12 Bad Hygiene Habits You Didn’t Know You Had

Are you guilty of making personal hygiene mistakes? Most of us know we have to shower and occasionally cut our toenails. However, healthy personal hygiene isn’t always that simple. There are some personal hygiene mistakes that are easy to make, and you probably don’t even realize they are mistakes.

Why Hygiene Matters?

Skimping on hygiene might seem like NBD, and it isn’t if we’re talking about the occasional day you don’t brush your teeth until noon. But it matters when it affects your life or that of the people around you. In the most extreme cases, when left unattended, poor hygiene can breed disease that can affect you or others.

Common Bad Hygiene Habits You Didn’t Know You Had

These are some of the common bad hygiene habits people often don’t realize they had.

1. Cleaning Out Excess Earwax

It may seem like a good idea, but it often does more harm than good. The problem is that this effort to eliminate earwax is only creating further issues because the earwax is just getting pushed down and impacted further into the ear canal. Anything that fits in the ear could cause serious harm to the eardrum and canal with the potential for temporary or even permanent damage.

2. Washing Your Hair Everyday

Your scalp produces natural oils that are important to healthy and shiny hair, and the main reason for using shampoo is to rid your hair of dirt and excess oil. So, contrary to what your favorite shampoo commercial might be telling you, soaping away all of those natural hair-boosters too often will dry out your scalp, rob your hair of essential oils, and ultimately lead to a dry and less lustrous hair.

3. Never Washing Your Hair

Neglecting to wash your hair is really bad, too. Not only will the scalp start to smell, bacteria will  eventually clog your hair follicles, which can lead to an infection. Aim to wash your hair every two to three days.

4. Inadequate Tooth Brushing

It’s easy to be sloppy when it comes to brushing your teeth, especially early in the morning when you’re half asleep. But make sure that you brush for a full two minutes twice a day. And this is the minimum. Giving your teeth short shrift in the brushing department puts you at a risk of not only plaque buildup and cavities, but it will also put you at greater risk of gum disease and even oral cancers. So take your time, and brush on!

5. Keeping Your Toothbrush Near the Toilet

If your toothbrush is located near the toilet, then you’re putting yourself at risk of some cross-contamination. This is caused by an invisible cloud of microscopic particles when the toilet is flushed. Moreover, toothbrushes should be stored upright in an environment that allows for them to dry out completely between uses.

6. You’re Taking Long, Hot Showers

Hot showers can result in a number of negative side effects, including drying out skin and stripping away important natural oils. The intense heat could even cause a lowering of blood pressure, as it dilates peripheral blood vessels. So keep those showers short.

7. You’re Over-Moisturizing

While moisturizing is important, overdoing it will only make skin dryer. Excessive moisturizing can also lead to clogged pores and blackheads. Your best bet is to moisturize your body every other day, so it can take in its natural oils as well.

8. You’re Using Too Much Mouthwash

Mouthwash can actually be too harsh for some. Alcohol-based mouthwashes tend to dehydrate the mouth. It’s better to instead use mouthwash sparingly throughout the week.

9. Walking Barefoot in Public Showers

Flip-flops and water shoes exist for a reason. So if you’re at a public pool or showering at the gym, do wear them. This is because when sweat, hair, and urine collect on shower floors, they can breed bacteria, fungus, and mold, which you don’t want to step on!

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10. You’re Never Cleaning Your TV Remote

Most TV remotes are often forgotten when it comes to cleaning, and they are covered in germs and viruses. Be wise and start cleaning it as well. Anything people touch a lot has germs on it. Now, imagine how many times you, your family, your friends, and even your dog come into contact with your TV remote.  Same applies with your cell phone, computer’s keyboard, and other such devices.

11. Reusing a Water Bottle Without Washing It

Refilling your disposable plastic water bottle too often or refilling your reusable water bottle without washing it thoroughly is very unhygienic. If not washed, large amounts of bacteria gather, which can even lead to food poisoning.

12. Resting Your Hands on Your Face

You probably rest your face on your hands several times per 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.

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