Explore the unnoticed “gross” habits we carry for years until an eye-opening encounter. Users share their “aha” moments in a social media thread, unveiling habits reconsidered for their ick factor.
Featured Image Credit: Pexels.
#1 Chomping on Grocery Store Ice
“When I was like 5 or 6 years old, I would love going to the grocery store with my mom because the vegetable and fruit and meat tables always had the best ice to chew on…”
As a kid, chewing on the ice from the grocery store’s displays seemed like a refreshing treat. However, as one user noted, those ice cubes might not be as pristine as they appear. It turns out that store ice can collect all sorts of dirt and germs from shopping carts and customers’ hands. It’s the kind of “cool” treat we can probably do without.
#2 The Toothbrush Towel Trick
“All my life, I wiped my toothbrush on the hand towel to dry it up until my sister asked what the heck I was doing.”
Drying your toothbrush on a hand towel might feel like a clever move to save time and space. However, towels means they can harbor a variety of bacteria, not exactly what you want on your toothbrush. So, it’s a lesson in dental hygiene — it’s better to let your toothbrush air dry.
#3 Sandbox Surprises
“As a child, I would dig up bits of clay from the local sandbox. Maybe I didn’t have a very good sense of smell at that age, because I was well into adulthood before I realized it was probably cat s***.”
Childhood curiosity often leads to unexpected discoveries. One user’s clay excavations took a surprising turn when they realized the “play-dough” in the sandbox might have been something far less appetizing. Cat poop in the sandbox is a reminder to inspect your play materials before digging in.
#4 Neglecting the Area Behind Ears
“Not washing behind ears.”
Washing your face seems straightforward, but do you always remember to clean behind your ears? The often-neglected area can be a breeding ground for sweat and grime. So, add “behind the ears” to your checklist; cleanliness is all about covering all angles.
#5 The Dirty Tub Dilemma
“Showered in a dirty tub. Once I discovered how gross it really was, my hoarder mother didn’t like it when I cleaned the bathroom, so I just lived with it till I was able to get a place.”
Some users found themselves showering in less-than-pristine conditions, simply because cleaning the bathroom wasn’t an option. Living with a dirty tub is a reality for many, but it’s a reminder that self-care extends to our surroundings. And, a clean bathroom is a sanctuary.
#6 Funky Towels
“Wait until a towel smelled weird to swap it out.”
Delaying the switch to fresh towels until the old ones smelled weird is a common habit. However, towels are like sponges, soaking up moisture and inviting bacteria to the party. To maintain a smell-free lifestyle, regular laundry days are essential.
#7 The Nail-Biting Truth
“Chewing on fingernails. Haven’t done it in decades, but once upon a time…”
Nail-biting may have been a pastime for many, but your fingers are often in contact with various surfaces and germs. So, consider this your friendly reminder to keep your digits out of your mouth. It’s time to kick the nail-biting habit to the curb.
#8 The Secret Nose Pick
“I pick my nose (privately then wash my hands). I just can’t deal with a clogged nose, and my fingers work better than a tissue ever could.”
Nose-picking might offer relief, but it’s not the most hygienic practice. A tissue might be more socially acceptable, and hand-washing afterward is a must. Remember, the goal is to keep those boogers contained.
#9 The Tampon Taboo
“I flushed my tampons my whole life until I was about 30. No one had taught me they weren’t flushable. I stupidly thought they were like toilet paper.”
Flushing tampons might seem logical, but these products don’t disintegrate like toilet paper. They can clog pipes and sewers, leading to costly and messy plumbing issues. It’s time to switch to the trash bin for used tampons, a much cleaner alternative.
#10 The Morning Brush-Off
“Not brushing my teeth when I wake up. I would only brush my teeth after breakfast, and I would rarely eat breakfast.”
Skipping morning tooth-brushing might seem harmless, but it allows bacteria to party in your mouth. The bacteria in your mouth feast on food remnants and leave behind not-so-pleasant odors. So, adding morning dental hygiene to your routine keeps your breath fresh all day.
#11 Fresh Clothing Fallacy
“Not washing newly purchased clothing items.”
New clothes might look pristine, but manufacturing residues, handling, and storage can leave them less-than-fresh. It’s always a good idea to wash newly purchased clothing items before wearing them to ensure they’re as clean as they appear.
#12 Earring Multitasking
“I use my earring to scrape out the muck from under my nails, then put the earring back in my ear.”
Using an earring for a nail-cleaning session might seem efficient, but it’s essential to keep your personal hygiene tools separate. Bacteria from fingernails can cause a nasty earlobe infection. What goes in your ear should stay in your ear. A dedicated nail-cleaning tool is a better choice for maintaining healthy nails.
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