Stop Doing These Things!
As a species, humans have come pretty far in terms of hygiene. However, there are certain things we still fail to do, even though we know we should, especially when it comes to being clean. There are so many daily habits that are absolutely disgusting and unhealthy, but people do them anyways. Do you do these things?
1. The Phones
Plenty of people use their phones with no thought for the millions of germs they’re collecting. From using it in the bathroom to never cleaning the screen, to touching that very screen while eating! It’s as simple as wiping it down every few days.
2. Restaurant Condiments
Think of all the people who have handled those condiment bottles at the restaurant table, probably without washing their hands first, and now you’re handling the same bottles while eating your finger foods. Germs from those bottles are definitely getting all over your food.
3. Tortilla Etiquette
A lot of people do this unknowingly with tortillas. Putting it on the top of the open package exposes it to bacteria on your hands and the package. This is just as bad as setting it on the shelf at the store.
4. Bowling Alley Food
In the bowling alley, you’re already using your hands to handle the ball. But if you want to eat, you’ll be stuck with finger food like burgers or fries that require you to use your hands too. It’s pretty gross to wrap your fingers around a French fry after sticking them in a publicly used bowling ball.
5. Handling Cash With Gloves
Many people who use gloves to prepare food then handle contaminated cash without changing gloves. This allows the transfer of the microbes found on the cash to directly contaminate food. What’s the point of wearing gloves then?
Morgan Vander Hart on Unsplash
6. Turning Pages
There’s also a habit of licking the tip of your finger when flipping through pages in a book or counting something. The saliva and germs are passed on to a surface that many other people will touch. This is a pretty common habit which some might not realize.
7. Public Transport
Washing hands after using public transport is something many people neglect to do. Germs from frequently touched surfaces like handrails and seats end up on their hands. It's a widespread unhygienic practice that can contribute to the spread of bacteria and viruses.
8. Putting Away Dishes
Some people do not wash their hands when unloading clean dishes from the dishwasher. Germs from unwashed hands then end up on dishes you later eat off. So you’re defeating the purpose if you don’t sanitize yourself first.
9. Wash Their Bedding
Then there are people who just can’t find the time to wash their bedding regularly. This is a bad habit as it allows sweat, dead skin, and bacteria to build up. Sheets and pillowcases should be washed often to promote cleanliness and a healthy sleeping area.
10. Buffet Etiquette
Buffets are a breeding ground for a number of germs. People drop food and then put it back on the tray, pick up samples with their fingers, and sneeze on the buffet, among other unsanitary acts. Dirty hands repeatedly touching serving utensils also contributes to the problem.
11. Ice Machine
Ice machines are one of the most high-contact surfaces known to exist. Any hands that have been used in food, beverage, or contact with another surface can leave bacteria on the ice. Utilizing ice machine ice without precaution can lead to unintentional spreading of germs.
12. Not Washing Produce
A majority of people use unwashed food directly from the market. Dirt and germs from grocery workers' hands, shelves, and other people who handled them during transit can all end up on produce. Washing fruits and vegetables well before eating is important for proper hygiene.
13. Eating Without Cleaning Hands
Lots of folks eat food in public without first washing or sanitizing their hands. They touch dirty surfaces, like subway handrails, and then touch food with their bare hands. This widespread habit spreads germs and multiplies the risk of illness.
14. Touching Public Door Handles
Door handles are used by lots of people, many of whom have not washed their hands. This is why public door handles are a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Touching them could spread germs all over your hands, so maybe use your sleeve instead.
15. Coughing Into Your Hands
A lot of people cough into their hands as opposed to their arm or their shirt. When they do that, it transfers germs onto whatever they touch next. It's much easier for other people to catch the infection that way.
16. Putting Suitcases on Bed
People often leave their dirty suitcases on their beds. The suitcase leaves germs and dirt on the sheets and bedding, after all, think about all the dirt it picked up on its way. Probably better to leave it on the floor.
17. Blowing Out Birthday Candles
Blowing out candles on a cake can deposit saliva and germs all over the cake. Anyone who then eats the cake is at risk of being exposed to bacteria or viruses. Of course, it’s hard to argue with the tradition, but still.
18. Kissing Dogs
It is very common for people to kiss their dogs on their lips. This action can spread bacteria and germs from humans to pets and vice versa. Not to mention, dogs have many different microbes in their mouths that could make people sick.
19. Wearing Outside Clothes in Bed
Think about what you do all day, then when you get into bed, you still have the same clothes on. You’ve been wearing them to public places and probably in public restrooms too, adding more dirt and germs to your place. Simply changing clothes before bed and not wearing shoes on the bed makes it cleaner.
20. Washing Hands After Restroom
Then there are people who don't wash their hands when they leave the bathroom. They then spread bacteria and germs on the things they touch. Not to mention, it’s a pretty immature and gross thing to do.
