Dirty riddle: What’s germier than a public toilet, handled daily by everyone, and chewed on by toddlers?

A: It’s the remote control, sitting so innocently on the night stand next to your pillow!

Recent university studies have confirmed that the TV remote control is the single dirtiest item in a typical home.  Remotes have higher levels of bacteria than any other object in resort rooms and can be a contagion of germs and viruses. Active germs can live on remotes for at least 24 hours and can pass on a cold with one push of a button.  Many remotes tested had remnants of matter better left in the bathroom!?“

Lack of awareness about where germs lurk is a real health problem because people touch these objects and 80% of infections are spread through hand contact,” said Dr. Charles Gerba, Environmental Microbiology Department, University of Arizona.  Gerba further points out that of the 95% of people who say they wash their hands after using a public restroom, only 33% actually wash with soap.

Two options to combat the germy remote are a remote cover, similar to what some doctors use on their thermometers, and a good old-fashioned cleaning. 

To clean the remotes, simply prepare a hot, soapy, well-rung rag or small brush and apply some elbow grease. Once all the dirt has been visibly removed by the rag/brush, take a second cloth and dry the remote.  Never spray a chemical directly on the remote or breach the surface with moisture.  “The key is awareness and consistency,” says MasterCorp quality auditor Frank England.  “The remote must be cleaned each time the unit is cleaned.”