13 Of The Grossest Public Places You Should Never Touch

While we can’t all live in bubbles, being mindful of the objects we touch can significantly reduce our exposure to germs and bacteria. From everyday items to unexpected surfaces, here’s a rundown of 13 of the grossest public places you should do everything you can to avoid touching.

1. Elevator Buttons

Elevator buttons are touched by countless hands daily, making them a prime breeding ground for bacteria and viruses. According to a study published in Open Medicine, elevator buttons can harbor more germs than public restroom surfaces. It’s a surprising revelation, but think about it—while many people wash their hands after using the restroom, few sanitize their hands before pressing elevator buttons. To minimize risk, use your knuckle or elbow instead of your fingertip, and consider carrying a small bottle of hand sanitizer.

The pathogens found on elevator buttons can include everything from cold viruses to more serious bacteria like E. coli. Given their high-touch nature, they become a melting pot of whatever germs the public carries on their hands. Especially in healthcare settings, where elevator usage is high, the risk of cross-contamination increases significantly. Regular cleaning helps, but the sheer volume of usage means they can never be truly germ-free.

2. Public Touchscreens

Whether at a fast-food kiosk or an airport check-in counter, public touchscreens see a lot of action. They offer convenience but at the cost of cleanliness, as they’re rarely sanitized as often as they should be. Consider the number of people touching these screens daily without washing their hands first—it’s staggering. So next time you order a burger via a touchscreen, remember, you’re also getting a side of germs.

The germs on touchscreens can include everything from respiratory viruses to bacteria that cause gastrointestinal issues. It’s not just the volume of people using them; it’s the fact that touchscreens are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning. Many facilities prioritize cleaning floors and tables, leaving touchscreens as an afterthought. Carrying disinfectant wipes can be a quick remedy if you must use these public devices.

3. ATM Keypads

ATM keypads are another hotspot for germs, touched by a multitude of hands every day. Studies, including one from The Journal of Antimicrobial Resistance and Infection Control, reveal that these surfaces can host a variety of bacteria and viruses. With the quick and often hurried nature of transactions, few people stop to think about sanitizing their hands afterward. This habit makes ATM keypads a sneaky source of potential illness.

Consider the settings ATMs are often located in—outdoors or in high-traffic areas—and you realize they aren’t cleaned nearly enough. Unlike other surfaces, ATM keypads can’t be easily wiped down after each use, leaving them a germ magnet. The best precaution is to either avoid touching your face afterward or use a hand sanitizer immediately after use. Remember, it’s not just about avoiding colds; it’s about overall health maintenance.

4. Gas Pump Handles

Gas pump handles are an essential part of most people’s routines, but how often do you consider their cleanliness? Rarely cleaned and touched by thousands, they are teeming with germs. While you’re filling up your tank, you’re also exposing yourself to a variety of bacteria and viruses left behind by previous users. It’s not a pretty picture, but knowledge is power—and in this case, it can also be cleanliness.

The germs on gas pump handles come from the sheer number of people handling them without washing hands beforehand. They’re not just dirty; they can be downright filthy, hosting everything from influenza viruses to more serious pathogens. Wearing gloves or using a paper towel to grip the handle can reduce your exposure significantly. Or, if that’s not feasible, make sure to use hand sanitizer as soon as you’re done.

5. Public Restroom Door Handles

Ironically, the door handle of a public restroom can be dirtier than the toilet itself. Research from the Journal of Applied Microbiology indicates that these handles can harbor bacteria like E. coli due to inadequate handwashing by some users. The irony is enough to make you rethink how you exit a restroom. If you can, use a paper towel to open the door or nudge it with your foot to avoid contact.

While many restrooms are cleaned regularly, the door handle often remains untouched between those cleanings. People focus on washing hands after using the restroom, but few think about what they’re touching on the way out. The cycle perpetuates, turning handles into hotspots for germs. It’s a small step, but being conscious of this can help maintain your health.

6. Shopping Cart Handles

Shopping carts are indispensable for a grocery run, but they also carry an invisible load of bacteria. With numerous hands touching them, often unwashed, they become a melting pot of germs. Some stores provide sanitizing wipes, and it’s wise to use them before grabbing the handle. After all, no one wants their fresh produce tainted with unwanted pathogens.

The types of germs found on shopping cart handles can include not only bacteria but also viruses from cold and flu. Given how essential these carts are, it’s surprising more people don’t take precautions when using them. The surfaces are rarely wiped down between uses, leaving them as potential health risks. Taking a moment to clean the handle can make your shopping trip safer.

7. Gym Equipment

Gym equipment is vital for a good workout but also a reservoir for germs. According to a study in the Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, gym surfaces, including weights and cardio machines, can host harmful bacteria and fungi. People sweat, breathe heavily, and touch their faces, transferring germs onto the equipment. It’s easy to forget in the rush of a workout, but wiping down equipment before use is a simple yet effective preventative measure.

Gyms often provide disinfectant spray and paper towels, but not everyone uses them as they should. People assume that if a surface looks clean, it is clean, but germs aren’t visible to the naked eye. Making it a habit to clean equipment before and after use can minimize the risk of illness. It’s about respecting the shared space and caring for your own well-being.

8. Handrails and Escalator Rails

Handrails are meant to provide support, but in reality, they often support a thriving ecosystem of germs. Everyone has touched them at some point, often without thinking about what lies on the surface. Public transport systems and shopping centers are common places where these rails become germ hotspots. While skipping the handrail might seem unsafe, it’s often a healthier choice than touching it directly.

The bacteria found on handrails can include everything from common cold viruses to more persistent pathogens. They’re often low on the list for cleaning priorities, meaning they can stay filthy for long periods. If you must use them for balance, try not to touch your face afterward and sanitize your hands at your earliest convenience. Removing these germs promptly can help you avoid unnecessary exposure.

9. Hotel Remote Controls

Hotel rooms are cleaned regularly, but the remote control is often overlooked. It’s a small but frequently used item, touched by countless guests and rarely sanitized between stays. According to several studies, including one from the American Journal of Infection Control, remotes can harbor bacteria from previous occupants. Before settling in for a night of channel surfing, it’s wise to give the remote a quick wipe down.

While you assume the bed linens are clean, the remote control remains a germ sanctuary. Housekeeping staff often focus on visible messes, leaving smaller items unchecked. This oversight can be enough to transfer germs from one guest to the next. Keeping disinfectant wipes handy can make all the difference in maintaining your health while traveling.

10. Light Switches

Light switches are small but potent carriers of germs. They’re touched regularly and cleaned infrequently, making them a prime location for bacteria buildup. In places like hotels, restrooms, and office spaces, light switches can accumulate germs from multiple people. A quick wipe with a disinfectant can help clear them of harmful bacteria, protecting you from potential illnesses.

Given their size, light switches are easy to forget about during cleaning routines. Yet, they’re consistently among the dirtiest surfaces in shared spaces. If you think about how often they’re used, it’s clear why they deserve more attention. Taking a moment to clean them can improve the overall hygiene of any space significantly.

11. Airport Security Bins

Airport security bins are unavoidable but also alarmingly unsanitary. Many travelers place shoes, bags, and even personal items directly into these bins, transferring germs along the way. The bins are rarely cleaned, despite the high turnover of items passing through them. Next time you’re at the airport, consider placing your belongings on a clean surface before and after they go through security.

The variety of items placed in these bins means they can house a wide range of bacteria and viruses. From shoes carrying outdoor germs to electronics collecting bacteria from a home or office, the bins become a hub for germs. Airports focus on security over sanitation, leaving these bins unchecked. Using hand sanitizer after going through security can help mitigate the risk.

12. Condiment Dispensers

Condiment dispensers at restaurants and fast-food joints are convenient but often unclean. They’re handled by numerous people, many of whom haven’t washed their hands. The convenience factor means they’re touched frequently, yet cleaned sparingly. Before you grab the ketchup, consider cleaning the dispenser or using a napkin to avoid direct contact.

The surfaces of these dispensers can collect bacteria from multiple sources, including the hands of other diners. Restaurants focus on cleaning tables and floors, leaving dispensers as secondary concerns. It’s easy to overlook, but using a barrier like a napkin can reduce your exposure significantly. It’s a small step that can go a long way in maintaining your health.

13. Playground Equipment

Playgrounds are necessary for children’s social and physical development, but they’re also a playground for germs. With children interacting and playing on the same equipment, bacteria and viruses spread rapidly. Most playgrounds are outdoors, exposed to the elements, and rarely cleaned. While letting kids play is important, encouraging handwashing afterward is essential.

The germs on playground equipment can include everything from cold viruses to more serious bacterial infections. It’s not just about cleanliness; it’s about ensuring that playtime is safe and healthy. Parents can carry wipes or hand sanitizer for quick cleanups before and after play. With a bit of preparation, you can keep the fun safe and minimize health risks.