Taking a shower and putting on hand sanitizer every now and then is not enough to keep good hygiene. You may not think about it, but many germs are spread through everyday habits. When you let those habits slide, issues such as skin irritation or unpleasant odors and even low-level infections can take hold.
The good news is that you don’t need a strict routine to fix this. Small changes go a long way. Here are six common hygiene habits that you often forget about and simple ways to fix them.
1. Clean the Items Your Hands Touch All Day
Your phone, keyboard, earbuds, and car steering wheel are all still full of bacteria. All day, you touch these things, and then you touch your face, food, or other people without meaning to. 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
It takes time for soap to break down oils and germs, and quick rinses often 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.
Studies 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
Some areas don’t get cleaned very well, even with a full shower. Behind your ears, between your toes, and under your nails is where the sweat and moisture build up. Even if you normally follow good hygiene habits, these spots can start to smell, itch, or get bacteria under them.
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
Things like toothbrushes, razors, makeup tools, loofahs, and sponges get dirty over time. If you keep them in a steamy bathroom, they can trap moisture, skin cells, and bacteria. Since grime, germs, and fungus can build up in showers, replacing them is an important part of good hygiene.
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
Although you feel clean using towels after a shower, they quickly absorb moisture and skin cells. 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
Fungi thrive in shoes because they keep your feet warm and damp for hours. If you don’t clean around your nails and dry your feet well, you are more likely to get an infection. Even a small crack in the skin can let bacteria in, which shows how important it is to practice good hygiene every day.
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 don’t have to do a lot of different things to keep yourself clean. 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.
