Let’s talk personal hygiene. You know those items you use and you just take for granted and use them for, well forever? Sometimes it’s just that we don’t think they need changing unless they are worn out. But there are actually stipulated durations in which we can safely and properly use some of these items so as to ensure their effectiveness as well as safeguard our health. Below are some of the things you should change without waiting for wear and tear.
TOOTHBRUSH
How often do you change your toothbrush? Do you even know how long you’ve been using the current one you’re using? According to The American Dental Association, we should change our toothbrush every three to four months. They also recommend that you change it when you are not feeling well or when you are sick. Why? Because the bristles don’t actually kill bacteria but protect you from disease and from getting sick. It is also advised since kids tend to brush more vigorously, their toothbrush should be changed even more often than adults. So don’t use that toothbrush till the bristles are frayed and bent, change them BEFORE they get that way.
SPONGES OR LOOFAHS
So a sponge is the meshy type that’s more commonly used in these parts. The loofah has a slightly different texture and feel to it. For the loofahs, it is recommended to change it every three to four weeks. Just throw it out! They easily harbor bacteria in their creases and during that period it loses some if not all of it’s exfoliating properties and is no good to anyone. For the sponges we use here, you should change it every six months. Be sure that with each use you give it a good run through water to ensure all soap residue is rinsed out.
This one is for the ladies. Taking care of our make-up brushes is very important. It is recommended that it is cleaned after every use but once a week would suffice. However, it is recommended that you change all brushes every one to five years depending on how often you use and clean them. Since this item is used directly on the skin, it is very important to adhere to cleaning tips as well as changing when due as dead skin and the like clings to them with each use. So take care of them well so they will in turn take care of your skin well.
Bet you didn’t know of this one, eh? It’s expected that with constant usage, toilet brushes will harbor bacteria. Once the bristles appear frayed or turned orange or yellow with constant use then it’s time for a new one. At this point it’s no longer doing the job it’s meant to do, it is basically a petri dish of bacteria at this point that can potentially spread to other areas of the bathroom.
Considering that one millimeter of hair follicle can hold up to 50,000 germs. Replacing them should be a given. The recommended duration is one to two years but that depends on usage and wear and tear so it’s left for you to judge personally. They can definitely last longer if you take good care of them. But keep the above mentioned fact in mind before you hang onto your favorite pink hair brush!
BATHING TOWELS
These can actually be used as long as you wish. As long as you keep multiple sets so you can rotate them. For usage, it is recommended to wash them after every three to four uses especially if you don’t air them out after using. Towels can now be replaced when they are frayed, torn and no longer absorbent.
These are just a few of the personal hygiene items we use. Do a mental check and gauge how long you’ve been using any of these items and decide which one need to be thrown out or cleaned properly.
