As we age, our bodies change, and body odor is one thing that can catch people off guard. Among the rest, the skin becomes thinner, hormones change, and even the way we sweat isn’t what it used to be. That can allow bacteria to take hold more readily, particularly in places tend to overlook. At the same time, the skin’s process of shedding dead cells slows down, so accumulation occurs more rapidly than it did in the past.

None of that means you’re dirty or doing something wrong. Usually it’s just everyday habits that haven’t changed, even as your body has. With a few simple changes and a softer approach to daily care, most people can experience a sense of freshness and comfort without having to do much.

Below are 8 bathroom habits that can worsen odor without you even realizing it.

1. Using too much soap in the intimate area

When it comes to intimate care, less is more. So what does that mean? The skin in intimate area is more sensitive than most people realize, and that part of the body maintains its own natural balance. That said, products like scented soaps, internal washes, or frequent use of perfumed wipes can easily throw off that natural balance and cause irritation or odor instead of preventing it.

In most cases, all that’s needed is warm water or a mild, fragrance-free cleanser on the outside only, followed by gentle drying.

2. Reusing the same bath towel too often

Your towel can seem clean even when it isn’t because it absorbs moisture, sweat, and tiny bits of skin, and in a damp bathroom that buildup gives bacteria and fungus a chance to grow. When you use the towel again, all of that goes straight back onto your skin. To reduce the risk, don’t reuse towels too many times, make sure they’re spread out so they dry fully, keep the bathroom aired out, and wash towels regularly, letting them dry completely before the next use.

3. Neglecting foot care

A lot of people neglect taking proper care of their feet, and truth is that feet are trapped for hours in socks and shoes, so sweat and dead skin don’t really get a chance to escape. That’s how odor, itching, and scaly patches can eventually develop.

The good thing is that just a few simple habits help with this issue. You need to clean your feet every day with warm water and gentle soap, and don’t forget to clean between your toes. Put on the sock after drying them. If you’re in closed shoes most days, an antifungal powder can be useful. Also, exfoliating once a week helps with thick skin.

It’s best to change your socks daily and use ones made from natural materials.

4. Flushing the toilet with the lid open

When you flush the toilet with the lid open, tiny invisible particles are released into the air and settle on the things you keep nearby such as your towels and your toothbrush. It’s simple. Close the lid before flushing the toile and keep your bathroom clean.

5. Wearing the same underwear to bed

Underwear absorbs sweat, natural discharge, tiny traces of urine, and dead skin even if you don’t do much throughout the day and believe you don’t sweat. That it why it is advisable to change your underwear before going to bed. Also, tend to choose underwear made of cotton and other natural materials that let the skin breath. You can even avoid wearing any underwear some nights and just put on a loose nightgown on.

6. Forgetting to clean the bathroom trash can

The bathroom bin holds used pads, tissues, and other used hygiene items that can cause odor if left there longer. The thing is that that odor build gradually and is sometimes hard to notice. What you should do is empty it regularly and wash it with soap or a vinegar-and-water mix once a week. Also, you can prevent the odor by placing a cotton ball with a drop of essential oil at the bottom.

7. Wearing the same bathrobe without washing

Just like towels, bathrobes also absorb moisture, sweat, and dead skin. In order to avoid this, make sure you wash your bathrobe weekly and hang it open in a ventilated spot. You can also let it sit in the sun every now and then.

8. Not rinsing armpits well after shaving

When you shave you don’t only get rid of hair but also dead skin, deodorant residue, and bacteria. So, if you don’t clean the armpit area thoroughly after shaving, you risk applying deodorant on a leftover buildup which can easily cause irritation and strange odor.