Urgent Driver Warning: Vital Car Component Found Overrun with Harmful Germs
Dirty Little Secret: Your Car Keys Harbor More Germs Than Your Phone
We toss car keys into bags, pockets, and car seats without a second thought. Yet new research reveals they’re breeding grounds for bacteria—containing nearly four times more germs than mobile phones or keyboards. A study by Money Supermarket found most drivers neglect cleaning their keys, with a third admitting they’ve never cleaned them, even after owning them for over five years.
While steering wheels and gearsticks are known germ hotspots, car keys are often overlooked. Researchers swabbed keys, phones, keyboards, and toilet seats for lab analysis. The results? Car keys averaged 241 bacterial units—far surpassing phones (66) and keyboards (68). Toilet seats topped the list at 1,100 units, but unlike keys, they’re regularly cleaned.
Caption: Car keys pick up germs everywhere—from gym floors to restaurant tables—but rarely get cleaned.
What’s Hiding on Your Keys?
The most common bacteria was Staphylococcus epidermidis, a skin microbe usually harmless but dangerous in hospitals due to antibiotic resistance. Shockingly, one key sample even showed gut-linked bacteria. “While most bacteria aren’t harmful, they can spread illness under the right conditions,” warns microbiologist Dr. Joe Latimer, who led the lab analysis.
Caption: Car keys (left) vs. phone screens (right): Keys host far more bacteria.
Clean Your Keys—Here’s How
- Avoid bleach or submersion: These can damage electronic key fobs.
- Use a soft cloth with mild soap for wiping.
- For crevices, dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol.
Costly Neglect
Lost or damaged keys cost drivers hundreds, with Fiat owners paying over £900 for replacements. Yet 15% of drivers lack a spare set—stranding them if keys go missing. Fiat, Land Rover, and Toyota drivers are most likely to have only one key.
Caption: Keyboards had 68 bacterial units—far fewer than keys.
Germiest Cars?
BMW drivers clean keys most often (57% weekly), followed by Mercedes-Benz (55%) and Land Rover (46%) owners.
Your Car’s Dirtier Than You Think
Previous Aston University research found car interiors dirtier than toilet seats, with boots, driver’s seats, and gearsticks hosting the most bacteria.
Caption: Staphylococcus epidermidis thrives on keys.
Takeaway
A quick wipe-down of keys can curb germ spread. As Dr. Latimer notes, “Small cleaning habits make a big difference.”
For more, visit Money Supermarket’s study.
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