Two Surprising Items You Should Sanitize Every Day for Better Health

In today’s world, where infectious diseases and viruses pose an ongoing threat to public health, maintaining a clean environment is more critical than ever. While we often focus on washing our hands and using hand sanitizer, there are two items we frequently overlook that harbor germs and bacteria: our smartphones and doorknobs. Sanitizing these items daily can significantly reduce the risk of illness. This article explores why these two items are critical in preventing the spread of diseases and how to effectively sanitize them.

The Smartphone: A Portable Germ Haven

Why Your Smartphone Needs Daily Sanitization

Your smartphone is likely the most used object you own. It goes with you everywhere, from the bathroom to the kitchen, to your car, and even to bed. Studies have shown that the average smartphone is covered in more germs than a toilet seat. According to a study published in Germs, the surface of a mobile phone is a breeding ground for a variety of bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, both of which can cause serious illness (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6507000/).

The phone’s constant exposure to different environments makes it a magnet for bacteria and viruses. Touching your phone after touching a contaminated surface and then bringing it to your face can lead to direct transmission of pathogens. Additionally, the warmth generated by the phone’s battery creates an ideal environment for germs to thrive.

How to Properly Sanitize Your Smartphone

Sanitizing your smartphone doesn’t require harsh chemicals or a lengthy process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Turn Off Your Phone: Before cleaning, make sure your phone is turned off to prevent any damage.
2. Use a Microfiber Cloth: Start by wiping down your phone with a microfiber cloth to remove dust and fingerprints.
3. Disinfect with an Alcohol Solution: Use a solution containing at least 70% isopropyl alcohol. Lightly dampen a cloth with the solution and wipe the phone’s surfaces, including the screen, back, and sides. Avoid getting moisture into any openings like the charging port.
4. Consider UV-C Light Sanitizers: These devices use ultraviolet light to kill bacteria and viruses on your phone’s surface. While more expensive, they offer a chemical-free way to sanitize your device.
5. Regular Maintenance: Make this a daily habit, particularly after being in public places or after coming into contact with shared surfaces.

Doorknobs: The Overlooked Contaminant

The Risk of Ignoring Doorknobs

Doorknobs and handles are some of the most frequently touched surfaces in any environment, be it at home, in the office, or in public spaces. Each time you or someone else touches a doorknob, you leave behind germs and pick up new ones. According to a study in the Journal of Applied Microbiology, doorknobs can harbor bacteria like MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and even viruses like the norovirus, which is responsible for stomach flu (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3538906/).

Because doorknobs are touched so frequently, they can become a significant vector for disease transmission. This is especially true in shared spaces where multiple people are touching the same knob throughout the day.

Effective Sanitization of Doorknobs

Sanitizing doorknobs is a straightforward process but needs to be done regularly to be effective. Here’s how to keep these surfaces clean:

1. Select the Right Disinfectant: Use a disinfectant that is effective against viruses and bacteria. Household disinfectant sprays or wipes are typically sufficient.
2. Wipe Down Frequently Touched Areas: Focus on the parts of the doorknob or handle that are most frequently touched. Don’t forget to sanitize both sides of the door if it is commonly used.
3. Allow Disinfectant to Air Dry: After applying the disinfectant, let it air dry. This ensures that the surface remains wet long enough to kill the germs effectively.
4. Sanitize Multiple Times a Day: In high-traffic areas, sanitizing once a day may not be enough. Consider cleaning doorknobs multiple times a day, especially during cold and flu season.
5. Don’t Forget Other Handles: While doorknobs are a primary concern, other handles like those on cabinets, appliances, and even drawers should also be sanitized regularly.

The Science Behind Frequent Sanitization

Understanding Pathogen Transfer

Pathogens like bacteria and viruses are primarily spread through direct contact with contaminated surfaces. When you touch a contaminated surface, the germs transfer to your hands. If you then touch your face, particularly your mouth, nose, or eyes, these pathogens can enter your body and potentially cause illness.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has long emphasized the importance of hand hygiene in preventing the spread of disease (https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/why-handwashing.html). However, if we continue to touch contaminated surfaces, our clean hands become contaminated again, negating the effects of handwashing. This is why sanitizing frequently touched surfaces like smartphones and doorknobs is essential.

The Role of Alcohol-Based Disinfectants

Alcohol-based disinfectants are effective because they work by denaturing the proteins of bacteria and viruses, rendering them inactive. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcohol solutions with a concentration of 70-90% are particularly effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens (https://www.who.int/gpsc/tools/faqs/clean_hands/en/). This makes them an excellent choice for sanitizing both smartphones and doorknobs.

Common Misconceptions About Sanitization

Myth 1: Sanitizing Is Only Necessary During Flu Season

While it’s true that the risk of getting sick is higher during flu season, pathogens exist year-round. Regular sanitization should be part of your daily routine, not just something you do when you feel it’s “flu season.”

Myth 2: All Disinfectants Are Created Equal

Not all cleaning products are effective at killing viruses and bacteria. It’s important to use products that are proven to be effective, such as those containing alcohol, bleach, or hydrogen peroxide.

Myth 3: Sanitizing Once a Day Is Enough

In high-traffic areas or during times of illness outbreaks, once-a-day sanitization might not be sufficient. More frequent cleaning may be necessary to reduce the risk of pathogen transmission.

Integrating Sanitization Into Your Daily Routine

Creating a Habit

To make sanitization part of your daily life, it’s important to integrate it into your existing routines. For instance, you can sanitize your phone while brushing your teeth in the morning or before going to bed. Similarly, make it a habit to wipe down doorknobs after coming home from work or school.

Using Reminders

Set reminders on your phone or sticky notes around the house to help you remember to sanitize these critical items. Over time, this will become second nature.

Involve the Whole Household

Encourage everyone in your home to take part in daily sanitization efforts. This not only ensures a cleaner environment but also spreads the responsibility, making it easier to maintain.

Conclusion: A Small Effort for Big Health Benefits

Sanitizing your smartphone and doorknobs daily is a simple yet highly effective way to reduce the risk of illness. By making this small effort, you can protect yourself and others from potentially harmful pathogens. Incorporating these habits into your daily routine is an investment in your health and well-being. Remember, in the fight against germs, consistency is key.