How long do germs live on inanimate objects?

Answer 1

Indefinitely . . . all objects are covered with micro-organisms. Even your own body has more bacterial cells in it and on it than human cells.

Some organisms that are not suited for life outside of a host will die if left exposed, whereas others can form cysts and can remain in wait for very long times.

Answer 2

Depends on the germ. For example, the HIV virus cannot survive very long on an inanimate object- maybe on the order of hours maximum. But spores of anthrax are said to live forever on inanimate objects.