Good hygiene entails much more than showering and slathering on some hand sanitizer every now and then. Many germs are transmitted through ordinary habits you may not think about. When you let those habits slide, issues such as skin irritation or unpleasant odors and even low-level infections can take hold.
The upside is that you don’t require a draconian routine to fix this. Small changes go a long way. Here are six everyday hygiene habits that people tend to neglect and easy ways to clean them up.
1. Clean the Items Your Hands Touch All Day
Bacteria do not stop gathering on your phone, keyboard, earbuds, and car steering wheel. You touch these items all day, and then you inadvertently touch your face, food, or other people. If you’re only washing your hands and body, you’re forgetting a huge potential germ hoard.
One recent study found that mobile phones can harbor 10 times more bacteria than a toilet seat, which is a fair amount when you keep it so close to your face. A few dunks of high-touch surfaces in disinfectant a couple of times each week can really help minimize what you spread around.
2. Wash Your Hands the Right Way, Not the Fast Way
Most people wash their hands, but a lot of them are doing it in a hurry. Soap requires time to break down oils and germs, while quick rinses tend to miss fingertips, thumbs, and nails. If you hurry, you’re probably still harboring bacteria when you eat or rub your eyes, despite excellent personal hygiene habits.
They recommend washing for at least 20 seconds to be effective and get rid of germs. One easy habit that is useful—rub palms, back of hands, between fingers, and fingers again until you’ve covered everything twice. It’s not that much harder, but it does a better job at working.
3. Pay Attention to the Spots You Usually Miss
Even with a full shower, some parts receive scant cleaning. The sweat and moisture collect behind your ears, between your toes, and under your nails. These spots can begin to smell, itch, or get bacteria under them, undermining everyday hygiene habits that otherwise seem solid.
These little hygiene habits matter because they prevent problems before they start. Spending an additional 30 seconds washing and drying that area during a daily shower can go a long way in preventing the spread of bacteria, keeping skin cleaner and fresher all day.
4. Replace Personal Care Items Before They Turn Gross
Toothbrushes, razors, makeup implements, loofahs, and sponges don’t stay clean in perpetuity. They can trap moisture, skin cells, and bacteria—especially when kept in steamy bathrooms. Showers are places for grime, germs, and fungus to come off, making replacement part of proper hygiene practices.
You should replace your toothbrush every 3 to 4 months, according to dental guidelines, or sooner if it begins fraying. You can use the same rule for razors and sponges. If your toothbrush smells weird, looks worn out, or irritates your skin, it’s time for a new one.
5. Wash Towels and Bedding More Often Than You Think
Towels feel clean because you use them when you’re freshly showered, but they absorb moisture and skin cells like rapid-fire. When they fail to dry completely, bacteria and mildew can proliferate rapidly. Pillowcases and sheets are also facing the same problem, particularly during the night if you perspire or have sensitive skin.
Some research indicates that towels can begin to grow bacteria after 48 hours of damp reuse. Taking care to wash towels and change pillowcases at least once a week can significantly reduce odors and skin irritation, helping establish a healthier daily hygiene routine.
6. Take Foot and Nail Care Seriously
Feet get warm and moist inside shoes for hours, making it an ideal environment for fungi. An infection is more likely if you don’t dry your feet well and clean around your nails. Even a minor crack in the skin can be an opportunity for bacteria to enter, highlighting everyday hygiene habits that are often dismissed.
Fungal infections of the feet strike millions of adults each year and often begin with common behaviors such as wearing shoes or socks that don’t dry quickly enough. Frequent drying between the toes, changing shoes regularly, trimming nails straight across, and staying clean can help prevent everyday hygiene mistakes.
Small Habits That Make a Big Difference
You needn’t follow a long or complicated hygiene routine. You simply need to notice the habits most people overlook. When you clean up these little daily habits, the chances are that you’ll find fewer skin concerns, less stink, and an overall better feel.
