The application of good hygiene does not only mean looking good. Good hygiene is one of the keys to a healthy lifestyle. By taking care of the body regularly, diseases can be prevented and the body smells and feels cleaner without spending a lot of time or using expensive products. Keep reading to learn about simple habits and hygiene behaviors that can keep you clean every day.
Step
Method 1 of 4: Maintaining Dental and Oral Hygiene
Step 1. Brush your teeth twice a day
Even in a hurry, brushing your teeth removes food debris, bacteria, and stains that can cause problems if left untreated. Brush your teeth for at least 2 minutes, 2 times per day, once in the morning and once before going to bed at night.
- If you travel a lot, keep a travel toothbrush in your bag so you can brush your teeth in the bathroom at work.
- Thoroughly clean the front, back, and tops of all teeth, especially the molars.
Step 2. Floss at least once every day
Dentists don't brag when they say that flossing is one of the most neglected hygiene practices in America. Using dental floss regularly can clean the parts of the teeth that are not reached by a toothbrush and stimulate healthy gum growth.
- Clean between your teeth and the area along the gum line with a piece of dental floss. Press the thread with your finger.
- Talk to your orthodontist about flossing if you have braces.
- Don't forget to clean between the back teeth too. Use dental floss to clean all sides of the molars.
- Mouthwash does not remove food debris and plaque and is not a substitute for floss.
Step 3. Check with the dentist regularly
Although healthy adults don't need to see a dentist every 6 months, consult a dentist about regular checkups for children and people with dental/mouth problems. Keep an eye on the condition of your teeth, be aware of any changes or worrisome pain, and undergo professional dental and oral cleaning procedures performed by a dentist at least once per year.
Smokers, diabetics, and people who have had cavities should see the dentist twice per year or more often
Method 2 of 4: Adopting Good Bathing Habits
Step 1. Take a bath or shower at least once every two days
Bathing removes oil, dirt, dead skin cells, and bacteria that build up on a daily basis. Bathing is also an important part of implementing hygiene. Bathing regularly is the most important habit to keep hair and skin clean.
- If you can't take a shower, use a washcloth and water to clean your skin of dirt and other irritating substances.
- However, bathing too often is also not good for the skin. Bathing once a day is enough.
Step 2. Take a short bath with warm water instead of long with hot water
Long showers not only waste water and electricity, they can also cause clogged pores and dry skin. Hot temperatures are also not good for hair. You only need a short shower to maintain healthy skin.
Step 3. Scrub the body properly
Scrub the whole body with soap and a loofah, sponge, or washcloth to remove dirt and dead skin cells. This method allows new skin cells to grow, while also preventing excess bacteria and infection.
- Clean all parts of the body, including the soles of the feet, buttocks, genital area, and back.
- Stand in a cold shower for 10-20 seconds before you finish bathing to close the skin pores and prevent sweating after bathing.
Step 4. Don't wash your hair with shampoo every day, unless your hair is very oily
Shampoo not only removes dirt and oil, but also hair's natural oils which are essential for hair hygiene and health. There are many skin specialists who claim that using shampoo every few days is healthier for hair than every day.
- When washing your hair, gently scratch your scalp with your fingers to remove dead skin cells.
- Always use conditioner after shampoo to restore healthy oils to your hair.
Method 3 of 4: Keeping the House Clean
Step 1. Wash your hands regularly
Most food-borne diseases are caused by human contamination, especially from dirty hands. Protect yourself and others by washing your hands for 20 seconds with soap and warm water after using the toilet or going outside and before touching food.
If you can, cover the faucet with your elbow to prevent re-contamination of your hands
Step 2. Clean the furniture regularly with disinfectant
Bacteria multiply very quickly in the kitchen and bathroom. So, prevent it by cleaning the kitchen table, sink, and toilet every time it gets dirty. Do not leave crumbs or food in the kitchen so as not to invite ants and germs.
- Clean bathrooms and kitchens with a spray disinfectant every few weeks.
- Dry the furniture after cleaning so it doesn't grow mold.
- Smoke or disinfect window blinds and furniture at least once a year.
Step 3. Clean and tidy up the utensils in the kitchen
Use different pots, cutting boards, and knives to cook raw meat. Wash cooking utensils as soon as possible to prevent mold and germs from growing.
Set certain cookware as “meat only” so you don't get confused while cooking
Step 4. Open the window whenever you can
Fresh air circulation in the house is good for the lungs and prevents the accumulation of bacteria in the air. If you can't keep windows open for too long, for example in winter, use an aerosol spray and disinfectant if your house smells musty.
Step 5. Wash the sheets every few weeks
Oil can build up on the sheets and cause breakouts and irritation. Dead skin cells, dirt from the feet and body, and insects can also accumulate on the sheets if not washed. Sheets should not be used for more than 2 weeks.
Having a spare sheet to use while the other sheet is being washed allows you to change sheets regularly
Step 6. Limit sick family members
Clean all objects used by the person. When a family member is sick, other members are likely to get sick too if adequate precautions are not taken. People who are sick should confine themselves to a small area in the house so that germs do not spread. In addition, sick people should use separate cutlery, towels, and sinks that are regularly cleaned with disinfectant.
- Clean the wound and change the bandage daily (dress the wound properly).
- Immediately disinfect common household furniture, such as light switches, telephones, and doorknobs, when a family member becomes sick. Many diseases take several days before showing symptoms. However, germs may have been present even before the person got sick.
Method 4 of 4: Implementing a Clean and Healthy Lifestyle
Step 1. Always wear clean clothes and underwear
Dirty clothes are a breeding ground for bacteria, as well as smell and feel uncomfortable when worn. Wash clothes after wearing. Never wear wet clothes, due to liquid or sweat.
- Tight clothes get dirty more easily and trap sweat.
- Take off tight or sweaty clothing as soon as possible after exercising to avoid getting dirty.
- UV rays from the sun are powerful disinfectants that can kill a wide variety of germs and bacteria.
Step 2. Drink enough water
Drink at least 2 liters of water per day to improve the health of the immune system. In addition, drinking enough water is an important part of good hygiene and can help maintain healthy skin and mouth.
Bring your own water bottle to work. Make sure you wash the bottle regularly
Step 3. Keep hands and nails clean
Remove dirt on the nails. Cut and trim nails. Hangnails and cuts in the cuticle area are major places for dirt and infection to build up.
Step 4. Maintain cleanliness during menstruation
Change tampons regularly and wear clean underwear. Menstruation is not unhygienic. However, you should take care of yourself and keep your genital area clean so you don't get an infection or rash. Provide spare underwear and tampons to keep them comfortable and clean throughout the day.
Some women find menstrual cups more comfortable and practical and provide health benefits than tampons
Step 5. Have regular checkups
Consult a doctor if you experience strange symptoms or unexpected changes. Maintaining health is the best action to stay hygienic. So schedule regular consultations with your doctor to address any problems, if any, and get advice on how to stay happy, healthy, and hygienic.
If you have difficulty implementing hygiene, ask your doctor for advice that is appropriate for your condition
Tips
- Exercise every week to keep the body healthy and hygienic.
- Getting used to applying hygiene from now on makes it easier for you to continue these habits in the future.
