We all know the importance of good hygiene but some of the basics often get forgotten. Maintaining good hygiene is essential for overall wellbeing and these 17 important hygiene habits you might be forgetting need to be added back to your self-care list.
You should be regularly cleaning your phone
Realistically, how many of us regularly clean our cell phones? YouGov Today found that just 21% of Americans sanitize their phones daily. Health experts say phones are dirtier than toilet seats. Phones accumulate germs from constant handling and should be wiped down regularly.
Washing hands after handling money often gets forgotten
Money passes through many hands and can carry a lot of bacteria. You should really be washing your hands every time you handle money, but this is very rare. Thankfully, the digital age has brought with it contactless payments so we are handling money less than ever.
Cleaning your glasses is important for hygiene
It’s common to neglect the cleanliness of your glasses, and most wearers will only clean them when smears impact their vision. However, you should regularly clean your eyeglasses to remove dirt and bacteria. Germs, skin cells, and makeup are just a few things that build up on your glasses.
Sanitizing door knobs and light switches should be frequent
They may look clean but these high-touch areas in your home can harbor germs and should be cleaned frequently. It’s unlikely and inconvenient to clean your hands every time you flick a switch or open a door, so you’ll be regularly spreading bacteria around your home.
You need to wash hats and caps
Of all the things we wear, hats and caps are washed the least frequently. Yet, hats can be the most dirty accessory since they collect sweat and oils from your scalp. While many hats can easily be thrown in the washer, Business Insider says that it is safer to wash caps by hand.
You need to remember to wash your belly button
Washing your belly button is a step of self-care that seems so obvious, but apparently, only one-third of Americans regularly wash their belly button. It is one of the top five body parts that doctors say people don’t wash enough, and it can lead to potential infections.
Brushing your tongue should be part of your dental routine
Even though we may not always be consistent with it, we are constantly reminded of the importance of flossing. However, the importance of brushing your tongue is not often preached. Bacteria can build up on your tongue, and brushing helps keep your mouth fresh.
Don’t forget to disinfect your keyboard and mouse
Your keyboard and mouse are used daily yet are not cleaned very often. Most people will only clean theirs once that disgusting gunk layer builds up and is obvious to the eye. It is recommended to clean both at least once a week as they quickly build up grime and bacteria.
Changing your toothbrush needs to be more frequent
It’s common knowledge that your toothbrush or toothbrush head needs changing on a regular basis but most people use theirs longer than recommended. You need to replace your toothbrush every 3 months or sooner if the bristles are frayed. This will maintain good dental health.
You need to clean your headphones
Whether you have headphones or earphones, they need to be cleaned pretty often. These can collect earwax and bacteria, so there is a lot of importance on cleaning them frequently. Not only is cleaning your headphones important for hygiene, The New York Times says that wax build up also muffles the sound.
Washing your face after working out should be normal practice
Working out is great for both your health and mental wellbeing but there are certain hygiene habits that should accompany exercise. If you don’t have time for a full shower, at the very least, you should wash your face after working out. Sweat can clog pores and lead to breakouts if not washed off.
Changing pillowcases regularly
Pillowcases need to be changed more frequently than you may think. While you sleep, pillowcases collect oils and dead skin cells. Most people change their pillowcases every week, but experts suggest every 2-3 days to prevent breakouts and allergy flare-ups.
Cleaning your hairbrush improves your hair hygiene
A lot of people forget to clean their hairbrush at regular intervals. You need to remove hair and wash your hairbrush on a regular basis to remove built-up oils and product residue. Most experts say you should deep clean at least once a month, more if you use a lot of products.
Washing reusable water bottles
Washing your water bottles may seem like an obvious hygiene habit, but a surprising number of people go day after day just refilling without cleaning. Bacteria grows quickly in water bottles, so it is important to clean them daily. Make sure to pay special attention to hard-to-reach areas, including straws.
Cleaning your shower head is often forgotten
Even if you clean your shower regularly, most people forget about the shower head. However, shower heads get dirty quickly. Mineral deposits and bacteria build up in your shower head, affecting water flow, cleanliness, and hygiene. Once a month, descale your shower head to get rid of bacteria and limescale.
You may need a different bath sponge or loofah
Loofahs and bath sponges are incredibly dirty, so it is ironic that we use them to clean. Not only do they collect dirt and dead skin cells, but they are also a breeding ground for bacteria, including mold. NBC News recommends using either a natural sponge or a silicone scrub that can be cleaned easily.
Wiping down gym equipment should be normal practice
Although it should be common courtesy to wipe down gym equipment after you use it, this part of gym etiquette is often neglected. It is important and good hygiene practice to always wipe down gym equipment before and after use to prevent the spread of germs. bacteria.
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