Personal hygiene : Simple things that to keep you from getting sick 

Last Updated on April 2, 2026 by Grace Oluchi

Good personal hygiene is one of the simplest, most effective things you can do to protect your health. It prevents skin infections, stops germs from spreading, reduces your risk of illness, and protects the people around you.

But there is something that really matters, and it’s one connection most people have never been told about.

Way to practice personal hygiene 

Wash your hands properly

Handwashing is own of the best ways to practice personal hygiene, and prevent germs from spreading. But, a lot of people don’t wash their hands frequently

Wash your hands:

• When you get back home, even if you just went to your neighbors. 
• After using the restroom.
• Before eating or preparing meals.
• After touching animals or their poop or pee.
• Before you come in contact with someone sick and after.

Don’t just use water, use soap too. Make sure you scrub every part of your hands including,

• The back of your hands 
• Between your fingers 
• And under your nails 

Take your time, don’t rush, count 20 seconds, before you rinse. You can use a sanitizer, when you’re out and about, like at the mall or store. Make sure it has at least 60 percent alcohol in it. It might seem like a simple step, but it can make a huge difference in your health. 

Shower or bathe regularly

Regularly showering or bathing removes dirt, sweat, and dead skin cells. Which can help keep your body clean, prevent body odor, and reduce your risks of developing skin infections. Keeping your body clean is great for your physical and mental health. 

Use a good soap and sponge, reach areas of your body that would usually get sweaty like your armpits and groins

As a girl, make sure you clean underneath your boobs, especially if you have bigger ones. Try make sure you properly dry it properly.

Oral Hygiene And Why It Goes Beyond Your Teeth

Brush at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. Floss daily to remove plaque from between teeth. Scrub the tongue gently. Visit a dentist regularly for check-ups and cleans. After brushing, spit out the toothpaste but do not rinse with water, the residual fluoride continues working on your enamel.

Research shows that the bacteria responsible for gum disease (periodontitis) can enter the bloodstream through inflamed gum tissue, where they contribute to arterial inflammation and have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease and stroke.

For people with diabetes, poor oral health worsens blood sugar control, creating a two-way relationship where each condition makes the other harder to manage.

Looking after your gums is not just about fresh breath. It is a way to care for your heart, and metabolic health. Though brushing your mouth takes a little time, not doing so properly may cause a whole lot of health issues in your body.

Always clean your towels and wash cloths 

Regularly ways your towels and washcloths to prevent germs from spreading.

• Use a  clean towel to dry your body after showering or bathing.
• Don’t share them with anyone else. 

It’ll help you avoid getting skin infections and other skin issues. 

Personal hygiene also matters in your feet

It’s important that you practice good foot hygiene because your feet can be a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. Which can lead to infections and smelly feet.

You can practice foot care by:

• Washing your feet daily with a good soap and water 
• Dry your feet well, especially between your toes
• Wear clean shoes and socks 
• Wash your slippers too

Taking care of your feet can prevent fungal infections like athlete’s foot and keep them fresh, and healthy. 

If it’s within your budget, you could also get your pedicure done, it also helps. 

Care for your hair 

Make sure you wash your hair regularly to take out the oil and dirt. Because the hair can smell really badly. The amount of times you wash it depends on your hair type. But, generally, washing it every other day of every few days should be okay. 

Clean your nails

Both your finger nails and toe nails should be cleaned trimmed and cleaned regularly. It’ll prevent bacteria and dirt from growing under your nails, which can lead to infection. 

Stay in a clean environment 

It is very important to stay in a clean environment.

Clean and disinfect places like,

• Doorknobs 
• Light switches 
• Countertops 
• Car
• Bathroom and toilet 

Dust tables, TV, laptops, phones, and other things you have at home. Wash your bedsheets and towels regularly 

And keep your house tidy, and clutter-free.  Also, get rid of rodents in your house, they’re not safe for you or anyone else in the house. 

Coughing and Sneezing Etiquette

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing. Dispose of tissues immediately and wash your hands afterwards. This one habit alone prevents enormous amounts of airborne infection from spreading.

Trying to smell good is also part of personal hygiene 

Use deodorant like:

• Body sprays 
• Bod mists 
• Perfumes 

To smell good. You don’t even need to buy luxury products, there are many affordable options you can buy. So, just buy what you can afford. So long as it smells good, it’s fine. 

Practice menstrual care 

For the girlies, don’t wear one pad for the whole dayIt’s bad, and not healthy for you.

• Change your pads or tampons regularly.
• Use clean parties when you’re on your period.
• Wear clean panties every day (period or no period). 
• Always wear clean bras.

Other ways to practice personal hygiene 

Don’t share personal items like:

• Razor blades 
• Towels
• Toothbrushes
• Nail cuticle removals

Regularly do some laundry:

• Wash your clothes 
• Socks 
• Pillow covers
• Couch covers
• Kitchen napkins 

Good personal hygiene is important for everyone, because following these steps can reduce your risk of getting sick. And, protecting the people around you.