A Non-Neurotic Guide to Germs

Dirty Dangers? What to Worry About (or Not)

Should you obsess about germs lurking on these items at home? Our experts say yea or nay.

YES, because you might cut up raw chicken, then open the fridge for the lettuce before washing your hands, says Dr. Gerba.

NO, since it's usually cleaned frequently and, surprisingly, it doesn't come in contact with that much germy stuff.

YES, if someone is sick. One study found the remote control may help spread flu between family members.

NO, it's probably covered with microbes, but since they're yours alone, there's little risk of getting sick, says Kelly Reynolds, PhD, associate professor of environmental health sciences at the University of Arizona.

YES, if you touch them after you've handled raw meat and produce. says Dr. Reynolds.

NO, it is one of the germiest places in your home, but how often do you touch it? If something drops in there, wash it before using.

NO, because the germs they carry in tend to stay on the floor. So unless you have a baby crawling around, you probably don't need to worry, says Dr. Reynolds.