Surprising results from a study by British microbiologist Joe Latimer reveal that car keys may be much dirtier than we think. The analysis shows that the surface of the keys contains an average of 241 colonies of bacteria per square centimeter. This is significantly more than smartphones or keyboards. The only thing we touch more regularly is the toilet bowl.
Bacteria and Fungi: The Invisible Threat
In addition to the multitude of bacteria, car keys often contain dozens of species of fungi that are invisible to the naked eye. This hidden contamination raises questions about personal hygiene and the spread of germs.
Lack of hygiene among drivers
Despite these revelations, most drivers do not attach importance to the hygiene of their keys. A survey of two thousand drivers shows that a third of them never clean their keys, and almost half do it extremely rarely - once a month or even less often. This negligence can contribute to the accumulation of bacteria and fungi.
How to clean your keys properly?
Experts advise not to neglect this small but important aspect of personal hygiene. Here are some tips for proper cleaning:
Wipe the keys with a damp cloth or a cloth soaked in soapy water.
If dirt has accumulated in hard-to-reach places, you can remove it with a toothpick slightly moistened with alcohol.
Important warning: Avoid using household chemicals or completely submerging your keys in water, as this can damage their electronics.
Cleaning your car keys regularly is an easy and effective way to maintain better hygiene and reduce the spread of germs.