Repeated exposure to perchloroethylene has been linked to cancers of the bladder, uterus, and esophagus, and symptoms like dizziness, memory impairment, and skin irritation.

When you bring freshly dry-cleaned clothes home, remove the plastic wrap immediately and air them out in a well-ventilated space before putting them in your closet.

4. Thermal Paper Receipts: Tiny Slips, Big Risk

Those small slips of paper at the store — yes, receipts — may seem harmless, but they often contain Bisphenol A (BPA), a chemical that disrupts hormonal function.

Even brief contact can allow BPA to seep into your skin, with links to early puberty, fertility issues, obesity, and hormone-related cancers like breast and uterine cancer.

5. Hairbrushes: A Bacterial Minefield

Your hairbrush may be harboring more than stray strands. If not cleaned regularly, brushes can accumulate oil, skin flakes, and bacteria that irritate the scalp and worsen conditions like dandruff or folliculitis.

To sanitize, soak your brush in warm soapy water for 10 minutes, use an old toothbrush to scrub between the bristles, and let it dry completely in sunlight.

6. TV Remote Controls: One of the Dirtiest Things in the House

Your remote control — touched daily, rarely cleaned — can carry a surprising range of bacteria. A study in the Journal of Infection Prevention found pathogens like Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Enterococcus on hotel room remotes.

These germs can cause everything from skin rashes to respiratory infections and urinary tract infections.

Wipe your remotes weekly with an alcohol-based cleaner. And if you’re staying in a hotel? Disinfect the remote before touching it.