Goal 3: Good Health and Well-being

Personal Hygiene: The Best Way To Protect Yourself

Practising good hygiene habits benefits you and the people around you. Here’s our top tips on how to protect yourself

By Jessica Jurkschat
14 July 2022

We come into contact with millions of germs and viruses every. single. day. They can linger on your body, and in some cases, they may make you sick. The body performs better when it is clean and healthy. Personal hygiene practices can help you, those you love, and everyone else, prevent illnesses. Beyond that, they can also help you feel good about your appearance. From clean skin and good oral health, to taking care of your hair, ears, hands and feet, these are our top tips to practice good hygiene, and how you can change your habits to make yourself feel and look better.

Dettol has helped families all over the world fight germs and bacteria for more than 80 years. It's on a mission From products and education, to expertise in disinfection, hygiene and first aid, the brand has stayed at the forefront of consumer hygiene by developing new ways to protect people against germs.

Visit the Dettol website for more expert advice.

Wash your hands.

We all know that washing your hands properly is one of the most effective ways to fight the spread of bacteria and other germs. We should be washing our hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after eating food, and after going to the bathroom, handling garbage, coughing or sneezing. And if there’s no hand soap available, a hand sanitiser will help kill certain germs on the skin.

Brush your teeth.

And don’t forget to floss! Brush your teeth twice a day, including just before you go to bed, to help remove the bacteria that can lead to dental decay and bad breath. Make sure you swap out your toothbrush every three months, too. If you use your brush for much longer than that, the bristles will start to become frayed and worn, and won't be as effective at clearing away plaque.

Trim your nails.

Keeping your nails short and clean not only makes you look well-groomed and tidy, but will also help to prevent dirt and germs remaining beneath your nails after washing your hands. Plus, if your nails are long, you’re more likely to bite or pick at them, which can also cause infections and painful hangnails.

Wash your clothes.

Stating the obvious here but your pants and socks should be changed daily and washed regularly. Humans shed about 500 million skin cells every single day, and we’re constantly oozing skin oils and secreting sweat onto everything we’re wearing, which just so happen to be the perfect ground for them.

Take a shower.

Showering or bathing using an antimicrobial product will help remove all the germs that cause body odour and infections. And if you’ve just done a workout, make sure to jump in the shower for a quick rinse. Not only is it good for your muscles, but it’ll prevent sweat and natural oils from leading to acne breakouts.

Sharing is not always caring.

In most cases, sharing is caring, but one of the most important personal hygiene rules is to avoid sharing personal care items, such as toothbrushes, razors and makeup. These items can spread infections and lead to breakouts and skin irritation.