The 5 items in your bathroom cabinet that could trigger nasty infections and illnesses
WE’VE all got products and gadgets in our bathroom that we use every single day. But experts have warned that using some of them for too long could be making you unwell. Keeping your bathroom clean is key as it can be a real breeding ground for bacteria. After all, it’s where you wash the […]
WE’VE all got products and gadgets in our bathroom that we use every single day.
But experts have warned that using some of them for too long could be making you unwell.
Keeping your bathroom clean is key as it can be a real breeding ground for bacteria.
After all, it’s where you wash the dirt of the day off, brush your teeth and for most people who don’t have the luxury of a separate toilet, it’s also where you urinate and pass bowel movements.
Even if your bathroom is sparkly clean from floor to ceiling, there are still some items you should be replacing on a regular basis.
1. TOOTHBRUSH
You should change your toothbrush – or toothbrush head if you have an electric one – every three months, and don’t share.
Studies have shown that toothbrushes that have been used for longer than three or four months are less effective at removing plaque because bristles start to splay.
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Bacteria and viruses such as Hepatitis B and C can be spread by sharing toothbrushes.
Speaking to The Sun, dental hygienist and Colgate ambassador Hannah Young said you should consider getting a new toothbrush sooner than every three months if you’ve been sick, especially if the toothbrush is stored close to other toothbrushes.
This includes if you have had a virus, such as Covid-19.
Brushing with damaged bristles can mean you’re not reaching those important areas which leave you with plaque accumulation and risk of cavities and gum problems,” says Hannah.
“It is also important that we replace our toothbrush after a cold, cough, or fever as the germs can live on toothbrush bristles and a moist environment is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.
“It’s an easy and inexpensive step to take that will help look after both our mouth health and overall health.”
2. HAIR BRUSH
How many hair brushes do you have that look a bit worse for wear?
Experts say you could actually be brushing dirt into your hair if you don’t take care of them.
Avoid this by washing your brushes in hot soapy water weekly, and replace them when bristles show signs of damage.
According to the Food and Drink Federation, a 1mm hair follicle can harbour 50,000 germs, and your hairbrush can contribute.
“Brushes collect residues of hair products like mousse or spray, which can become sticky and attract dirt,” says Marilyn Sherlock, of the Institute of Trichologists.
Speaking to The Sun, trichologist from Nizoral, Stephanie Sey said: “Within the brush, old sebum, bacteria and shed hair will all build up.
“By continuing to use this on the hair without washing it regularly, you are adding this back to your hair and scalp creating a great environment for dandruff, causing fungus to grow.
“In terms of replacing the brush, give your brush a good inspection – it is likely that some bristles have bent out of shape and worn out, this will snag the hair and cause split ends and general mechanical damage.”
3. RAZOR BLADE
With so much going on in our everyday lives, we can easily neglect the small stuff.
If your razor blade is starting to look a bit rusty though, you should take notice.
In fact, the recommendation is you should change your blade after every two to three shaves.
This is because friction between the skin and razor can cause rashes, says Harley Street dermatologist Dr Christopher Rowland-Payne.
Dull blades can clog up with dead skin, which may cause nicks, in-growing hairs and further irritation.
It’s important for men to change their razor blades frequently because skin on the face is so sensitive – women can get away with using them a little longer.
4. SPONGES AND BATH PUFFS
That fluffy sponge you have works tirelessly at getting rid of all the grime that builds up during the day, so it’s no surprise it could also be harbouring some nasties.
Sponges harbour bacteria in their holes – more than one billion germs can grow in a damp sponge after one day of use.
For kitchen sponges in particular, the outlook is even more bleak.
University of Arizona scientists discovered most dishcloths and sponges used in home kitchens harboured large numbers of virulent bacteria including E coli and strains of Salmonella and Staphylococcus.
5. PILLS AND SUPPLEMENTS
Most products in your bathroom cabinet have a sell-by or use-by date – so it’s worth noting down when you open new supplements and check the shelf life, so you don’t take them once they’re out of date.
But one expert has warned that you should also check the label of any lotions, potions or supplements before ingesting them.
Speaking to The Sun, nutritionist Shona Wilkinson, DR VEGAN ambassador said: “On the back of your vitamins you’ll see a nutrition table and next to it a list of ingredients.
“Read the list of ingredients, often written as a paragraph and in small font.
“Many ingredients can’t be added to the nutrition table because they don’t provide any nutritional benefit.”
She explained that many supplements are harbouring nasties that could actually be bad for you.
Dr Shona said ingredients such as Titanium Dioxide are often in supplements and are also used in products such as household paints, coatings and plastics due to its powerful whitening qualities.
She added that Magnesium Stearate is also in lots of supplements and while it’s recognised as safe to consume, if you ingest too much it can have a laxative effect by irritating the mucosal lining of your bowels, causing your bowels to spasm and triggering a bowel movement or even diarrhoea.