Since Covid, we know how crucial handwashing is, yet we still have more dirty habits than we realize.
Dirty keyboards
Few realize their keyboard is likely ten times dirtier than a toilet seat. We often use it with unwashed hands and rarely clean it, though daily cleaning is ideal. Flip your keyboard upside down, shake out crumbs and debris, then be amazed at the hidden dirt. Follow up by wiping it with an alcohol wipe—try to do this every day.
Replacement
As a dental hygienist, I was shocked to see my cousin’s toothbrush at Christmas was the same one she had at Easter. She said she only replaces it when the bristles "flare out." It’s simple: swap your toothbrush each season—it’s an easy way to remember.
Handled daily
Keys we use daily—like house or car keys—are constantly in our dirty hands and almost never disinfected, though they should be. The same goes for door handles and light switches. I wipe mine down every week during cleaning.
Molecules
If your bathroom has the toilet and you keep your toothbrush on the sink, please don’t. Even with the lid closed, unwanted particles can land on it. Store your toothbrush in a cabinet, not out in the open.
Earbuds
Be honest—when did you last clean your earbuds? Now imagine the bacteria growing on those AirPods. If you use them daily, wipe them down every night with an alcohol wipe.
More often
As a healthcare worker, I often meet women who don’t change tampons frequently enough. They should be changed every 4-6 hours, but many—especially with light flow—put one in the morning and only remove it in the evening. This habit is unhealthy and risky, increasing the chance of toxic shock syndrome. TSS is a serious illness caused by bacterial toxins and can be life-threatening.
Drinking vessels
A colleague of mine only cleans her office thermos once a week. She pours brewed tea in daily, drinks it, and only washes it on Fridays. My brother uses his protein shaker with leftover powder still stuck at the bottom. Always wash your drinking containers thoroughly after use.
The door handle
If you wash your hands after using a public restroom but then touch the door handle on your way out, you’re basically back to square one. Try pushing the door open with your body instead of your hands.
Fresh face
Your skin practically cries if you sleep with makeup on. Nighttime is when your skin rests after a day of sun or cold wind exposure. Sleeping with a “mask” blocks pores and disrupts this process. Sleeping with makeup clogs pores, ages your skin, and leaving mascara on can cause brittle lashes and eye infections. Plus, you dirty your pillowcase. No excuses: no matter how late or tired you are, cleanse your face and apply moisturizer before bed. Trust me, your skin will thank you. And one more thing about bedtime: never sit or lie down on your bed in street clothes. Only clean sleepwear belongs in bed.
The attachment
We used to read newspapers in the bathroom; now we scroll on our phones. But flushing releases fecal bacteria into the air that land on your device. These include salmonella, E. coli, and staphylococcus, which you can transfer to your face when you bring the phone to your mouth. Never take your phone into the restroom; in public bathrooms, keep it in your pocket or bag and only use it after washing your hands. And while we’re on phones: wipe your device daily with a disinfecting wipe.
