The 5 Body Parts You Keep Forgetting To Clean (And How Often You Should Clean Them)

kevin laminto on Unsplash" />Us Brits are a squeaky-clean bunch, with 49% of us showering every single day, according to a YouGov poll from 2024.However, hygiene experts at Superdrug are warning that even when we’re taking regular showers, many of us aren’t properly washing key areas of the body that are crucial for overall health.These areas could be harbouring bacteria, bad odours or even lead to infections if neglected... Eek.Niamh McMillan, Superdrug’s Pharmacy Superintendent, commented: “It’s easy to assume that a quick shower or face wash is enough to maintain good hygiene standards.“However, there are several areas that require more attention and a little extra care can go a long way in preventing common health issues such as bad breath, skin irritations or fungal infections.”The 5 areas of your body you need to pay close attention to1. TongueMcMillan said: “While brushing teeth is a daily habit for most, the tongue is often left out of the routine. However, it shouldn’t be forgotten as the tongue harbours a large amount of bacteria that can lead to bad breath and even affect taste.“Use a tongue scraper or gently brush your tongue once a day, ideally in the morning, to significantly improve oral hygiene and reduce odour-causing buildup.” Noted. 2. Ears“Earbuds and wireless earphones, such as AirPods, can harbour bacteria and cause earwax build-up,” the expert continued.She recommended cleaning earphones regularly with a dry, soft cloth; avoiding using any liquid that might seep into the internal components. For thorough cleaning, gently use a cotton swab to remove wax from the earbud mesh, she suggested.Remember, you should never use cotton buds inside your ears – and when applying sunscreen, don’t neglect behind your ears.3, Belly button Personally, belly button fluff and debris is my worst nightmare so I clean it constantly. However, according to McMillan, you only need to give it a good clean once or twice a week.She said: “Whether your belly button is considered an ‘innie’ or an ‘outie’, the navel is a hidden pocket that can trap sweat, dead skin, lint, and bacteria.“Cleaning it once or twice a week is generally enough. Use a cotton bud dipped in warm water or a mild cleanser to gently remove buildup. Never scrub harshly, as the skin is sensitive.”4. Under the nailsSince Covid, none of us have an excuse for not cleaning our hands thoroughly and regularly, but McMillan warned we’re probably not cleaning under our nails enough.She said: “Hands may be washed regularly, but the space under the nails is often missed, harbouring dirt, food and germs.“You should clean under your nails whenever you wash your hands, especially after cooking, gardening, or using public transport. A nail brush can gently lift debris and help keep your hands truly clean.”5. Back of the neck and hairlineThe health expert explained: “Sweat, oil and product residue often collect along the hairline and at the nape of the neck. If left uncleaned, this can clog pores or lead to breakouts. “It’s best to pay attention to this area every time you shower, ensuring you rinse thoroughly and occasionally exfoliate to prevent buildup.”Yikes.Watch out for these areas, tooOther “often-overlooked areas” that require frequent washing, according to McMillan, include the soles of the feet, behind the knees, and even personal care items like reusable water bottles, hairbrushes, and loofahs.“These should be cleaned or replaced regularly to prevent reintroducing bacteria to the body,” she added. Brb, need to give my water bottle a good scrub.Related...Just 20 Minutes Of This Hobby Could Reset Your Mind, Body, And HormonesThe 1 Hairstyle That Can Wreck Your Body, According To ChiropractorsFrom Skin To Sleep, This Is How Stress Impacts The Body By Age

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