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.
