Most of us pride ourselves on maintaining clean and tidy homes - but what if we take a closer look? Despite spending hours scrubbing and tidying, common oversights could transform your home into a breeding ground for harmful germs that could potentially make you ill. Property expert Terry Fisher, from WeBuyAnyHome , has highlighted how everyday household items, often overlooked during our weekly cleaning routines, can become hotspots for microscopic bacteria, including Staphylococcus aureus, salmonella, E. coli and mould .

Some of the biggest offenders are salt and pepper shakers, door handles and plug sockets - but there are steps you can take to ensure they're germ-free. Terry advises: "It's impossible to keep our homes totally free from bacteria and even the most unlikely of everyday items are breeding grounds. "While the usual cleaning tasks such as mopping floors, cleaning showers and wiping surfaces regularly are fairly obvious, items that are used everyday and perhaps haven't been disinfected for months or even years can be forgotten.

Household staples such as remote controls, salt and pepper shakers and door handles are used many times per day and we don't usually think to disinfect them regularly. "While it can be a difficult task to keep our homes spick and span and keep germs at bay, knowing some of the worst offenders can be half the battle." Not all bacteria are harmful to the body, but several can contribute to illnesses such as colds, throat infections and feve.