As individuals, we learn about hygiene right from a young age. However, with the busy lives, we lead, and the countless responsibilities we have, we tend to overlook some simple hygiene habits.

Here are seven hygiene mistakes that you may not know you are making, but they can have serious consequences on your health if not corrected.

Cleaning your ears with cotton swabs

Cleaning your ears with cotton swabs may seem like the perfect way to remove wax build-up. However, when you insert the cotton swab too deeply, you risk pushing the wax further into your ear canal, making it more difficult to remove.

Besides, if you clean your ears too frequently, you risk drying out your ear canal and causing irritation or even small cuts. Instead of using cotton swabs, use a wet washcloth to clean the outside of your ear.

Sharing personal items

You may not realize it, but sharing your personal items, such as towels, razors, or toothbrushes, can pose serious health risks. Sharing your towel, for instance, can spread germs and bacteria, which can lead to skin infections.

Sharing your razor, on the other hand, can lead to the transmission of blood-borne diseases such as Hepatitis C. And sharing your toothbrush can lead to the spread of highly contagious viruses such as herpes simplex virus. Always use your personal items, and make sure you wash them regularly.

Wearing makeup to bed

After a long day, it can be tempting to head straight to bed without washing off your makeup. However, this can cause serious damage to your skin. Makeup can clog your pores, leading to breakouts, blackheads, and even dry skin.

Besides, leaving makeup on your face overnight can cause inflammation and aging. Always remove your makeup before you go to bed using a gentle cleanser.

Related Article 6 Common Hygiene Mistakes to Avoid

Not washing your hands correctly

Washing your hands is the first line of defense against the spread of germs and bacteria. However, many people don’t wash their hands correctly. To wash your hands properly, wet them with clean, running water, and apply soap.

Rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds, making sure you scrub your fingers and the back of your hands. Rinse your hands well with clean, running water, and dry them with a clean towel. Make sure you wash your hands before eating, after using the toilet, and after sneezing or coughing.

Not changing your razor regularly

Using a dull razor can cause skin irritation, razor burn, and even ingrown hairs. Besides, using an old razor can cause bacteria to build up, which can lead to infections.

Always make sure you change your razor regularly, ideally after every five to ten uses. This will ensure a closer, smoother shave and prevent any infections or irritation.

Not washing your reusable water bottle

Reusable water bottles are great for the environment and a convenient way to stay hydrated. However, many people forget to clean them regularly, which can lead to the build-up of germs and bacteria.

If you don’t wash your reusable water bottle, you risk getting sick from the buildup of germs. Always make sure you wash your water bottle with warm, soapy water every day, and let it air dry before you use it again.

Not washing your gym clothes

When you exercise, you sweat, and your gym clothes absorb that sweat. If you don’t wash your gym clothes after working out, bacteria can build up, leading to skin infections or even illnesses.

Always make sure you wash your gym clothes after every workout using hot water, and make sure they are dry before using them again.