10 surprising things that are antibacterial (and 10 things that aren’t)

10 surprising things that are antibacterial:

Earwax: this is antimicrobial and antiviral, and also quite gross.

Honey is both antibacterial and antimicrobial.

Cobwebs are anti-fungal and antiseptic – historically they have been used for thousands of years to promote healing.

Spit. Do you ever want to lick your cuts and scrapes?  This is completely natural, as spit contains antibacterial compounds and can also promote healing.  Do watch out though, as your mouth can also contain some bad bacteria that you might not want it your wound.

Copper and brass: both these metals are antimicrobial: any microbes on them will die within a few hours.  So if you are thinking of replacing your door handles, brass ones would be a very healthy choice.

Coca cola: this has excellent antibacterial properties, and is particularly popular with surfers – drink after coming out of the sea to keep any stomach bugs at bay

Olive oil is both antibacterial, antifungal and anti-inflammatory.  It can be beneficial either in the diet, or applied to the skin.

Silver is another metal that is antibacterial and antimicrobial, explaining why it is sometimes added to plasters and dressings.

Essential oils: many essential oils have strong antimicrobial properties, including tea tree oil, lavender oil and citrus oils

Wine, especially red wine has antibacterial properties.  You probably don’t need to drink a whole bottle though.

And 10 things that aren’t:

Tea towels: a moist tea towel in a warm place will quickly grow an impressive number of bacteria.  Make sure you wash them regularly!

Bath water. You would think that a bath would be a clean place, but bath water forms a perfect soup for bacteria to grow in.  Maybe I’ll have showers from now on.

Door handles – in fact anywhere that lots of people touch regularly are a great place for bacteria and viruses to grow.

Toothbrush. Your toothbrush soon cultivates a fine collection of bacteria.  Make sure you change them regularly, and store them a long way away from the loo, as tiny particles of poo can spread a surprisingly long way when you wipe your bum.

Make up: the longer you keep your make up, the more bacteria there will be growing on it.  It has a best before date for a reason.

Shoes: a disturbingly large number of bacteria live on your shoes: a good reason not to wear them around the house.

Mobile phone: another place where germs love to congregate.  Clean it regularly with a microfibre cloth.

Toilet floor. Don’t put your bag down when you go to the toilet if you don’t want it covered in everyone else’s germs.

Keyboard – you might want to think again about eating lunch at your desk, if you were to count the bacteria on your keyboard.

Fingernails: there’s no escape, the germs are everywhere…