Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Chat

Join the discussion and chat with other Mumsnetters about everyday life, relationships and parenting.

Original poster

How often do you wash/wipe your keys?

144 replies

Parrotanne · 16/08/2021 15:02

Some years ago I started a thread asking this question, and lots of people were amazed that I did this at all! Just wondering if things have changed now with Covid.

I wash mine about once a week but I wipe them pretty much daily.

OP posts:
InTheNightWeWillWish · 16/08/2021 16:07

I washed mine the other week but I’d filled up and someone got diesel all over the pump, which then transferred to my hands and keys.

The last time I washed them before that was probably 2019. I’d done a 2 day event in the middle of a muddy field, had to be towed by a tractor as I’d got stuck in the field (as had everyone else too). Mud covered every inch of me and ended up on my purse, phone, keys and glasses. But everything ended up being hosed down due to being covered in mud!

TheDogsMother · 16/08/2021 16:11

Never but I wash hands when I come in or sanitise my hands while I'm out if I touch trollies etc.

Original poster
Parrotanne · 16/08/2021 16:11

I’m not mad! I’m very normal and boring, and in general my cleaning standards leave a lot to be desired! I use eco friendly wipes but I admit that I should be more conscientious in this respect.

OP posts:
Killahangilion · 16/08/2021 16:13

I don’t wash my keys but why are some people going to great lengths NOT to use hand sanitiser?

That’s seems weird.

mumoftoddler · 16/08/2021 16:16

Yeah never. Seems a bit bonkers to me

ThatSunnyCorner · 16/08/2021 16:16

Can I ask, what do you think will happen if you don't clean your keys? Or wash your steering wheel, brake or gearstick?

Bryonyshcmyony · 16/08/2021 16:16

@Killahangilion

I don’t wash my keys but why are some people going to great lengths NOT to use hand sanitiser?

That’s seems weird.

I'm not going to great lengths I've run out and I'm not buying anymore The dispensers often look filthy so I'd rather not touch them tbh
TheYearOfSmallThings · 16/08/2021 16:16

Never.

Heyha · 16/08/2021 16:18

I wash my work key lanyard every half term holiday but I can't say the actual keys have ever had the pleasure!

Heyha · 16/08/2021 16:20

@InTheNightWeWillWish

I washed mine the other week but I’d filled up and someone got diesel all over the pump, which then transferred to my hands and keys.

The last time I washed them before that was probably 2019. I’d done a 2 day event in the middle of a muddy field, had to be towed by a tractor as I’d got stuck in the field (as had everyone else too). Mud covered every inch of me and ended up on my purse, phone, keys and glasses. But everything ended up being hosed down due to being covered in mud!

Actually that's a good point, I have had to wipe my field keys odd times when I've dropped them in the mud or got other unspeakable things splattered up me Blush.
chantico · 16/08/2021 16:20

I started doing this during the pandemic, because I also got in to the habit of washing my hands whenever I arrived home (because what with pedestrian crossings and stop bells on the bus etc I was usually touching at least one high-touch surface)

And realised that the last things my maximally dirty hands had touched on the way in were my keys.

Now, I don't always remember to clean high-touch places at home very often (like the light switch in the hall that's often touched before hand washing, in A/W at least) but when I do I do keys as well.

I do my phone screen sometimes too

Savannahnanana · 16/08/2021 16:21

I’ve never, ever done this. Life is far too short. 🤣

joystir59 · 16/08/2021 16:23

This has never entered my head.

elQuintoConyo · 16/08/2021 16:27

Only once when I "tripped" and "dropped" them up my bum.

That was an interesting trip to A&E.

Farwest · 16/08/2021 16:29

I did once. After I dropped the keys in a puddle of oil. That was about 7 years ago, though.

Boombadoom · 16/08/2021 16:29

I wipe them a few times a week with an anti vac wipe. Ditto for my phone and purse / bank cards.

imnotsure1 · 16/08/2021 16:35

I'v wiped mine a handful of times when they've got physically dirty.
I'v given my steering wheel a wipe when giving the interior a general clean

eurochick · 16/08/2021 16:38

The only time I have ever cleaned my keys was when I dropped my car off for a service during lockdown and I was asked to. What evil are you trying to protect yourself from by doing this?

Peanutsandchilli · 16/08/2021 16:39

Never. I drop them on the floor and hold them in my mouth when my hands are full. It's never occurred to me to wipe them. Guess what your immune system is for...

Kite22 · 16/08/2021 16:45

I can hand on heart say I have never washed any keys, ever.

Oh! I tell a lie.
One of my dc had some baby teethers shaped like keys. I did wash them Grin

Spidey66 · 16/08/2021 16:53

@elQuintoConyo

Only once when I "tripped" and "dropped" them up my bum.

That was an interesting trip to A&E.

I'd love to have been the HCP on duty.....how the he'll did you do that?
steppemum · 16/08/2021 16:56

never.
Why? Just Why?

When I clean the inside of our car (about once a year) I do clean steering wheel etc, same as I clean the dashboard. But only with the damp cloth that I'm cleaning thr rest with.

MirandaMarple · 16/08/2021 16:58

Nope, never.

Without COVID please explain why?

PolytheneRam · 16/08/2021 17:07

What?!

TheGenealogist · 16/08/2021 17:08

@Killahangilion

I don’t wash my keys but why are some people going to great lengths NOT to use hand sanitiser?

That’s seems weird.

Because some of the sanitiser is really potent, very damaging to your skin and if you've already got eczema or sensitive skin it can be a real irritant.