You may think your office is tidy, organized and clean, but the truth would likely shock you — the bacterial population in offices is on average 400 times higher than in bathrooms.

1. Elevator buttons

If your office happens to be in a commercial building where people use an elevator to move between floors, the elevator buttons can easily hold and transfer germs. In a study at Arizona University, it was determined that there are over 540 germs per square centimeter on elevator buttons—17 times more than on toilet seats.

Suggestion: Try using your elbow instead of your finger to press the button. 

2. Microwave and refrigerator handles

Not many people think of cleaning microwave or refrigerator handles around the office, but everyone uses them. The grease on these handles can support colonies of bacteria. What’s more, since people use these appliances when they are eating, they are more likely to become sick from the germs.

Suggestion: Use wet tissues to wipe the handles before using the microwave or refrigerator. And don’t forget to wash your hands before and after a meal.