When you think of dirty places, you might picture a trash-filled alley or a public restroom that hasn’t been cleaned in weeks. But the truth is, some of the dirtiest places are the ones you touch every single day—without even realizing it. From your phone to your money, germs and bacteria are hiding everywhere, waiting to make you sick. In this article, we’ll explore the dirtiest things you come into contact with daily, the filthiest public places, and even the most bacteria-covered jobs in the world. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to avoid and how to stay clean!
The Dirtiest Things You Touch Every Day
You might be surprised to learn that some of the most germ-infested objects are the ones you use the most. Your phone, your wallet, your car steering wheel, and even your own hands carry thousands—sometimes millions—of bacteria. The reason? We rarely think to clean them as often as we should.
Bacteria and viruses thrive on surfaces, and the more we touch these objects without washing our hands, the more germs we spread. Think about how often you grab your phone after touching a public door handle or how you handle money after shaking hands with someone. Every time you touch these surfaces, you pick up new bacteria.
Your Phone is a Germ Magnet
If you’re reading this on your phone, you might want to disinfect it right now! Studies have found that smartphones carry 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. Since we touch our phones constantly—with hands that have been in contact with various dirty surfaces—germs easily transfer.
Not only that, but many people take their phones to the bathroom, where airborne bacteria can settle on the device. Then, they put their phones on their face while making calls, exposing themselves to all those nasty germs. Regularly wiping your phone with disinfecting wipes can significantly reduce the number of bacteria on it.
Money Carries More Bacteria Than a Toilet Seat
Money is another everyday object that is absolutely filthy. Think about it—cash and coins pass through countless hands, wallets, and cash registers before reaching you. Studies show that paper money can carry more bacteria than a public toilet seat, including harmful germs like E. coli, Staphylococcus, and even viruses like the flu.
Since money is rarely washed or disinfected, bacteria can survive on bills for days or even weeks. If you don’t wash your hands after handling cash, you risk transferring those germs to your face, phone, and food. Contactless payments and frequent hand washing can help minimize this risk.
Public Transport is Full of Hidden Germs
Buses, trains, and subway stations are filled with germs. Thousands of people touch the same handrails, seats, and ticket machines every day. Since not everyone washes their hands regularly, bacteria and viruses spread quickly in public transportation. Studies have found that subway poles, bus seats, and hand straps are covered in bacteria, including cold and flu viruses, norovirus, and even fecal matter.
To stay safe, try to avoid touching your face after using public transport and always wash your hands or use hand sanitizer when you reach your destination.
The Dirtiest Cities in the U.S.
While some cities in the U.S. are known for their cleanliness, others are notorious for their pollution, trash, and overall filth. Some of the dirtiest cities in the country, based on pollution, air quality, and waste management issues, include:
- Newark, New Jersey – High pollution levels and poor air quality.
- Houston, Texas – Industrial pollution and heavy traffic contribute to dirty conditions.
- Los Angeles, California – High smog levels and pollution from vehicles.
- New York City, New York – Overcrowding and massive waste production.
- San Bernardino, California – Poor waste management and bad air quality.
These cities struggle with air pollution, dirty streets, and garbage accumulation, making them some of the least sanitary places to live or visit.
The Dirtiest Jobs in the World
Some jobs expose workers to extreme levels of dirt, bacteria, and hazardous materials. Here are some of the dirtiest professions:
- Sewage Worker – Constant exposure to waste, bacteria, and hazardous chemicals.
- Garbage Collector – Handles dirty and decomposing waste daily.
- Crime Scene Cleaner – Cleans up after violent incidents, including blood and bodily fluids.
- Pest Control Worker – Deals with dead animals, rodent infestations, and toxic pesticides.
- Miners – Work in dusty, poorly ventilated conditions underground.
People in these jobs must take extra precautions to protect their health due to the high risk of exposure to bacteria, germs, and harmful substances.
The Dirtiest Public Places You Visit
Public places are filled with germs because they’re touched by so many people throughout the day. Some of the dirtiest public spots include:
- Public Restrooms – Toilet handles, door knobs, and sink faucets are covered in bacteria.
- ATMs – Keypads are rarely cleaned, making them a hotspot for germs.
- Shopping Carts – Handles are full of bacteria from countless hands.
- Gas Pump Handles – Used by thousands of people daily without being disinfected.
To protect yourself, wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer after touching public surfaces.
Restaurants With the Worst Hygiene
While many restaurants follow strict hygiene rules, some fail to meet health standards. Common hygiene violations include:
- Improper food storage – Bacteria thrive when food isn’t stored at the correct temperature.
- Dirty kitchen equipment – Grease and food residue create a breeding ground for bacteria.
- Unclean hands – Workers not washing their hands can spread harmful germs.
Before eating at a restaurant, check online reviews or health inspection ratings to ensure it maintains proper cleanliness.
Gyms Are Full of Bacteria
Gyms might help you stay healthy, but they’re also filled with bacteria. Gym equipment, yoga mats, and locker rooms can all carry germs like staph infections, athlete’s foot, and even MRSA. Since people sweat heavily in gyms and don’t always wipe down machines, bacteria can spread easily.
To protect yourself, always wipe down equipment before and after use, bring your own yoga mat, and shower immediately after your workout.
Hotel Rooms Are Not as Clean as You Think
Even though hotel rooms look clean, they can still be full of germs. Some of the dirtiest spots in a hotel room include:
- TV remotes – Rarely disinfected, but frequently touched by guests.
- Light switches – Handled by multiple people with dirty hands.
- Bedspreads – Not washed as often as sheets, harboring bacteria and dust mites.
Bringing disinfecting wipes to clean high-touch surfaces can help you avoid germs during your stay.
How to Avoid the Dirtiest Places and Stay Safe
While you can’t completely avoid germs, you can take steps to stay cleaner:
- Wash your hands frequently – This is the best way to prevent illness.
- Use hand sanitizer – Especially after touching public surfaces.
- Disinfect your phone and personal items – Keep germs from spreading.
- Avoid touching your face – Bacteria enter through your eyes, nose, and mouth.
By following these habits, you can reduce your exposure to bacteria and keep yourself healthier.
Thoughts on the Dirtiest Places
Every day, we come into contact with countless bacteria and germs, many of which we don’t even notice. While we can’t avoid all dirty places, knowing where the most germs hide can help us stay cleaner and healthier. Simple habits like washing your hands, disinfecting your phone, and avoiding high-contact surfaces can make a big difference in preventing illness.
The Bottom Line
The world is full of dirty places, and many of them are things you touch daily without thinking twice. From your phone and money to public transportation and gym equipment, bacteria are everywhere. However, by practicing good hygiene and staying mindful of the dirtiest places, you can protect yourself and reduce your risk of getting sick. Stay clean, stay healthy, and always be aware of what you touch!
