Is Your Keyboard Dirtier Than Toilets?

May 12th, 2008 | email this | digg it

Leave your comment Posted by Life is Colourful

Published in Life

A research can bring up any fact that make you think twice before you do something. Same thing happened with me to0, after reading this research, I tripled washing my hands than earlier.

Dirty Keyboard

The research says that some computer keyboards carry more harmful bacteria than a toilet seat. Tests at some London offices found equipment carrying bugs that could cause food poisoning. Out of 33 keyboards swabbed, four were regarded as a potential health hazard and one harbored five times more germs than one of the office’s toilet seats. A microbiologist found the worst keyboards to be so dirty that he ordered them to be removed, quarantined and cleaned. They had 150 times the recommended limit for bacteria — five times as filthy as a lavatory seat tested at the same time, the research found.

Aren’t the results quite scary! This reminds me to clean my keyboard though it is not dirty as it’s shown here. By the way, how often you clean your keyboard?

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19 Responded To This Post

9892. JBourne said in May 12th, 2008

I’ve always wondered about that and looks like I was right. I always try to eat with a utensil or food that’s wrapped to avoid spreading germs. Also, it’s a good idea to keep purel on your desk.

9898. Tara said in May 12th, 2008

Nice warning. Thanks! Sometimes I like to eat snack while working or browsing. I should stop this habbit.

9901. Computer Repair said in May 12th, 2008

In my office I have a special antibacterial wireless keyboard. I forget who makes em.

9911. Mauritius said in May 13th, 2008

I have seen that in tv info recently and this makee me clean my keyboard more frequently:) to avoid those harmful bacterias.

9928. Internet Marketing said in May 13th, 2008

Very interesting fact! I never imagined it could have that huge effect.

9939. Life is Colourful said in May 13th, 2008

@ Computer repair, can you find out what’s the brand by the way! Since I posted this, even I am feeling very scary using keyboards

9954. Stefan Vervoort said in May 13th, 2008

Damn. I should watch my keywords a bit closer as well haha. Thanks for the tip!

10036. Tara said in May 13th, 2008

@Computer Repair
I’m also interested to know further about your antibacterial wireless keyboard.

10057. Gino J said in May 14th, 2008

This warning made me get a screwdriver and clean my laptop’s keyboard. However it’s sound’s strange for me, and it’s hard to believe. But scientists are scientists. They know what they’re talking about.

10073. Spica Cast Care said in May 14th, 2008

haha! You’re right, i’m sure keyboards are terrible. I watched an episode on mythbusters about this type of issue and there is no doubt that things that are used most often and commonly not cleaned are going to be the most dirty. This includes door handles, your mouse next to your keyboard, and the keyboard itself.

10089. Ralph said in May 14th, 2008

I have seen that on tv too recently, imo there are bacterias everywhere, it all depends on how hygienic we are. I am sure there is some products going out soon.

10096. croatiagals said in May 15th, 2008

never thought about it until after reading your post about keyboard dirty..Hm..might start to disinfect the keyboard often now.

10167. Lars Bachmann said in May 16th, 2008

Thats a little bit scary
I think i will clean my keyboard right away.

10300. servizot said in May 19th, 2008

Wow this is a very dirty keyboard, thank god mine is not at this level yet haha j/k
But it’s true that a keyboard can keep more bacterias than you can think of. Good hygiene is primordial here.

10517. Pinnacle Trade Show Displays said in May 23rd, 2008

Hey, great title to the post. My wife say this same story (about the study comparing the number of germs on the keyboard vs a toilet seat). Since then she’s been on me to clean my keyboard. It hasn’t been done in years and looks a bit disguisting. At least they’re “my” germs! Well, I guess I need to read your post “How to clean a keyboard” next!

11407. Pc or laptop repairs said in June 7th, 2008

It’s a good idea to keep a can of compressed air handy to blow away crumbs, dirt and bits of dust then wipe away with anti bacterial wipes once a week as general house keeping.

Whilst your at it, do your mouse too

11978. Nick said in June 11th, 2008

I actually saw the results of a little “test” that someone I know conducted. They compared swabs from their toilet seat, the inside of an 8 year old’s mouth, a keyboard, and the gunk on the bottom of their shoe…the results were amazing.