The dirtiest spots? Not the toilet — five bacterial hotspots in the airplane cabin

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Team
 
Airplanes are one of the most commonly used modes of transportation today, and the lavatory is often perceived as the least clean area. However, because it's used frequently, it’s actually one of the places that cleaning staff focus on most. There are other small areas that travelers often overlook. A previous experiment by English-language media on the cabin environment found that these five spots are the real bacterial hotbeds.

Five bacterial hotspots in the airplane cabin:
1. Tray tables

Frequently used airplane tray tables are often overlooked by cleaning staff. It's best to wipe them down before use, and never eat food that has fallen on them.
 
2. Air vents

Air vents, being convergence points for airflow, can actually harbor a lot of bacteria.
 
3. Flush button

The toilet flush button also has a high bacteria count, so remember to clean your hands with sanitizer after using it.
 
4. Seatbelt buckle

Seatbelt buckles, which are touched by many passengers, are actually rarely cleaned or replaced.