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Good hygiene is essential to maintaining our health and well-being as well as respecting ourselves and those around us.
It’s also important for making a good impression, especially at work, or in social settings.
But sometimes it can be hard to know which habits are unhygienic and should be avoided!
From smelly armpits to poor oral care, here are 12 hygiene sins that will make people (and you!) cringe if not taken care of properly.
Make sure you stay away from these stinky blunders so that you’re the picture of cleanliness all the time!
#1. Shower Daily
You might not think you smell, but this could be because you are used to it.
Others can tell, or smell, more easily.
So even if you don’t think you need a shower, take one.
#2. Wash Your Water Bottle
Too many people go far too long before washing their reusable water bottle, especially the straws.
Mold can quickly form in these dark, moist areas without you realizing.
So every couple days, give it a quick wash.
#3. Wash Your Sheets More Often Than You Think
Your bed is a haven for dust mites, dead skin cells, and body oils, which can accumulate on your sheets over time.
Aim to wash your sheets at least once a week to maintain proper hygiene.
Use hot water to kill dust mites effectively and remove any allergens.
Additionally, wash your pillowcases regularly, as they come into direct contact with your face and can accumulate oils and bacteria.
#4. Drink Lots of Water Daily
Hydration is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being.
Water helps flush out toxins from your body, supports your immune system, and keeps your skin looking healthy and glowing.
Aim to drink at least eight glasses (64 ounces) of water daily, but individual needs may vary based on climate, activity level, and overall health.
#5. Start Using a Bidet
Using a bidet can be a more effective and hygienic way to clean yourself after using the bathroom than toilet paper alone.
Bidets use a stream of water to cleanse, which can be gentler on the skin and more thorough in removing bacteria and residue.
They can also be more environmentally friendly, as they reduce toilet paper consumption.
#6. Floss Your Teeth
Flossing is an essential part of oral hygiene that many people neglect.
While brushing cleans the surfaces of your teeth, flossing gets between them that a toothbrush can’t reach.
This helps remove plaque and food particles, preventing gum disease and cavities.
Make it a habit to floss at least once daily, preferably before bedtime.
#7. Close The Lid When You Flush The Toilet
When you flush the toilet, a plume of water droplets can be released into the air, carrying bacteria and germs.
As a result, anything kept close to the toilet, including nearby surfaces and even your toothbrush, can be contaminated.
To prevent the spread of germs, always close the lid before flushing.
It’s a simple yet effective step to maintain better hygiene in your bathroom.
#8. There is a Difference Between Deodorant and Antiperspirant
Deodorant and antiperspirant are often used interchangeably, but they serve different purposes.
Deodorant helps mask or neutralize body odor, while antiperspirant reduces sweating by blocking sweat glands.
It’s essential to choose the product that suits your needs and preferences.
If you sweat heavily, an antiperspirant is more effective in keeping you dry and odor-free.
#9. You Need to Brush Your Tongue
Regarding oral hygiene, many people focus solely on brushing their teeth and forget about their tongues.
The tongue harbors millions of bacteria that can cause bad breath and other oral health issues.
Use a tongue scraper or the back of your toothbrush to clean your tongue effectively.
Gently scrape from the back of your tongue to the front, removing the buildup of bacteria and debris.
This simple addition to your oral care routine can significantly improve your breath and oral health.
#10. Clean Your Phone
Our smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, and we often bring them everywhere, including places with a high concentration of germs.
Studies have shown that our phones can carry more bacteria than a public toilet seat.
To keep your phone clean, use a soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water or alcohol-based wipes to wipe down the screen and the back of the device.
Make sure to power off your phone before cleaning it and avoid getting moisture in the ports.
#11. Vinegar Will Remove Odor That Detergent Can’t
Sometimes, even after washing our clothes with detergent, they might still retain a lingering odor.
This is especially true for gym clothes or clothes that are heavily soiled.
Vinegar can be a game-changer in such situations.
Add half a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle when washing your laundry.
The acetic acid in vinegar helps break down odor-causing compounds, leaving your clothes smelling fresh and clean.
#12. Don’t Rinse Your Mouth After Brushing
It might seem counterintuitive, but rinsing your mouth with water immediately after brushing can diminish the effectiveness of toothpaste.
Toothpaste contains fluoride, which helps strengthen tooth enamel and protect against cavities.
When you rinse right after brushing, you wash away the fluoride, reducing its benefits.
Instead, spit out the excess toothpaste without rinsing, allowing the fluoride to remain on your teeth for maximum protection.
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This thread inspired this article.
Jon Dulin is the passionate leader of Unfinished Success, a personal development website that inspires people to take control of their own lives and reach their full potential. His commitment to helping others achieve greatness shines through in everything he does. He’s an unstoppable force with lots of wisdom, creativity, and enthusiasm – all focused on helping others build a better future. Jon enjoys writing articles about productivity, goal setting, self-development, and mindset. He also uses quotes and affirmations to help motivate and inspire himself. You can learn more about him on his About page.