You hear “germs” and you immediately think of bathrooms (with toilets in particular), correct? And you’re so right, but there are many other places that are equally packed with bacteria and harmful microbes. If you’re a germaphobe, this article may not be for you. But for those of you that can take it on, here are 11 of the worst germ spots in any home—spots that truly need heavy handed cleaning. (And we can thank one of my favorite sites, Care2, for this important information.)

1. Kitchen Sink: Some estimates say there are over 500,000 bacteria in a typical kitchen sink—1000 times more than the bacteria in an average toilet. (ME: I had NO idea!)

2. Kitchen Faucet: The damp aeration end of the faucet is particularly prone to bacterial buildup, which over time can form a wall of pathogens known as a biofilm that sticks to the screen and can become big enough to eventually break off into your food or dishes. ICK. The American Journal of Infection Control reports that staphylococcus aureus was found on hard surfaces like the kitchen faucet, counters, bathrooms, and living area in 97% of homes tested. And methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) was found in 26% of homes tested.

3. Dish Cloths and Dish Towels: The same report also said that dish cloths, towels, and sponges were frequently contaminated with methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) which can cause life-threatening infections.

4. Soap Dispensers: How ironic is this? But it’s true, The Journal of Food Protection found norovirus on all sorts of surfaces, including many soap dispensers.

5. Refrigerator Seals: According to research conducted by NSF International, the refrigerator seal (the one around the door) often contains molds and yeasts that spread into the air every time the fridge door opens.

6. Vacuum Cleaners: Brace yourself: even vacuum cleaners are microbial hot zones. According to a study published in The Journal of the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health (England), vacuum cleaners can collect, harbor, and spread bacteria every time you vacuum. As a result they can be a source of gastrointestinal infection.

7. Garbage Disposals: Food routinely comes in contact with garbage disposals when we throw it out, making garbage disposals serious bacterial mosh pits. That means it’s necessary to wash your hands, dishes, and utensils every time they come in contact with the garbage disposal.

8. Welcome Mats: Microbiology studies show that very often 96% of two-week-old shoes had E. coli on their exterior. E.coli causes intestinal and urinary tract infections, among others. Additionally, microbiologists have found high levels of Klebsiella pneumonia and Serratia ficaria, causes of serious respiratory infections and wounds. All of these microbes find their way onto welcome mats and then into your home.

9. Reusable Shopping Bags: Numerous scientific studies show that reusable grocery bags are frequently contaminated by E.coli and other bacteria. Researchers recommend cleaning reusable bags weekly and separating raw foods from other food products.

10. Refrigerator Meat Drawers: NSF International also found that refrigerator meat drawers typically contain Salmonella, E.coli, yeasts, and molds.

11. Refrigerator Vegetable Drawers: Easy to believe the meat drawer to be a bacterial, yeast, and mold hot zone, but vegetable drawers? Yup. NSF International also found Salmonella, Listeria, yeasts, and molds in the vegetable compartments of many refrigerators.

OK, I’m so grossed out now I can hardly wait to finish this article and deal with all these areas using my tougher-than-nails cleaner/disinfectant, GSE. GSE, which stands for Grapefruit Seed Extract. And here’s why I use GSE:

Grapefruit seed extract has been tested and validated by the FDA, USDA, the Pasteur Institute in France, and countless physicians. The active ingredient of grapefruit seed extract is non-toxic and is synthesized from the seed and pulp of certified organically grown grapefruit. The process converts the grapefruit bioflavonoids (polyphenolics) into an extremely potent compound that is being used to kill strep, staph, salmonella, E. Coli, candida, herpes, influenza, parasites, fungi, and more.

GSE has been proven in laboratory tests to be 10 to 100 times more effective as a disinfectant than chlorine, colloidal silver, and iodine. The USDA tested GSE and found it effective against four animal viruses: Foot and Mouth Disease, African Swine fever, Swine Vesicular Disease, and Avian influenza.

In a quart-sized plastic spray bottle filled with distilled water, I mix 2 drops of GSE per ounce of water, 10 drops of lavender essential oil, and 15 drops of peppermint essential oil (or more if you like the aroma of peppermint). I shake this well and use it for all my disinfecting.

And since this is cold and flu season, it’s good to know that gargling with GSE and water will handle the most resistant Strep germs. Doctors recommend gargling with 2 or 3 drops in 5 ounces of water.

Finally, here are two more super uses for GSE: (1) Drinking Water can be made safe by adding 10 drops for each gallon of clear water. Agitate or mix vigorously and let it rest for a few minutes. And (2) it can be used as a prophylactic agent (something that wards off disease) for those who travel abroad.