The toilet seat has gotten a bad rap as being the number-one source of bacteria. But this common belief is untrue, according to studies. Dr. Chuck Gerba, professor of microbiology at the University of Arizona, told BBC News that the average toilet seat only has about 50 bacteria per square inch.

"It's one of the cleanest things you'll run across in terms of micro-organisms," he said to the news organization. "It's our gold standard - there are not many things cleaner than a toilet seat when it comes to germs."

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In comparison, the average cutting board has about 200 times more fecal bacteria.

YouTube channel Facts Verse explores the top items dirtier than your toilet seat. The most surprising? Clean laundry.

According to the video, bacteria remains in your washer and dryer, which is only made worse by the fecal matter on your underwear. More than 100 million E. coli bacteria are released in the water and onto your clothes. Laundry detergent alone isn’t enough to kill germs and Facts Verse recommends using bleach.

Another scary source of bacteria is your toothbrush. Germs from the toilet water shoot up into the air and onto your exposed bristles. Putting your brushes away or using toothbrush covers can help minimize exposure.

It’s supposed to get you squeaky clean, but a bath tub can carry up to 19,500 bacteria per square inch. That warm water might be relaxing but it also fosters germs which thrive in warm, moist areas. On top of that, the dirty bath water doesn’t necessarily go down the train as can linger in the tub and on the shower curtain.

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Other shocking sources of bacteria, according to Facts Verse include:

Ice

Pillows

Showerheads

Kitchen sponges

Restaurant menus

Soap dispenser

Carpet

To see the whole list of things dirtier than a toilet seat, watch their brief video.

See Also:

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