Good hygiene is essential for both health and confidence, but with our hectic schedules, some habits can easily be overlooked. We all have our go-to tips—whether passed down from family, friends, or found online—but how many of them truly make a difference? From tackling body odor to preventing breakouts, people on Reddit have shared some surprisingly effective hygiene secrets that often go unnoticed.
These underrated tips might just be the missing piece to your daily routine. If you’re looking to improve your hygiene game, these simple, yet powerful tricks are worth trying. Incorporating them into your day-to-day life could leave you feeling fresher, healthier, and more confident.
Get Rid of Acne
“Years ago, I came across a Reddit comment suggesting that mangoes are great for acne. I decided to try it out, eating mangoes regularly, and after a few weeks, my skin cleared up. However, when I became inconsistent and stopped eating them regularly, the acne returned.
I’ve mentioned this tip to others, but no one seems to have heard of it. Still, it’s worked wonders for me, and I believe it’s worth trying if you’re looking for a natural remedy for acne.”
Effective Face Cleanse
When cleansing your face, spend at least 60 seconds gently massaging the cleanser into your skin. This will help remove excess sebum and clear out blackheads effectively. But remember, don’t scrub too hard – think of it like a gentle massage, not trying to remove a stubborn stain.
Also, here’s a personal hygiene tip: wash your private areas while in the shower. It might sound odd, but trust me, it makes a difference. Simply apply soap to your hands, clean up, and then wash your hands again. This ensures you’re staying fresh and avoiding unwanted stains, especially in places like medical settings. It’s a small change that can help keep things cleaner and more hygienic.
Sink Cleaning
When I first rented my apartment, it didn’t have a dishwasher, so I had to wash everything by hand. I set up a two-sink system: one side for soapy water and scrubbing, and the other for rinsing. I might have been a bit obsessive, but I find kitchen sinks, especially in apartments, kind of gross.
So, before every wash, I’d fill both sides with hot water and a bit of bleach, let it soak, then scrub everything down with a brush while the sinks were still full. After a few months, I could see clear, pearly white down the drain pipe. It was probably overkill, but that sink was the cleanest I’ve ever had!
Quick Clean
I use a small spray bottle from the dollar store to mix a 10% bleach solution, which I spritz onto the sink and let it sit for about 30 minutes. Since bleach solution is only effective for 24 hours, I mix just a few inches of it at a time—enough to spritz the sink and faucet handles.
When the weather’s nice, I pair this with my “open the windows for 30 minutes” trick to keep the house feeling fresh and avoid the bleach smell lingering. I also have a separate bottle for the bathroom, since I don’t want to cross-contaminate. The 10% bleach spritz is great for tackling toilet and bathroom sink odors between deeper cleanings.
Waxing Tip
I had a patient in the ER who was incontinent and had limited mobility in his lower body, and he swore by waxing from his bits all the way down to his feet. He said it made cleaning up so much easier.
While I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this for everyone, nor would I say it’s essential for any reason, if you’re someone who struggles with cleaning up after stool in thick body hair, it might be something worth considering as a potential option. It definitely worked for him and could make a difference for others in similar situations.
Xylitol Gum
Try chewing a piece of xylitol gum after each meal! If you’re not a fan of gum, you can simply buy some xylitol and dab it on your tongue after eating. Saliva plays a bigger role in mouth cleaning than many dental products, and it’s common practice in Europe to pop a piece of xylitol gum after meals.
Xylitol helps promote healthy saliva production and neutralizes the pH balance in your mouth, which is important since many people have acidic saliva that can damage gums over time. It’s a simple habit that can make a big difference for your oral health.
Small Cloths
Baby-sized washcloths are often more effective than regular ones. They’re easier to maneuver, especially around smaller areas like your ears, provide gentle exfoliation, and take up less space in the washing machine. They’re also handy for freshening up down there instead of using wipes.
Men, please keep your nails short for various practical reasons. Coconut oil or jojoba oil works great in the shower or bath. Apply it while your skin is still wet for better absorption, and be sure to give your feet some attention—but be cautious to avoid slipping!
Armpit Care
Use antibacterial soap on a washcloth to clean smelly armpits, then air dry them. After drying with a bath towel, use a terry cloth towel for extra drying, but make sure your armpits are fully air-dried before applying deodorant.
When choosing deodorant, it’s best to use a white one (avoid the wet types) and opt for a combination antiperspirant/deodorant. If other options don’t work, Certain Dri is effective, and prescription deodorants are also available if necessary.
Mouth Rinse
To tackle mild gingivitis, rinse your mouth with 1% hydrogen peroxide for a few seconds. Dip your floss pick into the peroxide (use a separate container like a shot glass), floss, rinse the pick with water, then dip it back into the peroxide and floss again.
Repeat until there’s no odor. Afterward, rinse your mouth with 1% hydrogen peroxide and follow with two rinses of water. Do this no more than once a week. You can also sanitize your toothbrush with 1% hydrogen peroxide. Lastly, always close the toilet lid when flushing to prevent bacteria from spreading.
Loofa Benefits
Every man should own a loofa (and I say this as a straight man). When I first moved in with a woman (before my wife), I had no idea what they were. I thought they were just pom poms or something. But they’re amazing. One day, I decided to grab one at the store on a whim.
I shower every day, but the first time I used it, it felt like I had never bathed before. My skin felt incredible—smooth and refreshed in a way I’d never experienced. If you haven’t tried it, you’re definitely missing out!
Microbiome Management
Cleaning yourself is more about managing the microbiome in different areas of your body than just using soap everywhere. Sometimes, hot water alone is enough to cleanse your skin. Various acids—such as vinegar, alpha, or salicylic—can be helpful in maintaining a balanced microbiome. The principle of “like dissolves like” applies here: oils and lotions can clean by removing dirt while also hydrating your skin.
However, different oils can affect your skin in different ways, with some potentially causing breakouts. Finding the right oils and skincare products for your unique skin type can be a process, but it’s worth experimenting to discover what works best for you.
Ear Care
Use a washcloth while bathing or showering to clean your ears, both inside and behind. When I worked at a retail jewelry store in college, I was tasked with piercing ears, but I couldn’t do it because I saw too many grimy ears with blackheads and pimples inside, which made me gag. People often don’t realize how much buildup gets trapped inside their ears.
Simply letting shampoo and water run over them isn’t enough to properly clean them. Using a washcloth ensures that you’re really getting into all the nooks and crannies for a thorough clean.
Daily Tips
So many helpful hygiene tips to improve your routine! Wash your bedding once a week, or at least aim to wash your pillowcases weekly if that’s more accessible. Keep small bottles of hand sanitizer in your car, bags, or at your desk, and use it before eating or touching your face. Adding hand sanitizer to your regular hand-washing routine has helped reduce the frequency of colds and viruses, especially while traveling.
Try glycolic acid soap for your underarms—lather and let it sit for a minute to reduce body odor by killing bacteria. Always remove shoes before entering the house, and apply a light layer of dry shampoo before bed to reduce oil buildup in your hair overnight.
Filtered Home
If you can, invest in a whole-house water filter and a filtered showerhead. It’s life-changing, especially if you have sensitive skin, and it helps keep your bath or shower cleaner. Be sure to change your towels regularly and use antibacterial laundry detergent—avoid bleach. Skip body scrubbers; an exfoliating body wash is a better option for gentle skin care.
Lastly, don’t forget to replace your toothbrush regularly for optimal oral hygiene. These small changes can make a big difference in your daily routine and overall cleanliness.
Hygienic Habits
Flip your mattress every few months to ensure even wear. Always wipe front to back for proper hygiene. Avoid hanging worn clothes back in your closet, as body odor and deodorant—no matter how minimal—can attract moths and other bugs.
Air out your doona and cushions regularly, and don’t forget to clean your dishwasher, washing machine, and dryer. Steam clean your couch, carpets, rugs, and floors to keep your living spaces fresh. Replace your toothbrush regularly and make sure to clean your hairbrush to maintain good hygiene. These simple habits can help keep your home cleaner and more comfortable.
Cooler Showers
If your bath towel starts smelling of sweat after just a day or two, try turning down the heat of the water when you shower. Hot water causes you to sweat more, and when you towel off afterward, most of that sweat is absorbed by the towel while the rest is spread across your body.
As the towel dries, the sweat can cause it to start smelling. Lowering the water temperature helps reduce excessive sweating, keeping both your body and towel fresher for longer.
Washing Private Parts
Many women make mistakes when it comes to washing their private parts, often due to self-consciousness or shame. Instead of using expensive scented products that can disrupt your body’s natural pH, stick to something simpler. Wash the area with warm water every day, even if you skip a full shower.
Avoid scented soaps, shower gels, or douches, as they can irritate the sensitive skin. If you prefer, you can use a mild soap that’s gentle and non-irritating, but it’s not necessary. And always remember to wash front to back to avoid spreading bacteria and maintain good hygiene.
Daily Rinse
Guys, showering every day is a game changer. It’s not just about washing off sweat—daily showers keep your skin clear and help prevent body odor. Trust me, hitting the shower every morning or after the gym makes a huge difference. You’ll feel more energized, your skin will thank you, and you’ll be ready to take on the day.
Plus, staying fresh and clean shows that you care about how you present yourself. It’s a small effort with a big payoff in both how you feel and how you’re perceived.
Smell Your Floss
Flossing is a crucial part of your daily oral hygiene routine, helping to remove food particles, plaque, and bacteria from your teeth and gums. To really see how effective it is, take a whiff of your floss after using it—you might be surprised by the odor.
This smell is a clear sign of how much work your floss is doing and may indicate that you need to step up your oral care. If you notice a persistent unpleasant smell while flossing, it’s a good idea to consult your dentist for advice and guidance.
Scent Awareness
You never smell the way you think you do. If you can smell your deodorant, perfume, cologne, or body odor, those around you can detect it 10 times more because you’re mostly nose-blind to your own scents. Seriously, shower more often and use less fragrance—just a little goes a long way. Overdoing it can be overwhelming.
And if you’re a smoker, the only real solution for the lingering smell is soaking in bleach for 15 minutes a day. It’s harsh, but effective in getting rid of that persistent scent. Keep it clean and fresh without overpowering fragrances!
Cologne Tips
3-5 spritzes of cologne is the sweet spot. One behind each ear, one on the nape of your neck, and if you’re heading to a formal event, two additional spritzes on the corners of your collar. On a casual day, 3 should be the max.
Fellas, if you have a larger build, opt for sweeter scents—especially if you have muscle mass, as it complements your more powerful appearance. For smaller-framed men, sharper, fresher scents work best, helping you stand out more. These are tips from someone who’s constantly getting complimented on their scent!
Proper Drying
Make sure to dry your clothes properly and promptly after washing. Don’t leave them in the washing machine for days before drying, and avoid leaving them in a cold room to dry for extended periods. Never put clothes away while still damp—this will cause them to develop a sour, unpleasant smell.
I often smell sour clothes while commuting to work, but the person wearing them probably thinks they smell clean since they just washed them. The reality is, they don’t—they stink. Proper drying is key to keeping clothes fresh and odor-free
Scrub Down
There’s a very inexpensive item that has rubbery spike-like things on one side and suction cups on the other. It can be used in two ways: First, stick it to the shower floor to stand on while showering, allowing you to clean your feet and toes easily. Second, stick it to the shower wall and use it to scrub your body.
It’s perfect for scrubbing between your toes and thoroughly cleaning the bottoms of your feet with soapy water, followed by clean water once you’re done. It’s especially useful for people with poor balance who need an easier way to clean.
Sock it to You
Merino wool socks were a game changer for me! My boyfriend suggested I try them because I was struggling with foot odor. He works long hours in a kitchen and cycles to work, so his feet really go through a lot during the day. But with Merino wool socks, I can kiss his feet the minute he walks in the door, and they don’t smell at all.
Trust me, spending a little extra on socks that will last and won’t ruin your shoes is worth it. I remember my mom buying hundreds of cheap socks from a discount store—10 cents each, so I wore those for years without realizing there were better options. They were cheap nylon and the heels were halfway up my calves. I’ll never forget the smell of the boots I had to throw away after years of wearing those socks!
Starting Somewhere
Something I learned while battling depression that really stuck with me was, “If you love yourself, always do the bare minimum” (paraphrasing, of course). When you’re feeling down and can’t bring yourself to shower, a wet towel and some baby powder can help. Can’t manage to brush your teeth for 3 minutes?
Just take a few seconds for a quick brush. Doing the bare minimum is so much better than doing nothing at all. It’s about taking small steps to care for yourself, even when it feels overwhelming. Every little effort counts.
Free the Toes
You can talk about socks and foot washing all you want, but the biggest thing is often overlooked—take your shoes off every chance you get. Don’t wear shoes in the house.
If your job allows it, wear shoes that you can easily slip on and off. People are cramming their feet into little leather or rubber ovens for 16 hours a day, so of course, they stink. If you wore gloves for 16 hours a day, your hands would stink too. Giving your feet a break and letting them air out can make a huge difference in keeping them fresh.
Flossing Follies
We keep several containers of floss around the house, so we can always floss, even when we’re too tired. They’re conveniently placed in spots like the TV table next to the couch. After dinner, while watching TV, we can floss without having to get up.
Just be careful not to yank the floss out too enthusiastically, or you might fling food particles across the room. As you floss, you can wipe them onto a tissue. And since tissues are always within reach in different areas of the house, it’s easy to clean up as you go.
Fresh Feet
A few simple hygiene habits can help solve most foot odor problems. If your feet stink, consider tossing out the shoes you regularly wear. Once that smell gets embedded, it’s hard to get rid of. Also, invest in new socks—14 pairs are ideal so you can wear a fresh pair every day between wash cycles. In the shower, towards the end, when your feet have been wet for a while, use your finger to gently rub between your toes.
You’ll feel some dead skin coming off. After the shower, use the file or pick on a nail clipper to clean under your big toenail. It may seem like extra effort, but it only takes a couple of minutes and becomes part of your regular routine.
Baby Steps
My personal tip for managing depression is to do at least one thing every day. When I’m in a really bad place, I often struggle with simple tasks like brushing my teeth. But just getting that one thing done can help you feel better. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed thinking you have to do everything—shower, skincare, brush teeth, maintain hair, laundry—but focusing on just one task each day will gradually build up to a solid routine.
I also apply this to housekeeping. Whether it’s tidying my room, washing dishes, cleaning the kitchen table, or wiping down the bathroom sink, doing one small task each day is enough. It’s about doing what you can, even if it’s just one thing, every day.
Alternative Methods
My boyfriend brushes his teeth with mouthwash. He pours some into the cap, dips his toothbrush in it, and brushes away. The last time he visited the dentist, the doctor seemed a little surprised when he didn’t have any cavities.
When my boyfriend mentioned his method, the dentist said he had never heard of it, but if it works to keep his teeth healthy, then it was fine. It’s an unconventional method, but it seems to be doing the trick for him!
Squeaky Clean
Clean the rubber garbage disposal guard in your sink—it can get really gross and start to stink. Simply pop it out and give it a good scrubbing. Once it’s back in place, you can clean the inside of the disposal to keep it smelling fresh.
Additionally, use a Clorox wipe to clean the inside of all your trash cans, including those in the kitchen, bathroom, and any other rooms. Germs and debris can build up, especially if a bag leaks. Then, take another wipe to clean the outside of the cans, ensuring they stay fresh and hygienic.
Nailed It
I keep a nail brush in the shower and scrub my nails thoroughly as part of my daily routine. The best part is that, with regular use, it naturally pushes my cuticles back. As someone who used to bite and pick at my nails, this has been a complete game changer. I no longer struggle with hangnails or cuticle skin that I’d constantly pick at.
It’s a simple habit that only takes a few seconds, but it’s made a huge difference in keeping my nails looking clean and healthy. Plus, it’s a great way to care for your hands without needing to invest a lot of time or products. This small addition to my routine has truly improved my nail care.
Carry On
While it might not be strictly hygiene, a simple habit that helps keep your house tidy is never walking empty-handed. For example, if you’re at the dinner table and get up for a drink or a trip to the bathroom, take your plate and cutlery to the counter.
This goes for anything that needs to be moved—snack wrappers, glasses, cups, etc. It requires almost no extra effort and is an easy habit to develop. By doing this, you’ll prevent the buildup of clutter and trash that can seem overwhelming. Your house will be easier to clean, and it’ll be better for your peace of mind.
Rinse Repeat
I always thought the whole “shampoo twice” thing was unnecessary, but recently I decided to try using the same amount of shampoo over two rinses, and it made a huge difference. I definitely recommend it. Another tip is that most shampoos need to be emulsified.
Wet your hands first, apply shampoo to your palm, and rub it together before applying to your scalp. If your shampoo is clear or translucent, you should notice it turning more opaque. I used to just apply the shampoo directly from the bottle to my scalp, but this extra step has really improved how clean and refreshed my hair feels.
Stone Cold
I’ve found that using an alum stone on my pits and letting it dry before applying deodorant really helps the deodorant last all day. Before, when I was just using deodorant, it would often wear off by the end of the workday. Plus, alum stones are excellent for post-shave care.
They stop any bleeding from nicks and help alleviate razor bumps and razor burn. It’s a simple addition to your routine that makes a big difference in both keeping you fresh and soothing your skin after shaving.
Switch Up
If you’re struggling with shoulder acne, try changing your shirt before bed. I used to shower every day, but then I’d keep the same t-shirt on and sleep in it. Once I started changing into a fresh shirt in the evening and sleeping in a different one, my shoulder acne cleared up.
Wearing the same shirt on your shoulders for 24 hours straight isn’t ideal. Fresh, clean clothing at night helps reduce the buildup of sweat and bacteria, which can contribute to acne. It’s a simple habit that can make a big difference in your skin’s health.
Taking Turns
If you have the space, one trick I use is to keep two towels on separate hooks and alternate between them. Each towel gets a few uses, but with a full extra day in between to dry off properly instead of being used every day. I wash them on the weekend, so each towel gets 3-4 uses with alternating days.
Since I started this, I haven’t had a towel smell even a hint of funk. It gives the towels enough time to fully dry out, preventing that musty odor from building up. It’s a simple but effective way to keep towels fresh longer.
