Do you shower every day and brush your teeth daily? You probably think you are a hygienic person, but this is usually not the case. Most people overlook or forget a few things that can have a big impact on their hygiene and therefore their long-term health. Read on to find out more about the hygiene habits that are actually bad for you.
These are the most common mistakes in our hygiene behavior
Irregular changing of bed linen
Doing laundry is a chore that some people try to avoid like the plague. And this doesn’t just apply to clothes; bedding that hasn’t been washed in months (or longer) becomes a center for bacteria, fungi, dust mites and more – and it gets exponentially worse. In the worst case scenario, unwashed bed sheets – and pajamas and clothing – lead to a staph infection. It is therefore important to change the bed linen at least 1-2 times a week.
Irregular changing of bed linen
Cell phone in the toilet
For many of us, this is a habit. However, taking your cell phone to the toilet can not only lead to the cell phone falling into the toilet bowl, but can also have health disadvantages. The cell phone can pick up many germs that can be transferred to other areas.
Cell phone on the toilet
Hot showers
Do you like to take hot and long showers? This can have a number of negative effects on your health. It not only leads to dry skin, but also to a loss of important oils. The heat also lowers blood pressure and dilates the peripheral blood vessels. We therefore recommend that you take the shortest possible lukewarm showers.
Hot showers
The irregular washing of underwear
Irregular washing of underwear can lead to fungal infections, thrush and urinary tract infections. Untreated UTIs can travel to the kidneys and cause sepsis, which can be life-threatening; thrush and yeast infections can cause infertility and internal scarring. And then there are bras, which most women don’t wash after each wear. Like any unwashed clothing, dirty bras trap oils and bacteria that eventually cause acne, rashes and worse.
The irregular washing of underwear
Barefoot in public showers
Flip-flops exist for a reason. When sweat, hair and urine are on the shower floor, bacteria, fungus and mold can grow. Walking barefoot is one way to pick up ringworm, athlete’s foot and nail fungus, just to name a few notoriously difficult to treat conditions.
Barefoot in public showers
Reusing towels
It’s common to reuse the same towel after a few showers before throwing it in the wash. But towels that have been used more than a few times – or used once at the gym – should be washed immediately. And they should never be shared, as they can easily harbor bacteria and body waste. Sharing sweaty towels is a way to spread dangerous skin conditions and infections
Reuse towels
Sharing a toothbrush
Sometimes it’s good to be selfish – and personal care products are a perfect example of a scenario where sharing isn’t necessarily virtuous. For example, poor oral hygiene habits are bad enough – you certainly don’t need the bacteria from someone else’s mouth to infect yours. And the spread of infection is exactly what can happen when you use someone else’s toothbrush, says the American Dental Association. The consequences of oral infections range from gum disease to potentially fatal conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
Shared toothbrush
Sharing razors and hairbrushes
And sharing razors isn’t much better, as not only can it spread skin infections such as staphylococcus, but it can also transmit viruses such as hepatitis and HIV. Sharing hairbrushes can put you at risk for lice and skin rashes. Here are 37 “healthy” things you can stop doing right now.
Sharing razors and hairbrushes
Cleaning ears with ear swabs
Many people regularly remove earwax, but medical experts will warn you not to try. And for good reason – these seemingly harmless cotton buds have caused countless disasters, from burst eardrums and ear infections to hearing loss. But showering gets enough water into the ear canal to naturally loosen the accumulated earwax. So it’s time to put the cotton bud aside.
Cleaning ears with ear swabs
Bubble baths/bath bombs
Soaking in scented bubbles seems like the perfect way to unwind after a long day, but you may just find yourself with irritated skin and an uncomfortable infection. The fragrances and harsh cleansers in your favorite bath bombs can upset your skin’s natural pH balance. Experts claim that bubble baths increase your chances of uncomfortable dryness, vaginal infections and even bladder infections.
Bubble baths/bath bombs
Hand sanitizer
If you’re a habitual sanitizer user, you may actually be doing more harm than good to your health. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns that triclosan, a synthetic compound found in hand sanitizers, is a poor (and dangerous) substitute for soap and water. And worse, data suggests that long-term exposure to certain active ingredients used in hand sanitizers could pose health risks, such as bacterial resistance or hormonal effects.
Hand sanitizer
Air dryers
Sure, air dryers are better for the planet than paper towels, but research shows that paper towels are easily superior to electric dryers when it comes to personal hygiene. Electric air dryers can’t wipe away leftover bacteria after washing, and even worse, they can literally spread it throughout the room, creating an infectious mist that contains many types of fecal bacteria. This reach is quite strong.
Air dryer
Wash your hair daily
While most of us have been conditioned (pun intended) to wash our hair regularly, your locks may be paying a toll. Washing your hair daily strips away the natural oils your hair needs, resulting in dry, brittle locks, even if you have oily hair.
Wash your hair daily
Using too much moisturizer
When you have dry, itchy skin, it seems natural to want to apply lotion every chance you get. However, this may not always be the smartest option. According to the experts at Garnier, applying excessive moisturizer at night can create a tolerance that trains the skin to produce less natural emollients, making it even drier in the long run. This leads to a vicious cycle where your skin stops producing the nutrients it needs, which only leads to you producing less moisture.
Using too much moisturizer
Brushing your teeth immediately after eating
Oral hygiene advocates may rush to the toothbrush after every meal, but this is a mistake. That’s because certain foods, especially those containing citric acid, can weaken tooth enamel, and brushing too soon after a meal damages enamel in its already weakened state. Experts recommend waiting at least 30 minutes after a meal to allow saliva to neutralize the acid in your mouth and strengthen the enamel on those teeth.
Brush your teeth immediately after eating
Exfoliation
You may feel like you’re taking extra good care of your skin with frequent exfoliation, but you could actually be damaging your epidermis (the outermost layer of your face) and stripping your pores of their much-needed barrier against the environment. According to Dermatology Alliance, your glands produce more oil to compensate, and when skin fluctuates between too dry and too oily, it gets caught in a cycle of imbalance. Ditch the scrub and switch to chemical exfoliants, which are paraben-free and safe to use weekly.
Exfoliate
Sneeze into your hand
Covering your sneeze with your hand is better than sneezing into the abyss, right? Nope. Using your hands and then touching food, money or other people is a clear recipe for contagion. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, most serious respiratory illnesses are transmitted by touching objects with contaminated hands. For the sake of everyone around you, sneeze politely into the crook of your arm.
Sneeze into your hand
Using scented sprays after using the toilet
Spraying a room with a pleasant scent may seem more hygienic than letting an unpleasant odor linger in the air, but these sprays can actually be quite dangerous to our health. The American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology warns that many common room fragrances contain pollutants that can increase the risk of asthma, cause eye and respiratory irritation, headaches, dizziness, and even memory impairment. Switching to an all-natural fragrance spray is a quick and effective healthy change.
Using fragrance sprays after using the toilet
Aggressive tooth brushing
Aggressive brushing, especially when combined with an abrasive toothpaste, such as most whitening toothpastes, can erode gums and tooth structure, leading to various dental problems. Many people don’t realize that they are brushing too hard and potentially causing irreversible damage to their teeth by brushing away the enamel. It can also cause the gums to recede.
Aggressive tooth brushing
Removing nose hair
No one likes nose hair, but you should be careful before pulling out nose hair. Removing unwanted hair can expose the hair follicles to bacteria that could make you sick. In addition, nose hairs prevent you from breathing in dust and particles and thus serve as protection.
Remove nose hair
Soaking dishes with water
Letting your dishes soak in the sink may seem like it’s making them cleaner, but it could actually be a breeding ground for bacteria. Research from the University of Arizona has found that the sink contains more E. coli after rinsing than a toilet. According to a study by Long Island College Hospital in Brooklyn, New York, soaking pots and pans can also serve as a breeding ground for E. coli or salmonella.
Soak dishes with water
Believe in the “5 second rule”
The claim that food is still fit for consumption as long as you pick it up off the floor within five seconds is a commonly heard justification – but one that has no scientific basis. A study published by Clemson University researchers in the Journal of Applied Microbiology found that 99 percent of bacteria are transferred to food immediately – the moment it touches the ground.
Believe in the “5 second rule”
Do not wash your hands after using the toilet
A British study for Global Handwashing Day (October 15) measured how much soap was used by 250,000 people after using the toilet. The results showed that 32 percent of men and 64 percent of women used soap, suggesting that a relatively high percentage of people are neglecting this basic hygiene habit altogether.
Not washing hands after using the toilet
Douching in the nether regions
Not only does douching increase your risk for infections like bacterial vaginosis and skin infections, but it can also complicate pregnancies and increase your risk for pelvic inflammatory disease, according to WomensHealth.gov. It also increases your exposure to chemicals called phthalates, which are absorbed through the vaginal walls and can lead to reproductive problems later on, according to a study published in the journal Environmental Health.
Douching in the nether regions
Leaving dishcloths lying around
Many of us are guilty of this and leave used and damp kitchen cloths and tea towels hanging around the sink. This is a prime breeding ground for germs. Make sure you wash the cloth after each use and hang it up to dry instead of leaving it in a crumpled heap on the sink or worktop. This reduces cross-contamination.
Leaving dishcloths lying around
Rinsing meat in the sink
Whenever you wash meat in the sink, water droplets splash around, and if you’re not careful, these water droplets can end up on your plate or utensils and contaminate them. The same goes for preparing meat on counters without sanitizing it first. As a guideline, avoid rinsing meat and poultry. The best way to destroy harmful bacteria in them is simply to cook them!
Rinse meat in the sink
Forgetting to dry cutlery and utensils after washing up
Even if your plates or cutlery look clean, that doesn’t mean they are. Especially if they’re left exposed on the kitchen worktop, they can be susceptible to bacteria left behind by creepy-crawlies that come out in the middle of the night.
Forgetting to dry cutlery and utensils after washing up
Not washing the chopping board properly
Every time you use your chopping board, make sure you clean it properly as bacteria and food debris can get into the cracks of the board. Wash with hot water and soap, especially if the cutting board has been used for raw meat or seafood. Never cut raw meat on the same cutting board that you use for cutting vegetables or fruit. Raw meat can contain microorganisms that can lead to diseases being transferred to your fresh produce.
Not washing the chopping board properly
Using the same sponge for too long
Ironically, the sponge you use to clean the dishes is also the dirtiest part of your kitchen. If they are not regularly sanitized and replaced, they become carriers for transferring bacteria to your plates, pots and utensils. Microwaving your damp sponges for 120 seconds will kill 99 percent of germs, and make sure you dry them properly between uses. If you leave sponges on the bottom of the sink, you’re letting them soak in a puddle of their own germs. Get a plastic holder to hang them on the side of the sink instead.
Using the same sponge for too long
Do not cover food
Open cans and containers in the fridge are an absolute no-no. Your fridge has a whole host of bacteria, and if you leave a whole pot of food in there unsealed, there’s a risk of cross-contamination. Use containers with suitable lids that ensure no air gets in.
Food not covered
Letting your pets into the kitchen
We love our pets, but letting them into your kitchen is a potential health risk. Pets carry a lot of bacteria and germs, especially after they have been walked or simply moved around, as their feces contain bacteria and parasites.
Letting your pets into the kitchen
Don’t clean the sink
It may seem silly to wash your sink but food debris and bacteria could still linger in your sink and lead to illnesses such as E.coli and salmonella if left unclean. To clean, remove everything from the sink first. Use gentle, non-toxic soap, warm water and a soft cloth to clean the sink, drain, faucets, faucet area and rim of the sink. You can also pour hot water down the drain to disinfect hard-to-reach areas and remove dirt, which will also help reduce odors.
Do not clean the sink
Defrosting meat on the worktop
We admit that everyone is guilty of this sometimes, but contrary to popular belief, the kitchen counter is not the best place to defrost frozen food. This is because room temperature actually accelerates bacterial growth and allows millions upon millions of harmful microorganisms to thrive. Instead, defrost meat overnight in the fridge and reduce the risk of food poisoning.
Defrosting meat on the worktop
Going to bed with make-up on
At the end of a long, tiring day, it might be tempting to go to sleep without washing off your makeup. Any beautician will tell you that this is one of the most egregious hygiene mistakes you can make. Not washing your face daily can lead to clogged pores, which can not only lead to blackheads and pimples, but also uneven skin tone due to the overgrowth of skin cells. Neglecting to wash off mascara, eyeliner and other eye makeup can cause serious damage to your eyes.
Going to bed with make-up on
Brushing your teeth too often
You may think that removing bacteria requires vigorous scrubbing with your toothbrush. On the contrary, this is one of the most serious things you may be doing. Brushing too hard can lead to bleeding gums and even weaken the irreplaceable enamel on your teeth. The plaque on your teeth is said to be very mild and does not require vigorous scrubbing to clean it. All you need to do is use a gentle toothbrush and move it gently in circular motions over the entire surface of your teeth. Once you are done, you would have completely removed plaque.
Brushing your teeth too often
Eating sticky or chewy foods
If you do, you need to know that frequently eating sticky candies and lollipops is one of the worst foods for your dental health. Unfortunately for you, it may be best to stop. Sticky candies or lollipops seem to be very difficult to completely remove from your teeth by brushing. Instead, they prefer to “stick” more, creating a feast for bad bacteria and damaging your teeth for several hours after you’ve consumed them.
Eating sticky or chewy foods
Sugary drinks
It is estimated that a can of soda contains about 30 grams of sugar. Sugars are carbohydrates that oral bacteria love. Aside from that, they are acidic and cause chemical breakdown of the teeth. Yes, drinking soda or other sugary drinks can provide a temporary energy boost. But this terrible habit is detrimental to your oral health.
Sugary drinks
Not washing your hands long enough
If you don’t make it through the “ABCs” twice when washing your hands, you are doing it too quickly. Clean hands require at least 20 seconds of washing time. Wet them first under warm or cold water before applying soap. Then lather up for at least 20 seconds and scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails. Finally, rinse and off you go.
Don’t wash your hands long enough
Storing a toothbrush too close to the toilet
You should aim to store your toothbrush at least one meter away from the toilet. What most people don’t realize is that you also want to avoid the sink, which can splash your brush with soap and dirty water as you wash your hands. Consider installing a toothbrush holder on your wall to allow your toothbrush to air out, and definitely make sure you close your toilet lid before each flush to avoid fecal matter and toilet water splashing into the air.
Storing a toothbrush too close to the toilet
Leaving contact lenses in for days
One of the worst hygiene habits ophthalmologist and eye surgeon Alan Mendelsohn, MD, has ever seen is the excessive wearing of contact lenses that are never cleaned properly or at all. “Wearing a contact lens for a week or more leads to an exponential increase in serious eye infections, including corneal ulcers,” says Dr. Mendelsohn, who equates this habit to wearing the same dirty underwear every day.
Leaving contact lenses in for days
Do not shower regularly
Soap and water can prevent acne, rashes and life-threatening infections. Bacteria grow quickly on the body, and if it has lots of dead skin cells to feed on, bacteria on your skin can cause itching, irritation and inflammation. If you already have a skin condition like eczema, it can get worse if you don’t shower regularly. Eventually, a condition called dermatitis neglecta would set in if you stop showering altogether. You will notice thick brown patches on your skin, which can lead to secondary infections.
Not showering regularly
Nail biting
Nail biting exudes nervousness and a lack of confidence – but it can also pose significant health risks. Believe it or not, there are dangers associated with the bacteria that can get on your hands and under your nails throughout the day. Bacteria such as salmonella and E. coli can lodge under your nails and, if ingested, can lead to all sorts of gastrointestinal discomfort and potentially serious illness.
Nail biting
Forgetting to floss
The American Dental Association recommends flossing twice a day – and for good reason. Flossing promotes healthy gums, fights plaque and reduces the risk of tooth decay. But the gum disease it helps fight has also been linked to cardiovascular disease – also known as the biggest killer of humans on the planet. It’s reported that people with gum disease are two to three times more likely to suffer a heart attack, stroke or other serious cardiovascular event.
Forgetting to floss
Don’t stand up straight
Your mother always told you to stand up straight – and how right she was. The way you stand and walk can have a significant impact on your health in the long run. Slouching or neglecting to sit or stand upright can exacerbate the effects of arthritis. which can be caused by poor posture. The pain can affect your overall function and quality of life.”
Do not stand upright
Unwashed fruit and vegetables
Ingesting the bacteria on unwashed fruit and vegetables can lead to food poisoning, and eating pesticides can increase the risk of serious illness. So make sure you always wash your produce before you eat it.
Unwashed fruit and vegetables
Not wiping properly after the toilet
Wiping properly after using the toilet keeps underwear clean and unpleasant odors away. Always wipe from front to back to keep bacteria away.
Not wiping properly after the toilet
Hands on your face
You probably put your face on your hands several times a day. But when you do, remember that you’re adding dirt to your face and clogging your pores. Focus on finding different ways to sit
Hands to face
Refilling plastic water bottles too often
It is very unhygienic to refill your disposable plastic water bottle too often or to refill your reusable water bottle without washing it thoroughly. If it is not washed, large amounts of bacteria will accumulate which can even lead to food poisoning.
Refill plastic water bottle too often
Clean your ears with cotton buds
Your ears produce earwax for several reasons: to keep dust and dirt away from your eardrum, to provide antibacterial protection and more. As you chew or talk, your jaw helps to move the wax away from your inner ear and outwards. However, using cotton swabs reverses this process and pushes wax further into the ear where it can get stuck. Instead of using cotton swabs (and risking hearing loss, pain and infection), trust your ears and let them clean themselves naturally.
Clean your ears with cotton buds
Wash your face after training
Washing your face after training feels refreshing and seems hygienic. However, it’s best to splash some water on your face before your workout. When you sweat, you tend to wipe your skin, which means you’re wiping and rubbing in the dirt, grime and oils that were there, which aggravates acne. So cleanse your face before you exercise.
Wash your face after exercise
Do not replace your bath sponge
Washcloths and loofahs can harbor bacteria, mold and yeast, among other things. Make sure you let your loofah dry completely each time and replace it frequently. If you clean with a washcloth, take a fresh one every day and don’t use it on your face. This is very irritating to the skin and will end up causing dry patches, breakouts and even sores.
Do not replace your bath sponge
Using too much mouthwash
Mouthwash seems like a healthy practice, but for some it can be too harsh. Alcohol-based mouthwashes actually tend to dry out the mouth. Dry conditions, in turn, are a breeding ground for bad bacteria. It’s better to use mouthwash sparingly throughout the week.
Using too much mouthwash
Not washing fingernails often enough
You probably wash your hands regularly throughout the day, but many of us rush through the process and get back to work. It’s important to really clean your hands, and that includes cleaning your fingernails. Bacteria and dirt can linger under your nails, and touching your figure or putting your hands in your mouth is a quick gateway into your digestive system.
Not washing fingernails often enough
Using too much soap
Skin feeling dry? Instead of applying more lotion, you probably just need to use less soap. If you struggle with dry skin, use soap less frequently when showering or bathing (except in personal areas, as these should be lathered daily). Some doctors say it’s okay to reduce soap use to just once or twice a week.
Using too much soap
Sharing make-up
We’ve all done it before: you’ve forgotten your mascara for a night out, so you use your friend’s instead. However, sharing make-up, especially mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow, is a big no-go. It may seem harmless to borrow a friend’s makeup in the evening, but it’s an easy way to bring bacteria into your eyes and get an infection.
Share make-up
Not cleaning frequently used household items
You may keep your house tidy, but have you forgotten about some important but often neglected areas? There are certain household items that are breeding grounds for bacteria. These items include the remote control, door handles, keyboards, smartphones and shower heads. Remember to clean these items routinely to protect yourself from germs and infections.
Do not clean frequently used household items
Leave brushes in the make-up bag
Make-up bags are often covered in products that have been left behind. Even the cleanest tools and brushes will be infested with germs in an unclean makeup bag. If you take your make-up with you when you travel, make sure you keep your transport items disinfected at all times.
Leave brushes in the make-up bag
Dry your hands on the tea towel
According to a study, tea towels are one of the biggest bacteria spreaders in the kitchen. Why is that? Most people use the tea towel for simply everything: dishes, surfaces and hands. This means that germs and bacteria can spread in all directions. From your hands to the dishes or surfaces and from the surfaces to your hands. It is therefore important that you have separate cloths for the different tasks, so you reduce the spread of germs. You should also change the tea towels every 2-3 days and wash them as boil wash.
Dry your hands on the tea towel
Wash raw chicken
Like all animals, chickens have bacteria in their gut. Pathogens such as campylobacter and salmonella can get onto the birds during processing and packaging and make their way to your chopping board and utensils. Do not wash raw chicken as it can contaminate your kitchen. Cooking to the right temperature kills bacteria
Wash raw chicken
Defrosting food too quickly
Sounds smart, but it’s not safe. All food that can go bad – such as raw or cooked meat, poultry and eggs – must be defrosted at safe temperatures. If frozen food gets warmer than 40 degrees or is at room temperature for longer than 2 hours, it is in the danger zone where bacteria multiply quickly.
Defrosting food too quickly
Only use one pair of tongs when grilling
If you’re about to prepare a big BBQ, try not to burn the sausages and make sure the burgers are cooked through. This might be your main concern. But there’s another problem: using just one pair of tongs for all the different foods, from raw meat to salads, can lead to dangerous cross-contamination and bacteria.
Use only one pair of tongs when grilling