Half of mobile phone users have dirty habit when taking device to bathroom

12 May 2024 , 11:00

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Many take their mobile phone to the toilet then put it on the dinner table (Image: Getty Images)

Half of smartphone users don't always sanitise their devices after bringing them into the loo, a new survey reveals.

The study of 2,000 adults found that 60 per cent admitted to taking their phone into the bathroom, with many avoiding cleaning it afterwards. This could potentially lead to the spread of germs, as 57 per cent of those surveyed place their phones on kitchen counters, 47 per cent on dining tables, and 43 per cent leave them on their beds.

The research also found that almost a third of respondents never disinfect their TV remotes, despite the fact that the average remote is touched 5,475 times per year per person. It is not just electronic devices that are often neglected in terms of cleaning, as other household items such as salt and pepper shakers, kettles, condiments, and light switches are also rarely or never cleaned.

60 per cent admitted taking their phone into the bathroom (Getty Images)

For the study, Dettol collaborated with TV home expert and mum of four Sarah Beeny to highlight the ease with which germs can spread. Surprisingly, Sarah admitted that she was not aware of this fact until the study came along. She said: “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."

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The study also found that nearly 70 per cent of people would be more inclined to disinfect items in their homes if they could physically see germs or bacteria. According to figures from OnePoll, over a third of respondents (36 per cent) have used and shared the same hand towel at home for multiple uses, while 27 per cent let their pets climb on their furniture and bedding without disinfecting them.

Shockingly, 13 per cent of respondents even admitted to preparing food without washing their hands beforehand. However, after being presented with facts about germs, 33 per cent of participants said they would think differently about how germs spread, and 43 per cent would be more likely to disinfect the items they share often.

David Shillcock, from Dettol, said the results show that germs do not spread by themselves, but rather people spread them. He said: "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.

To tackle this issue, Dettol has created a copper ‘GermWare’ range, a collection of antibacterial items made from copper, to highlight some of the behaviours that can cause germs to spread. While not everything can be made out of copper, the company hopes to encourage people to keep doing the things they love, while reducing the spread of germs.

Florence Freeman