Good personal hygiene habits are crucial to help us maintain our health, prevent the spread of diseases, and ensure we feel confident and refreshed every day.

However, most people, despite their best intentions, often make hygiene mistakes that can lead to health and confidence issues. Here are ten of the most common hygiene mistakes people make daily.

1. Not Washing Hands Before and After Meals

Handwashing is one of the most effective ways of preventing common infections like colds and flu, and foodborne diseases like salmonella and E.coli.

Yet, many people forget to wash their hands before and after meals, even when handling raw food, which increases the risk of contamination and food poisoning. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after meals.

2. Using Dirty Towels and Linens

If you don’t wash your towels and bed sheets often, you’re not only exposing yourself to bacteria and infection but also prolonging the lifespan of germs and bacteria that might be thriving on them.

Change your bed linen and towels weekly and use hot water to wash them to kill any bacteria or germs present.

3. Cleaning Your Ears With Cotton Swabs

Cotton swabs seem like the ideal way to keep your ears clean, but they can do more harm than good. The swabs push earwax deeper into the ear canal, and the wax accumulation can block your hearing or even cause infections or ear injuries.

Instead, clean your ears with a washcloth or damp towel after a shower, and avoid inserting anything into your ear canal.

4. Not Removing Makeup Before Bed

Leaving makeup on your skin overnight can cause clogged pores, premature aging, and bacterial buildup. It can also cause irritation, redness, and breakouts.

Always remove your makeup before bed, and use a gentle cleanser to wash your face before you sleep.

5. Using Unchanged Razors and Toothbrushes

If you use the same razor or toothbrush for a long time, you’re exposing yourself to bacterial buildup and, in some cases, infections. Change your toothbrush every three to four months or once it shows signs of wear and fraying.

Also, never share razors and use a new one each week to avoid infections and skin irritation.

6. Not Cleaning Your Phone

Many people never think of cleaning their phone regularly, yet it’s one of the most touched surfaces and prone to bacteria and germs buildup.

To clean your phone, use a microfiber cloth and a gentle cleaner, and avoid using harsh chemicals that can damage your phone’s surface.

7. Using a Loofah for Too Long

Loofahs can be great for exfoliating and removing dead skin from your body, but they also trap moisture, which makes them an ideal surface for bacteria to multiply.

If you keep using a loofah for weeks or months, you’re exposing yourself to a pile of bacteria that can cause skin infections and irritation. Replace your loofah every three to four weeks or after it starts to show signs of fraying and wear.

8. Not Washing Your Clothes After Exercise

Exercising makes you sweaty and exposes your body to bacteria and germs from the environment.

If you don’t wash your clothes immediately after exercising, you’re not only making them stinky and unappealing but also giving bacteria and germs a good chance to thrive. Always wash your workout clothes immediately after exercising, and use warm water to kill any bacteria present.

Sharing personal items like razors, toothbrushes, towels, and combs with others increases the risk of transferring harmful bacteria, viruses, and infections.

It’s always best to avoid sharing personal items and use disposable items like toothbrushes, razors, and towels wherever possible.

10. Neglecting Oral Hygiene

Oral hygiene is essential to maintain good breath, healthy teeth, and overall well-being. Yet, many people neglect oral hygiene by skipping flossing, brushing, or using mouthwash daily, which leads to gum disease, plaque buildup, and dental cavities.

Always brush your teeth twice a day, floss once a day, and use an antibacterial mouthwash to maintain oral hygiene.