Your washing-up sponge could be making you sick - unless you do one thing

Property expert Terry Fisher has shared the everyday items and areas we often forget to clean and could be harbouring harmful bacteria that could make you very ill

Most of us pride ourselves on maintaining clean and tidy homes - but what if we take a closer look?

Despite spending hours scrubbing and tidying, common oversights could transform your home into a breeding ground for harmful germs that could potentially make you ill. Property expert Terry Fisher, from WeBuyAnyHome, has highlighted how everyday household items, often overlooked during our weekly cleaning routines, can become hotspots for microscopic bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, salmonella, E. coli and mould.

Some of the biggest offenders are salt and pepper shakers, door handles and plug sockets - but there are steps you can take to ensure they're germ-free. Terry advises: "It's impossible to keep our homes totally free from bacteria and even the most unlikely of everyday items are breeding grounds.

"While the usual cleaning tasks such as mopping floors, cleaning showers and wiping surfaces regularly are fairly obvious, items that are used everyday and perhaps haven't been disinfected for months or even years can be forgotten. Household staples such as remote controls, salt and pepper shakers and door handles are used many times per day and we don't usually think to disinfect them regularly.

"While it can be a difficult task to keep our homes spick and span and keep germs at bay, knowing some of the worst offenders can be half the battle." Not all bacteria are harmful to the body, but several can contribute to illnesses such as colds, throat infections and fevers. First up, Terry advises that we need to take better care of our washing up sponges to ensure we're killing off bad bacteria.

He reveals: "Researchers found bacteria such as Stenotrophomonas, Brevundimonas, Rhizobium and Klebsiella lurking in the cleaning items. It makes sense too, as we use them to clean other items and then leave them at the sink without washing them."

While this might sound a bit alarming, there's no need to panic - all you need to do is make sure you're cleaning them properly. Terry suggests heating them in the microwave for one minute and then soaking them in a little water with half a teaspoon of concentrated bleach.

Next on Terry's list are door handles, which are constantly being touched by everyone in the house and visitors. He warns: "They can be a pleasant home for bacteria such as E.Coli, MRSA and, of course, Covid-19. It's advised to clean them at least once a week with antibacterial wipes."

The same goes for plug sockets, as we use them regularly without really thinking about them. It's best to disinfect them once a week. Toothbrush holders also tend to be forgotten, and they're a real breeding ground as they're so close to the loo. Terry advises: "We use the toothbrush holder every day without even thinking it needs to be cleaned too. We also don't realise that they can pick up germs that are released into the air from the toilet when we flush. Again, it's recommended to disinfect them at least once a week."

While you're in the bathroom tending to your toilet brush holder, cast an eye over the bath itself. The warm and wet conditions make it a haven for germs. Regularly disinfecting the bath's surface is advised, while descaling our pipes can be aided by using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda. Pouring boiling water down the drain can also be beneficial.

When it comes to our salt and pepper shakers, Terry explains: "Basically, any household item we touch with our hands regularly can be breeding grounds for germs, especially if we don't consider the need to disinfect them regularly. Like any surface, salt and pepper shakers can be home to the likes of E.Coli and MRSA. Disinfect them regularly with antibacterial wipes."