Facts 22/10/2025 23:00

5 hygiene mistakes that many people make... but no one dares to talk about...

Even people who seem clean and well-groomed often make hidden hygiene mistakes without realizing it.

These habits may not seem harmful, but over time, they can lead to unpleasant odors, infections, or skin problems.

1) Not changing towels or pillowcases often enough

Towels and pillowcases trap dead skin cells, sweat, oil, saliva, sebum, makeup residues and microscopic skin microbes.
Warm, damp towels are a perfect breeding ground for bacteria and fungi (e.g., Staphylococcus, Candida), which can lead to folliculitis, fungal rashes, acne, or persistent odors.
Pillowcases collect facial oils and cosmetics night after night; those oils mix with dust-mite droppings and promote
acne mechanica and irritation.

Bath towel:
hang to dry fully after each use; wash after 3–4 uses (or sooner if you sweat heavily). Use hot water (≥ 60°C / 140°F) if fabric allows.
Hand towel: replace every
1–2 days.
Pillowcase: change at least once a week; twice a week if you have oily skin, acne, or use heavy night creams.
Laundry tips: use a good detergent, add a cup of white vinegar occasionally to remove residue, and dry completely in the sun or a hot dryer.
Extra: have two towels per person so one can always be clean and dry.

Bristles fray and lose mechanical cleaning ability after ~8–12 weeks.
The brush head can trap oral bacteria and food particles; moist environments encourage bacterial growth (e.g., Streptococcus, Candida).
Worn bristles remove less plaque, increasing risk of gingivitis, cavities, and bad breath
.

Replace every 2–3 months, or immediately after a respiratory infection (cold, flu, COVID).
Rinse toothbrush thoroughly and store upright to dry; avoid closed containers where moisture accumulates.
Consider an electric toothbrush with replaceable heads — they can be more effective.
Use a soft-bristled brush; hard bristles can damage enamel and gums.

Phones contact hands, faces, pockets and public surfaces — they accumulate bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
Research shows phone surfaces can harbor
pathogens associated with skin acne and even gastrointestinal bugs. Repeated face contact transfers microbes to skin and mucous membranes.

Wipe your phone daily with a soft cloth lightly dampened with 70% isopropyl alcohol or with phone-safe disinfectant wipes. Apple and many manufacturers recommend 70% isopropyl or Clorox disinfecting wipes for phones.
Clean cases weekly (remove case and wash with soap and water or disinfectant).
Avoid placing phone on kitchen counters or restroom floors.
Use hands-free options for long calls; sanitize hands before touching face.

Overwashing strips natural oils (sebum) from the scalp and hair shaft. That can trigger the scalp to produce
more oil in compensation, weaken hair structure, and cause dryness, frizz, and split ends.
Underwashing allows sebum, dead skin cells, product buildup and environmental grime to accumulate — leading to itchiness, dandruff, and follicle inflammation.
Hair type matters: oily scalps need more frequent cleansing; curly/dry hair benefits from less frequent shampooing and more conditioning.

Normal to oily hair: wash every 2–3 days.
Dry or curly hair: wash once a week or every 4–7 days, use co-washing (conditioning-only) between washes if needed.
Use sulfate-free shampoos and moisturising conditioners. Avoid daily hot-water washing.
Use scalp scrubs or clarifying shampoos once every 2–4 weeks to remove buildup (not more often).
Don’t brush aggressively when hair is wet; use a wide-tooth comb.

Earbuds: sit in warm, oily ear canals and gather bacteria and earwax — can cause ear infections and transfer bacteria to your ears and face.
Makeup brushes & sponges: collect sebum, dead skin cells, bacteria and mold; applying dirty brushes spreads microbes and leads to breakouts or eye infections.
Razors: trap hair and skin cells and stay moist — rust and bacterial growth raise infection risk.

Recurring acne or folliculitis, eye infections (from dirty mascara wands or brushes near the eye), ear infections, or skin infections from nicks.

Earbuds: wipe after every use with alcohol wipes; deep clean weekly and let dry. Replace foam tips periodically. Don’t share earbuds.
Makeup brushes: wash weekly with gentle brush cleanser or baby shampoo; dry flat. Beauty sponges should be washed after each use and replaced monthly.
Razors: rinse thoroughly after each use, let dry, replace blades frequently (every 5–10 shaves depending on use). Disinfect with alcohol if you store in humid bathrooms.

Hand hygiene: wash hands for 20 seconds with soap and water, or use 60–70% alcohol hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available. Key times: before eating, after bathroom, after public transports.
Bathroom ventilation: keep damp areas dry; use exhaust fans and open windows when possible to prevent mold.
Laundry: avoid fabric softener buildup on towels (reduces absorbency). Use hot cycles for bed linens when possible.
Sensitive skin: choose fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products; patch-test new skincare or household cleaners.
If recurrent issues persist (recurrent acne, fungal rashes, persistent ear or skin infections) — see a dermatologist or GP. Underlying conditions (hormonal imbalance, immune issues) may need medical treatment.