Updating your bath and shower routines can help protect your health.
Sure, most of us get into the bath or shower without thinking about it – but a few simple changes can make you less vulnerable to the potential nasties out there.
Cleaning your showerhead
If your showerhead looks like it belongs on Antiques Roadshow, you may have a problem.
Bacteria love growing inside showerheads. Ideally, they should be cleaned every month or two. For hard water areas, monthly is better than bi-monthly.
You can find showerhead cleaning tips online, depending on how well it currently performs. Alternatively, consider replacing a really old showerhead.
Overwashing
You don’t need to shower daily, although it depends on how sweaty you are – and Aussie summers are infamous.
One of the common showering habits best avoided? Washing your hair too much, stripping natural oils along with grime, and aggravating the scalp over time.
Overwashing dries your skin, more so if indulging in long, hot showers. Your skin has bacteria that work to defend you from infection, and you’re stripping that protection.
Time is up
Yes, long soaks feel great, but your skin pays the price. Dry skin is more prone to cracking, increasing infection risk. For this reason, hot showers are best shortened, with the temperature reduced to warm.
You want to be out of the shower at the 10 minute mark. For baths, set the time to 15 minutes, maximum.
What are you washing with?
Ageing skin can be prone to dryness and sensitivity. Your preferred body wash may need to change. Even ‘natural’ options with astringent ingredients can prove tough on skin.
Don’t be distracted by swanky packaging; the ingredient producing a lovely scent has the potential to irritate. Try for fragrance free.
You want a gentle option that also moisturises and softens. The inclusion of oils is a plus.
When it comes to common bath mistakes, accidentally drying out skin is up there. If your bubble bath is having this effect, consider a moisturising alternative.
Between your legs
Using soap on your vulva can increase risk of bacterial infection, so stick with warm water. Don’t douche your vagina, as the vagina is self-cleaning.
Wash your penis with warm water. Some like to also use a sensitive skin soap or wash as well, but discontinue use if irritation occurs, or switch to another option.
Those with a foreskin need to gently pull it back and wash underneath. When out of the shower, pull it back and dry underneath.
Keep the extras in mind
Shower curtain and bath mat bacteria are problems nobody needs.
If not cleaned regularly, bath mats and shower curtains can end up being bacterial breeding grounds. Washing your shower curtain once a month helps limit potential mould.
How often should bath mats be washed? It depends on the type of material, shower frequency, sunlight exposure and drainage.
Every few weeks is a good rule of thumb. Dry completely before returning it to the bathroom.
Shower utensils
Whether using a cloth, loofah, washcloth or shower brush, you’re still inviting bacteria to the party, mostly because many of us renege on regular cleaning of these items.
Like clothing, they require washing and proper drying, preferably once a week.
Note that a steamy bathroom doesn’t count as steam cleaning: the warmth and moisture simply offer an opportunity for bacterial growth.
Towel dry and moisturise
A towel should never be damp before you use it, so make sure it has a chance to dry between applications. Don’t exfoliate with your towel; pat your body dry instead.
Follow up with your moisturising routine. Apply immediately after a shower, while skin is still damp but not wet. This ensures the best possible hydration.
Towels should be washed at least once a week, as they have the potential to bring bacteria to the party. Don’t share them for the same reason. Towels are one way to pass on a virus.
Bathroom mistakes after your shower
Run the bathroom fan while you wash, and leave on for at least five to 10 minutes afterwards, reducing humidity that can encourage bacterial growth. Clean your fan once or twice a year.
If possible, let in sunlight, and air after your bath or shower.
What is your top bathing and showering tip? Do you do any of these bad showering habits? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also read: Hassle-free bathroom cleaning secrets
