Maintaining proper hygiene is essential for our wellbeing, yet busy lifestyles often mean we’re neglecting a lot of basic habits. If you think you’ve always had good hygiene, you might want to think again after you read these 18 basic hygiene habits most people forget to do.
Washing Your Hands Before Meals
Most people know to wash their hands before cooking, but how many people remember to wash their hands before they tuck into a meal? You can still spread germs onto a meal you’ve already prepared, even if you’re using cutlery. The CDC advises to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.
Proper Toothbrush Care
You should replace your manual toothbrush or electric toothbrush head every 3 months to ensure it’s as hygienic as can be. Yet most people are still using the toothbrush they’ve had for years. Not only that, proper toothbrush storage is vital for cleanliness. Toothbrushes should be stored upright to air dry.
Cleaning Behind Your Ears
Behind your ears is a spot so easily neglected, yet one that can attract so much bacteria. Think about all the dirt and oil accumulating from your hair and your skin. Moisture buildup can also easily happen if you’re not drying behind your ears properly, too, which can then help germs to thrive.
Washing Your Reusable Water Bottle
If you haven’t been washing your reusable water bottle, you might want to rethink that. The Independent reports that reusable water bottles contain more bacteria than microbes on a toilet seat. You might be thinking they don’t get too dirty because it’s only water, but they regularly need to be washed.
Regularly Cleaning Your Makeup Brushes
Many people neglect cleaning their makeup brushes. Knowing the same product always goes onto it might lead people to think they don’t need to clean them. Yet makeup brushes harbor a high amount of bacteria, which is then being applied to your skin, so you’ll need to wash them at least once a week.
Disinfecting Your Remote Controls
Think how often you touch your remote control. According to Business Insider, your TV remote is likely the dirtiest item in your living room, yet it’s probably the only item people fail to clean. Disinfectant wipes are an easy cleaning solution for getting between the buttons.
Cleaning Underneath Your Nails
Even if you wash your hands as regularly as you should, you’re still risking germs and bacteria if you’re not getting right behind the nail. A nail brush is needed to dig deep for a thorough clean. You should avoid digging behind your nails with sharp tools to get dirt, as this could cause injury.
Properly Cleaning Your Keyboards
If you don’t properly clean your keyboard regularly, regardless of whether you wash your hands, you’re only multiplying germs. A microfiber cloth is best for wiping electronic keyboards, but a gentle cleaning solution can work when your device is switched off.
Washing Your Hats and Caps
If you’re not regularly cleaning your hats, all that contact with your skin, hair, dirt and oils could be building up on the inside. USA Today explains that hats and caps should always be handwashed, as machine washing could risk ruining them. Cold water is often best to avoid shrinking.
Daily Flossing
Most people think that brushing for two minutes twice a day is enough for good oral hygiene. But daily flossing is vital for oral health. Flossing is important to reach between the teeth where a brush never can, and should be done before brushing in order to remove any trapped food.
Cleaning Your Showerhead
It’s easy to neglect cleaning your showerhead because it produces clean water every day. But your showerhead can easily be subject to mineral buildup and bacteria. A good vinegar soak every so often will help to keep it squeaky clean.
Washing Your Pillows
Pillowcases should be a regular part of your laundry routine when you wash your bedsheets at least once a week. Yet most people neglect the actual pillows themselves. Even with a case, the pillows can accumulate sweat, oils, and dust mites, so you should also wash them every 3-6 months.
Changing Your Razor Blades Regularly
Razor blades often get forgotten about, not only for their replacement, but also for their thorough rinse. Storing your razor in a dry area is key to prevent rust, and you should replace your blade after several uses. Be sure to remove hair and shaving foam in between.
Washing Bath Towels
If you’re someone who uses the same towel all week that’s kept on the floor, this one’s for you. Towels should be washed after every 3-4 uses, but more often if they’re face towels. You should wash at a high temperature to ensure bacteria is killed off.
Cleaning Eyeglasses
Whether prescription lenses or sunglasses, eyeglasses need to be cleaned regularly. They touch both your face and your hands, so they can easily accumulate germs. Mild soap and water are ideal for a more exhaustive clean.
Disinfecting Your Phone Screen
Your cell phone is exposed to a high amount of bacteria and germs on a daily basis. Not only do you place your phone down in places that could be rife with germs, but you’re also touching it all day, every day. Cleaning wipes are handy for cleaning your phone on the go.
Cleaning Inside Purses and Bags
When was the last time you emptied all the clutter from the bottom of your favorite bag? The inside of purses and bags can be brimming with bacteria, so if the material can’t be safely machine-washed, you’ll need to wipe down the interior with a damp cloth.
Jewelry Cleaning
Whether it’s a ring you wear all day, every day, or a necklace you constantly touch, your jewelry should be cleaned regularly. Not only does this keep your jewelry in its best condition, but it also helps eliminate germs and any oil or rust risk.