Okay, let's be honest —I'm not exactly what you'd call a germaphobe. I've been known to play fast and loose with the infamous "ten-second rule," and, yes, I've even been caught giving a pacifier a quick "clean" with my mouth before handing it back to my baby. In fact, I believe getting dirty can be good for you and your immune system, to a point. So, when I tell you that what I've discovered about the germs lurking in our homes has me reconsidering my life choices, you know we're about to dive deep into some seriously grimy territory.

In this study I read by the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), I was shocked to learn that my home was one step away from a science experiment and not the good kind. And it is not just my place we are talking about folks. Coliform bacteria—think of them as the rockstars of the bacteria world, with Salmonella and E. coli being their greatest hits—are partying it up in a staggering 81% of households. Yikes.

My biggest misconception was that the bathroom is the dirtiest place in the house—And in that bathroom, the toilet REIGNS supreme as disgusting. But nope, there are some shocking places in your home that are dirtier and more germy than your toilet.

So, as a public service to y'all, here is a list of the germiest Household Items — and what to wash and what to toss

Kitchen Sponge

This should surprise no one. The kitchen sponge outranks all other household items for staph, mold, yeast and Coliform bacteria. Disinfect your sponge every other day by moistening it and microwaving it on high for one or two minutes, and replace it every two weeks.

Cutting Board

Now, hold to this fact. According to the NSF, your cutting board is dirtier than your toilet seat. Apparently, every little nick or cut you make creates a tiny little home for bacteria to breed. You are to swap out the plastic for wood, as most wood-cutting boards have antibacterial resins.

TOOTHBRUSH HOLDER

Compared to other items in your home, the toothbrush isn't that germy. However, that toothbrush holder is a living, breathing bacterial breeding ground and one of the most disgusting in your house. Ask yourself, when was the last time you gave that thing a scrub? Yeah, that's what I thought.

RAZORS

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should never keep your razor in the shower, nor should you ever place the blade facedown. You are to dry out your razor completely after every use to prevent bacteria from growing on it. And you should throw away disposable razors after five to seven shaves.

Coffee Maker

Noooooo!!!!! The coffee maker outranked the toilet seat with more Coliform bacteria. Why? The reservoir. Even if you toss the coffee filter and grounds immediately after making coffee, the reservoir can still breed bacteria. Make sure to keep the lid up after making coffee to help the reservoir dry out.

Hand Towels & Bathmat

Not surprising. Hand towels, dish towels, washcloths and bathmats should be washed frequently in hot water. And if your towels are white, a cap full of bleach will do wonders.

Liquid Makeup

Your makeup bag might be a treasure trove of beauty secrets, but it's also a breeding ground for bacteria. Bacteria love wet and dark places—like your liquid foundation. And if it is older than six months, it's a toss. You don't want those germs on your face.

Mascara

As is the liquid foundation, ditto to mascara—a magnet for all things bacteria. Replace your mascara every couple of months, and never share eye makeup. Your lashes will thank you.

Makeup Sponge

Makeup sponges are great for getting that flawless, airbrushed look, but if you don't clean them, bacteria could be blending all over your face, and that can’t be good for your skin. Wash them after every use with either antibacterial soap or dishwashing soap and toss them after three months.

Pet Bed, Bowl & Toys

Fido's (or Hunter’s) bed might be cozy, but it's also a haven for all sorts of nasties, including everyone's favorite—fecal matter. Yeah, let that sink in. You wash your sheets frequently, don't you? DON'T YOU?? Well, you should be doing the same for your pet. And toss out your plastic bowls and replace with stainless steel.

Oh, and that stuffy or chewy or that infamous saliva-covered tennis ball—is there anything more gross? Well…the NSF found a high amount of staph in pet toys. It's time to show your furry friend's belongings some TLC with a good old-fashioned wash or toss.

Contact Lens Case

If sticking things into your eyes wasn't terrifying enough, the lens case holding cleaning solution is a reservoir for germs and bacteria. Keep those eyeballs pristine by replacing your case regularly and washing your hands before handling your contacts.

Bath Toys

Yup, bath toys. Your child's rubber ducky may be harboring mold, especially if the toys have openings that you can't completely dry off after bath time. You can run those toys through the dishwasher and store them in a dry place—not the shower.

Toilet Brush

Now, this tool doesn't surprise me, nor should it surprise anyone, considering its only function. I have, on occasion, run it through the dishwasher; however, it is right up there with the kitchen sponge. And if anyone in your household gets a stomach bug, you immediately need to toss that thing and get a new one. Yup, it's that bad.

Air Humidifier

Your humidifier is probably harboring some serious mold. Sure, it was a godsend during those dry winter months, but if it was ridden hard and packed away wet, you most likely need to clean the filters and dry out its components.

Baseball Cap

It is probably the most unwashed item of clothing you own. Just think about the dirt, oil, hair, sweat, lotion and conditioners that lid has come in contact with. If you can't wash it, toss it and buy yourself a new one.

Apple AirPods

What happens when dirt, dust and wax routinely come into contact with your Apple AirPods? Bad things, that's what. By using a microfiber cloth and toothpick for regular cleaning, your Apple AirPods will sound better and be less grimy.

IN Conclusion…

Surprisingly, everyday items like money and light switches didn't make the cut for the top germiest items, but stove knobs and bathroom faucet handles did. Armed with this knowledge, and as it is spring—thus the season for cleaning, it just might be time to tackle the germ hotspots in your home. As for me, I've got a date with my makeup bag—I've got some tossing to do!