Personal Hygiene
Table of Contents
Washing Yourself
Body
How often?
Many doctors say a daily shower is fine for most people. (More than that could start to cause skin problems.) But for many people, two to three times a week is enough and may be even better to maintain good health. It depends in part on your lifestyle.
What kind of body wash?
Baking soda can be used as a body scrub. Three parts baking soda and 1 part water will create a thick paste that you can massage over other parts of your body to exfoliate and soften the skin. Just like a salt scrub, baking soda is effective for buffing away rough patches on your elbows, knees and feet.
Do I need to hurry my shower? There's a lot of water on the planet, right?
Yes, try to conserve water when you shower to save both water and electricity.
Hair
What kind of hair cleanser?
Washing hair with baking soda can be a cost-efficient shampoo substitute.
What should I use for a conditioner?
Hands
How often?
You can help yourself and your loved ones stay healthy by washing your hands often, especially during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:
Before, during, and after preparing food
Before and after eating food
Before and after caring for someone at home who is sick with vomiting or diarrhea
Before and after treating a cut or wound
After using the toilet
After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
After handling pet food or pet treats
After touching garbage
How long?
Wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold), turn off the tap, and apply soap.
Lather your hands by rubbing them together with the soap. Lather the backs of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails.
Scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Need a timer? Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice.
Rinse your hands well under clean, running water.
Dry your hands using a clean towel or an air dryer.
Toilet Paper & Eco-Friendly Alternatives
Toilet paper is a fairly new invention which is responsible for serious deforestation in places like Canada. Even worse is that they often contain harmful chemicals from manufacturing and bleaching. Recycled toilet paper can also contain pollutants such as PFAS. Click the Toilet Paper button to learn which alternatives use the least water, and expose you to the least health risks.
Click here to go back to the Personal Care & Hygiene page for these and similar topics.