Maintaining good hygiene is crucial for overall health and well-being. Yet, many aspects of personal hygiene are often overlooked or neglected in our daily routines.
From overlooked areas of cleanliness to essential habits, here are 20 things you may not be doing but definitely should for good hygiene.
Cleaning Your Smartphone Regularly
Your smartphone harbors countless bacteria due to frequent handling and exposure to various surfaces. Regularly clean your phone with a disinfectant wipe to prevent the spread of germs and reduce the risk of infections.
Changing Toothbrushes Routinely
Toothbrushes can harbor bacteria and become less effective over time. Replace your toothbrush every three to four months or sooner if the bristles become frayed to ensure optimal oral hygiene.
Washing Your Reusable Water Bottle Daily
Reusable water bottles are convenient but can also become breeding grounds for bacteria if not cleaned regularly. After each use, wash your water bottle with hot, soapy water to prevent bacterial growth and maintain proper hydration.
Scrubbing Under Your Nails
Underneath your nails, dirt, bacteria, and other germs thrive. Scrub under your nails with a nail brush or your fingertips while washing your hands to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria and maintain nail health.
Cleaning Your Earrings and Jewelry
Earrings and other jewelry can accumulate dirt, oil, and bacteria, especially if worn regularly. Clean your jewelry with a mild soap and water solution or jewelry cleaner to keep it sparkling and hygienic.
Washing Your Bedding Weekly
Bedding collects sweat, dead skin cells, and dust mites over time, contributing to poor hygiene and potential allergies. Wash your sheets, pillowcases, and blankets weekly in hot water to remove dirt and allergens for a clean and comfortable sleep environment.
Disinfecting Your Makeup Brushes
If not cleaned regularly, makeup brushes can harbor bacteria, leading to skin irritation and breakouts. Disinfect your brushes weekly with a gentle brush cleaner or a mixture of warm water and mild soap to keep them germs-free and ensure smooth makeup application.
Cleaning Your Remote Control
Remote controls are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning, yet they accumulate dirt and bacteria from frequent handling. Wipe your remote control with a disinfectant wipe or a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol to eliminate germs and maintain a healthy living space.
Flossing Daily
Flossing is essential for removing plaque and food particles between your teeth, which your toothbrush can’t reach. Make flossing a daily habit to ensure optimal oral hygiene and prevent gum disease, cavities, and bad breath.
Wiping Down Your Kitchen Sink
Your kitchen sink can harbor bacteria from food particles and dirty dishes, potentially contaminating your dishes and utensils. Clean your sink daily with hot, soapy water and disinfectant to prevent the spread of germs and maintain a hygienic kitchen environment.
Washing Your Hands After Handling Money
Money is known to carry a significant amount of germs and bacteria due to frequent handling. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling money to prevent the spread of germs and minimize the risk of infections.
Cleaning Your Showerhead
Showerheads can accumulate mineral deposits and bacteria, reducing water flow and potential skin irritation. Clean your showerhead regularly by soaking it in vinegar and water to remove buildup and ensure a clean and refreshing shower experience.
Disinfecting Your Kitchen Sponge
Kitchen sponges are breeding grounds for bacteria and mold, especially when damp, and are used to clean various surfaces. Disinfect your sponge daily by microwaving it on high for one minute or soaking it in bleach and water to kill germs and prevent cross-contamination.
Washing Your Hands Before Eating
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before every meal to remove dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants. This simple yet effective habit can prevent foodborne illnesses and promote better overall hygiene.
Cleaning Your Hairbrush
Hairbrushes accumulate hair, oils, and product buildup over time, becoming breeding grounds for bacteria and dandruff. Remove hair from your brush regularly and clean it with warm water and shampoo to maintain scalp health and prevent the transfer of dirt and oils to your hair.
Using Hand Sanitizer When Water Isn’t Available
Hand sanitizer is a convenient alternative to handwashing when water and soap are not readily available. Keep a travel-sized bottle to disinfect your hands on the go, especially before eating or touching shared surfaces.
Wiping Down Gym Equipment Before and After Use
Gym equipment can harbor sweat, bacteria, and germs from multiple users, increasing the risk of infections. Before and after using gym equipment, wipe it down with disinfectant wipes or spray to minimize the spread of germs and maintain a clean workout environment.
Changing Your Towels Regularly
Towels can become damp and harbor bacteria, mold, and mildew if improperly washed and dried. Change your towels every few days, wash them in hot water to prevent the buildup of germs, and maintain proper hygiene after bathing or washing your hands.
Cleaning Your Eyeglasses
Eyeglasses accumulate oil, dirt, and bacteria from your skin and the environment, leading to streaks and potential eye infections. Clean your glasses daily with a microfiber cloth and lens cleaner to remove dirt and bacteria for clear vision and optimal hygiene.
Using a Tongue Scraper
If not cleaned regularly, the surface of your tongue can harbor bacteria and contribute to bad breath. Use a tongue scraper daily to gently remove bacteria, food debris, and dead cells from your tongue. This will promote fresher breath and better oral hygiene.
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Victoria Cornell helps women adopt a positive mindset even when the struggles of motherhood feel overwhelming. Victoria writes for multiple media outlets where she writes about, saving money, retirement, ways to reduce stress with mindset, manifesting, goal planning, productivity, and more.