What you are really toting around in your bag will gross you out
When researchers at the University of Mauritius swabbed the outside of 145 mens' and womens' purses and wallets, they found several kinds of bacteria.
We are all guilty of tossing our bags into unsavory corners from time to time. But luckily, all of the germs they cultured from the purses are normally harmless, though they could potentially be a problem for people with weak immune systems.
The most common type of bacteria was Micrococcus, which naturally grows on our skin, and the mucous in our noses and mouths.Staphylococcus, which also grows on our skin, was the next most common. Those make sense since we are handling our purses throughout the day.
The third bacteria they found, called Bacillus, typically grows on dead or decaying material - a disturbing thought considering that it's living on your purse.
Interestingly leather purses may actually be a good investment, since swabs from leather purses grew less bacteria in the lab than synthetic materials did. The researchers were based in the East African island of Mauritius, though, so the bacteria they found may be different from what's on purses in colder climates or more populous areas.
Other studies have found that doctors' purses and personal items could potentially transfer germs in a hospital setting, and our phones and money itself are both notorious cesspools of germs.
And while trying to avoid germs is practically useless - they are all over everything - a little cleaning can't hurt.
Only three of the 80 women in the study said they cleaned their purses at least once a month. The researchers suggested that cleaning your purse more regularly could help decrease the bacteria on it.
Martha Stewart recommends using a lint roller or vacuum to tackle the inside and alcohol free baby wipes for the outside.