can significantly reduce your risk of illness. By being mindful of these microbe magnets, you can make an informed decision to wash your hands immediately and keep yourself and your family healthier.