6 ways youre bringing unwanted germs into your apartment

6 ways youre bringing unwanted germs into your apartment6 ways youre bringing unwanted germs into your apartmentThere are people who take pride in keeping their homes perfectly clean and tidy, and then there are people who couldnt care less if clutter begins to stack up in the corners of their living room, bedroomandoffice. If youre a member of the latter group, cool.Follow Ladders on FlipboardFollow Ladders magazines on Flipboard covering Happiness, Productivity, Job Satisfaction, Neuroscience, and moreIf youre a member of the former group, we have some upsetting nachrichtensendung for you - even if youre a self-proclaimed neat freak, there are probably a few ways that germs are sneaking into your apartment. But instead of losing it and running around spraying a can of Lysol everywhere, check out where exactly those ick factors are hiding and learn more about how you can handle them.1. Your ShoesSurprise, surprise - the things on your feet that carry you down dirty sidewalks, onto public transportation, into public restrooms and virtually everywhere else arecovered in germs and bacteria. Some are harmless, and some honestly help boost your immune system a little bit. But others can get you or your loved ones sick as theyre tracked around your carpets and hardwood floors. So designate a shoe storage spot near the front door (it doesnt have to look like a haphazard mess) and ditch those babies the second you walk in. It also wouldnt hurt to wipe them down with antibacterial wipes from time to time.2. Your Purse (And Luggage)So yeah, your purse is literallyone of the most germ-infested things you own. Similar to your shoes, the outside of the bag touches all sorts of icky places when you set it down rather thanhangit up. And the inside is constantly bombarded by used tissues, dirty pocket change, andwell-handled receipts. Considering all of the places your luggage gets stowed as you travel, were not surprised that those bags are icky, too. So rather than throwi ng your bag on the kitchen counter or sofa, designate a hallway hook for it and clean that thing regularly.3. Your CoatIts surprisinghow filthy outerwear like coats, gloves, hats, andscarves can get. But just think about how often you wear them and expose them to the elements (like how they start on bar benches but eventually fall on the floor), and then think about how infrequently you toss them in the washing machine or drop them off at the dry cleaners.Blegh. These are also items you dont want to leave chilling on your couch - or even hanging up in your closet next to your other clean clothes. Use a coat rack in your entryway, and be mindful of how many times you get them cleaned.4. Your PhoneJust because youre the only one who typically touches your phone doesnt mean its not covered in germs and bacteria. In fact, most mobile phones have18 times more bacteria than a toilet handle. So imagine what happens when you chuck your phone on your bed, rest it next to your pillow at nigh t or even place it next to your food on the kitchen counter as you cook. We know, we dont want to think about it, either. So do yourself a favor and wipe down your phone at least once a week with a simple, tech-safe cleaning solution (we use an isopropyl alcohol-based one).5. Your Reusable Grocery BagsYes, reusable shopping bags are a wonderful way to reduce your personal paper and plastic waste. But no,they are not as hygienic as you probably think they are. Again, think about how many times you take them to the store, place in them in the carts everyone else uses, fill them with foods that can leak (like trays of fresh fish and poultry) and drop them in your car. Now ask yourself how many times youve wiped them down or run them through a rinse cycle. If the answer is Um, never, nows the time to change that. Otherwise, youre exposing your new groceries to old germs and bacteria, and youre consistently exposing your kitchen space to more and more ick.6. Your PetsWe know how much you love Fido, but we bet you wont love to learn aboutall of the potential parasites, fecal bacteria and morehe can track into your home on the bottoms of his paws and even in his pretty coat. While some exposure is good for your immune system, you probably dont want a lot of the things he finds in your backyard to end up in your blankets on your bed (or even on your carpet). So make a point to bathe your pup as often as is safe for his skin and coat (check withyourvet) so your home can keep its germ count under control.Sign up forDaily Fit by Swirled, our newsletter featuring a wellness tip of the day and must-read health news from around the web Youll be one step closer to living a healthy, balanced life.This article first appeared on Swirled.You might also enjoyNew neuroscience reveals 4 rituals that will make you happyStrangers know your social class in the first seven words you say, study finds10 lessons from Benjamin Franklins daily schedule that will double your productivityThe worst mistakes you can make in an interview, according to 12 CEOs10 habits of mentally strong people