Toothbrush holder

The toothbrush holder was named the third most germ-ridden spot in the home in a 2011 study. Flushing a toilet that's near a toothbrush holder exposes it to a plume of contaminated water droplets. To clean, run it through the dishwasher's high-temperature cycle or wash weekly in hot water and follow with a disinfecting wipe.

Pet areas

Pets and kids are natural best friends. But pets can transmit bacteria, viruses and parasites to children through their waste, saliva or dander. Pet toys and bowls can be a source of coliforms – a family of bacteria that includes salmonella and E. coli. Children should always wash their hands after touching pets or pet toys, dishes or food. And, yes, avoid pet kisses.

Gardens

Exposure to bacteria in dirt is good for kids, experts say. But beware of some hazards. Don't let kids play in a garden with animal droppings. Make sure your child completes the full course of tetanus immusation and that boosters are up to date, so any cuts or scrapes are protected.

Fridges

Sticky jars, a leaky meat container, spoiled milk – plenty of nasty things can await children in the fridge. Salmonella, campylobacter and norovirus, which can cause upset stomach and diarrhoea, are common kitchen bacteria. To avoid contamination, properly store food that goes off easily. Wash and disinfect fridge walls and shelves.

Animal environments

Petting zoos, educational farms and school exhibits where kids can get close to animals are great places to learn. They’re also places for bacteria to spread. Young children are especially at risk. Kids should never take food, drinks, baby bottles, dummies or toys into animal areas. They should wash their hands after touching animals, too.    

Floors

With food spills, grease and human and pet traffic, kitchen floors can be filthy places to play. But other floors can be dirty, too. Carpet and hard floors may be covered in dust mites, mould, food particles, outside dirt, and even bits of insects. These can trigger allergies and asthma attacks. Also animal faeces and toxocara larvae can be brought in on shoes and the feet of pets. Fungi that cause athlete's foot and ringworm may also lurk.

Standing water

A pool of standing water is a tempting place to play, whether it's a pond, a bucket of rainwater under a leaky roof, or a puddle under a swing after a storm. It's also a breeding ground for mould, mildew, bacteria, parasites and insects, such as mosquitoes.

Water fountains

A 2009 survey by Consumer Focus Scotland examined water fountains in offices, schools and other public areas around the UK. It found that 23 out of 87 samples showed bacterial contamination resulting from faecal matter or cross-contamination (people putting germ-ridden objects, like water bottles or hands, against the fountain), as well as a lack of proper cleaning.

Schools, nurseries and gyms

Schools and nurseries, especially those with gyms are at risk from the spread of bacteria and skin conditions such as impetigo and athlete's foot. Staph bacteria enter the body through uncovered cuts and open wounds. Sharing towels and playing contact sports are other ways it spreads. School and nursery children are also more likely to spread conditions like meningitis, respiratory infections, gastroenteritis, colds, flu and measles.

Sandpits

It appears the sandpit at your local park may hold more than just sand. A 2010 study found sandpits have the highest level of bacteria in the playground – 7,440 per inch. These bacteria and Tococara worm eggs and larvae come from animals, such as cats' faeces, as well as human saliva, hands, food, and nappies. Not all germs are harmful, of course, but it's likely that some are, so keeping sand covered, clean and dry is important.

Shopping centres

It's no surprise that all sorts of germs await children at indoor shopping centres, especially during cold and flu season. What are some of the trouble spots? Studies show germ hotspots include escalator rails, supermarket trolleys, public toilets, lift buttons, video games in cinemas and arcades and cashpoint machines, because they are not cleaned regularly. Washing hands can help, but scrub thoroughly as public toilets, sinks and taps carry lots of germs, too.

Kids are germ magnets

Common child behaviour invites germs: picking their noses, biting their nails, or wiping runny noses with their hands, for example. Also, most children don't wash their hands as often or as well as they should. Since hand-washing is the first line of defence against the cold, flu and other contagious illnesses, remind children frequently how and when to do it.

How to wash your hands

Encourage hand-washing before handling food, after using the toilet, and after sneezing, coughing or blowing your nose. Teach children to use warm water and work up a good, soapy lather. Scrub for at least 15 seconds, or as long as it takes to sing 'Happy Birthday' twice, rubbing between fingers, under nails, and over the backs of hands. Hand sanitisers with at least 60% alcohol are a good alternative, but they don't remove visible dirt and can be toxic if swallowed by children. Use soap and water when available.

Clean or disinfect?

Cleaning worktops, floors and other household surfaces with plain old soap and water can reduce visible dirt and germs. But disinfecting those surfaces destroys germs. Follow the instructions on cleaning products and keep them away from children.

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