It’s an object that most of us don’t think twice about
handling, but a new study may
put you off reaching for your TV remote.
The study, commissioned by ScS, revealed that your TV remote
could be up to 20 times dirtier than your toilet.
In the study, researchers analysed various household objects
for bacteria, yeast and mould.
This included a TV remote, a bin lid, a bedroom carpet,
living room carpet and a toilet seat.
The analysis revealed that the TV remote was by far the
dirtiest item tested, with bacteria and yeast levels reaching 290 colony
forming units per cm2, as well as ‘heavy’ mould.
In comparison, the toilet seat was found to harbour just
12.4 colony forming units per cm2, and only had ‘light’ mould.
Dale Gillespie, Head of Acquisition at ScS, said: “The
results of our research are shocking, with TV remotes in particular being shown
to harbour extreme amounts of bacteria, yeast and mould.
“The TV remote is often neglected when it comes to cleaning
yet has been revealed to be one of the filthiest items in the home.
“It’s shocking to see just how dirty remotes really are,
especially considering that this is an item that most people, and children,
interact with every day. Everybody should make an effort to give it a regular
quick clean from now on.”
The study comes shortly after researchers revealed just how
dirty smartwatches are.
Researchers from Tic Watches, found that Fitbit watches can
be up to eight times dirtier than a toilet.