If you use antibacterial soap, a sponge to cleanup kitchen messes, or whitening toothpaste, you probably think you’re making smart decisions to keep yourself and your family safe and healthy.

Think again. Two new reports suggest many common household items most people believe are good for your health probably aren’t. At the top of the list: That kitchen sponge you use to wash dishes and wipe down countertops, tables, and other surfaces.

"Sponges pick up bacteria during the cleaning process and are typically not properly — or regularly — sanitized before their next use,” explains Rob Donofrio, director of microbiology at the nonprofit consumer-health organization NSF International.

"Additionally, sponges are often wet and left in damp areas in or near the sink, providing optimal conditions for germ growth. They also have many nooks and crannies which can be great places for germs to multiply."

NSF — formerly known as the National Sanitation Foundation — recently tested 30 everyday household items in 22 homes and found that the germiest products are not what you might think
The study concluded that the kitchen (not the bathroom) is the most germ-laden room in most households. Other findings from NSF International's "Germiest Places in the Home” indicate common kitchen utensils, and pet toys and bowls, can all be “hot spots” for mold, bacteria (including Salmonella and E. coli) and other contaminants.

A similar recent analysis by health.com identified 10 products that can spread germs or lead to health problems — including antibacterial soaps, certain types of toothpaste, humidifiers, and even kitchen appliances.

Fortunately, a few simple precautionary steps can combat the risks posed by such products. Here are 10 items that can compromise your health and how to keep yourself and your family safe, based on the NSF survey and health.com analysis.

Kitchen sponge. Dish sponges and rags — along with kitchen sinks, countertop, stove knobs, and cutting boards — had the highest bacterial counts of all the “hot spots” tested by NSF. Sponges used to wipe down kitchen surfaces actually spread germs around — from food items, such as raw meat and poultry, unwashed hands, and improperly cleaned pet bowls.

Tip: All kitchen surfaces should be properly disinfected, along with sponges and rags.

Antibacterial soap. Research has shown that antibacterial products are ineffective at killing germs and may contain dangerous chemicals, such as triclosan — linked to cancer, environmental health risks, antibiotic resistance, according to the Food and Drug Administration.

Tip: Use simple soap and water. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there is no scientific evidence that antibacterial products kill germs any better than soap and water.

Toothbrush holder. The NSF survey found the second germiest place in the home is the bathroom, where the toothbrush holder often has the most germs. Holders can easily become contaminated with fecal bacteria from flushing toilets, Dr. Donofrio notes.

Tip: Hand wash your toothbrush holder at least once a week, then wipe it with a disinfectant, or run it through the dishwasher.

Loofah. Loofah sponges may make your bath or shower experience more luxurious, but the nooks and crannies in them are a perfect habitat for bacteria, fungi, and mold that can cause skin infections.

Tip: If you use a loofah, choose one made with natural fibers that have enzymes to control bacteria, mold, and mildew growth. Be sure to rinse it out, and wring out all the water, after each use, and replace it every month.

Toothpaste. Use of whitening toothpastes — especially the grittier ones scrub off stains — can wear away your enamel. What’s more, some may contain triclosan — the potentially risky antibacterial chemical.

Tip: Choose toothpastes with the American Dental Association's ADA Seal of Acceptance, which is an indication that they gently polish teeth to remove surface stains.

Humidifier. Cold-weather ailments can be eased by humidifiers. But they are also havens for mold and pathogens, and can create a breeding ground in your home for allergy-causing dust mites.

Tip: Clean, empty, and dry your humidifier after each use. Try using a brush or scrubber on the tank to remove deposits and film.

Cotton swabs. If you use a Q-tip to get rid of ear wax, you’re actually removing a harmless substance that protects your inner ear from dust and debris. What’s more, you run the risk of pushing wax further in, which can damage your ear or even puncture your ear drum.

Tip: There’s no need to remove more wax than you can get rid of by merely sweeping the pad of your index finger over the opening of the ear canal. If you have an earache, see a doctor for guidance.

Blender. If you a blender to make healthy fruit and vegetable smoothies, good for you. But don’t forget to wash the blender gasket — the rubber ring that holds the blade in place — which the NSF found can harbr Salmonella, E. coli, yeast, and mold.

Tip: After every use, disassemble the blender and pull the blade and gasket out for a thorough washing.

Nail tools. Cuticle clippers, pumice stones, and other at-home nail tools can harbor bacteria that can cause skin infections.

Tip: Wash such tools with soap and water every time you use them. And don’t share them with other family members.

Spatula. The NSF survey found the rubber spatula one of the dirtiest kitchen items in the home, and can harbor E. coli, yeast, and mold.

Tip: Make sure to thoroughly clean your rubber spatula every time you use it. If it is detachable, pull the head off the handle and wash both pieces separately.

“We conducted this study to help identify where the germs are in the average person's home and — more importantly — help people understand how they can better protect themselves from bacteria, yeast, and mold," explains Dr. Donofrio.