Maintaining proper hygiene is essential for overall health and well-being. However, some basic hygiene routines often get overlooked in our daily lives.
In this article, we’ll explore 15 hygiene practices that many people neglect but are crucial for staying clean and healthy.
Cleaning Underneath Nails
While washing hands is common, many people forget to clean underneath their nails. Dirt, bacteria, and other germs can easily accumulate in this area, leading to infections and unpleasant odors. Use a nail brush or your fingernails to gently scrub underneath each nail during handwashing to ensure thorough cleanliness.
Washing Reusable Water Bottles
Reusable water bottles are eco-friendly but can harbor bacteria if not cleaned regularly. Simply rinsing them with water isn’t enough. Use hot, soapy water and a bottle brush to scrub the inside thoroughly. Don’t forget to wash the lid and any attached straws or spouts.
Changing Pillowcases Regularly
Pillowcases can accumulate sweat, oil, and dead skin cells, providing a breeding ground for bacteria and dust mites. Aim to change your pillowcases at least once a week to maintain freshness and prevent skin issues like acne and irritation.
Cleaning Electronics
Smartphones, tablets, and keyboards are notorious for harboring germs. Regularly wipe down these devices with disinfectant wipes to remove bacteria and viruses. Pay attention to commonly touched areas like the screen, buttons, and edges.
Washing Hats and Headgear
Hats, beanies, and other headgear often come into contact with sweat and oil from the scalp, leading to odor and potential skin issues. Follow care instructions to properly clean and air dry hats to keep them fresh and hygienic.
Disinfecting Makeup Brushes
Makeup brushes can accumulate bacteria, oil, and dead skin cells, which can transfer to your face and cause breakouts and infections. Clean your brushes at least once a week using a mild shampoo or brush cleaner, then allow them to air dry completely before using them again.
Sanitizing Handbags and Purses
Handbags and purses travel with us everywhere, picking up germs along the way. Regularly wipe down the exterior and interior surfaces with disinfectant wipes to remove dirt and bacteria. Empty out the contents and vacuum the interior periodically to eliminate crumbs and debris.
Cleaning Earbuds and Headphones
Earbuds and headphones can accumulate earwax, dirt, and bacteria, which can transfer to your ears and cause infections. Use a soft cloth dampened with alcohol to wipe down the earpieces and cables gently. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the electronics.
Scrubbing Behind Ears
The skin behind the ears is often overlooked during showering, leading to sweat, oil, and dead skin cell buildup. Take a few extra seconds to gently scrub behind your ears with soap and water to keep the area clean and prevent odor and irritation.
Washing Shower Curtains
Shower curtains can develop mold and mildew due to constant exposure to moisture. Toss fabric curtains in the washing machine with detergent and bleach as needed. For plastic curtains, wipe them down with a mixture of vinegar and water to remove stains and kill bacteria.
Disinfecting Remote Controls
Remote controls are touched frequently but rarely cleaned, making them a hotspot for germs. Use disinfectant wipes to thoroughly clean all surfaces of the remote, including the buttons and sides. Regular cleaning can help prevent the spread of illness among household members.
Cleaning Hairbrushes and Combs
Over time, hairbrushes and combs can accumulate hair, oils, and product buildup, leading to a breeding ground for bacteria. Remove hair from the bristles and soak brushes and combs in warm, soapy water. Use an old toothbrush to scrub between the bristles, then rinse and air dry.
Washing Bed Sheets Regularly
Bed sheets collect sweat, dead skin cells, and allergens while we sleep, creating an environment for dust mites and bacteria to thrive. Aim to wash your sheets at least once a week in hot water to kill germs and remove debris. Don’t forget about pillowcases, blankets, and mattress covers, which also need regular cleaning.
Cleaning and Disinfecting Trash Bins
If not cleaned regularly, trash bins can become breeding grounds for bacteria and unpleasant odors. After emptying bins, rinse them with hot, soapy water and disinfectant. Allow them to dry thoroughly before replacing trash bags to prevent mold and mildew growth.
Flossing Daily
While brushing twice a day is common, many people neglect the importance of flossing. Flossing helps remove food particles and plaque from between teeth and along the gum line, where a toothbrush can’t reach effectively. Make it a habit to floss at least once daily to maintain healthy teeth and gums and prevent cavities and gum disease.
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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.