Half of Brits do not clear their cellphone after taking it to the bathroom with them

Research has revealed that half of smartphone users don’t always clean their device after taking it to the loo with them. A survey of 2,000 adults found that 60% confess to using their phone in the bathroom, but many fail to clean it afterwards as they would their hands.

Despite this, 57% then place their device on the kitchen counter, 47% put it on the dining table, and 43% leave the phone in their bed – potentially spreading germs.

The study also discovered that three out of ten people never disinfect their TV remotes, even though each one is touched 5,475 times per year per person. However, 49% confessed they have never considered how germs can spread between people sharing household items.

Items that are rarely or never cleaned extend beyond electronic devices and include salt and pepper shakers, kettles, condiments, and light switches.

The research was commissioned by Dettol, which has partnered with TV home expert and mother of four Sarah Beeny, to launch ‘GermWare’ – a range of antibacterial items made from copper, including a TV remote control, games console controller and mobile phone case.

Sarah Beeny commented: “With a large family of teenage boys at home, our TV remote gets quite the workout – and I really wasn’t aware of how easily germs can be spread by the ones you love.”

“Based on my family’s track record of spreading germs, I’d need everything in my home to be covered in copper. Obviously, this can’t happen, and I very much doubt we’ll be giving up watching TV. That’s why I’ve teamed up with Dettol to show that while we may be spreading germs without even realising it, we don’t need to change what we love doing.”

The study also revealed that 69% of people would be more inclined to disinfect items in their homes if they could physically see the germs or bacteria on shared items.

According to the OnePoll figures, over a third (36%) have used and shared the same hand towel at home for multiple uses, while 27% happily let pets clamber on furniture and bedding without disinfecting them.

Shockingly, 13% even confessed to preparing food without washing their hands beforehand. However, after being presented with germ-related facts, 33% of participants in the survey will think differently about how germs spread and 43% are more likely to disinfect the items they share more often.

David Shillcock, from Dettol, commented: “It’s clear from the survey findings that the people we love, love spreading germs – perhaps more than we realise. The results show that germs don’t spread by themselves, people spread them, so when it comes to sharing lives together, our homes can be germier than we think.”

“We know those germ-spreading behaviours are just a part of the everyday life that we share with the people we love, and we want to celebrate that.”

“We made the copper ‘GermWare’ range to highlight some of the behaviours that can cause germs to spread. Of course, not everything can be made out of copper, but you can keep doing the things you love – spreading the love, not the germs.”

17 GERM-SPREADING ACTS BRITS ADMIT TO.

1. Regularly touched shared household items like TV remotes without disinfecting them regularly.

2. Not disinfected electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, and keyboards regularly.

3. Got home and used my TV remote without washing my hands first.

4. Seen family members/housemates come in from outside the home without washing their hands.

5. Used and shared the same hand towel for multiple uses.

6. Not washed hands after I come in from outside the home.

7. Not disinfected frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and light switches.

8. Not washed hands after coming home after travelling on public transport.

9. Shared towels with multiple family members.

10. Allowed pets to roam freely on furniture and bedding without disinfecting these surfaces.

11. Used the same dishcloth or sponge for an extended period without washing or replacing it.

12. Used a games console controller for an extended period without sanitising it.

13. Neglecting to regularly clean or disinfect bathroom fixtures, including taps, toilet handles, and shower heads.

14. Allowing multiple children to share toys.

15. Taking my mobile phone to the loo and then placing it on the dinner table.

16. Failing to wash my hands before preparing food.

17. Bringing toys to a shared space like soft play and not disinfecting them afterwards.