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Top Hot Spots for Germs

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Your Purse

Q: Do you ever wash your purse?

Yes.

No.

I've never thought to.

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Studies have shown a woman's purse can not only play host to germs such as E.coli and salmonella, it could contain trace amounts of fecal contamination as well. These are germs and bacteria you definitely do not want to bring into your home or expose your family to.

To help keep your purse clean, do not put it on the floor of any public place, such as the train, bus, or public restroom. Wipe it down every day with an alcohol-based sanitizer. Avoid using antibacterial products, since these can actually kill good bacteria and make bad bacteria like E. coli more resilient to cleaning solutions. If your purse is machine washable, toss it in the wash every couple of weeks. Using the gentle cycle will help it keep its shape and color.

And don't forget about all the germy items that can be found in your purse, like your cell phone and keys. Giving these a quick clean with a sanitizing wipe will keep bacteria from invading your purse's interior, too.

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