Super Hygiene Hacks From Days Gone By! Myths vs Facts

There are a lot of hygiene hacks that we swear by, without even knowing if they work at all or not. If you look closely, you will find that there is plenty of misinformation out there. There are numerous hygiene myths surrounding personal cleanliness that are completely baseless. So it's time we stop believing them and let the facts do all the talking. 

Shower Power 

Myth: Taking more baths will keep you clean and fresh. 

Fact: Taking a bath regularly is a healthy habit, as it encourages cleanliness. But don't rush to the shower 5 times a day! Bathing too frequently can be detrimental to your health and your skin. With too frequent washing, your skin will be stripped of its natural moisture, leaving it dry and flaky. 

Shampooed Away 

Myth: The only way to manage oily hair is to apply shampoo less frequently. 

Fact: If you have oily hair, chances are, you have heard this advice everywhere. But let us tell you, this myth is not at all true. With dirt build-up, your hair can become greasy over time. And we are sure you don't like walking around with an oil mill on your head. Using a gentle shampoo will get rid of all the dead skin cells and grease buildup, and your hair will feel cleaner and healthier. 

To Soap, or Not to Soap 

Myth: You can replace soap and water with sanitizers.

Fact: Soap and water help you in cleaning all the dirt accumulated in your hands. It is effective to keep your hands clean and hygienic. On the other hand, sanitizers with at least 60% alcohol content can help in killing certain germs and bacteria. But it cannot entirely replace soap and water, as sanitizers cannot clean your hands as a soap or a hand wash can do. You can use a sanitizer to disinfect your hands when you are outside and you don't have soap handy. But while indoors, or in places like clinics and hospitals, it's always a good idea to clean your hands with soap and water, using the right hand-washing technique. So don't get lazy, get up and wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds to battle all the germs.

5 Seconds to Food Poisoning

Myth: If you have dropped your food on the floor by mistake, it is safe to consume if you pick it up within 5 seconds. 

Fact: No matter how fast you pick up your food, it will be contaminated by thousands of bacteria, germs, pollutants and other harmful elements. Bacterias take only a second to reach your food. So next time, if you drop your food on the floor, refrain from picking it up. We know it's pretty sad, but it's still better than having an upset stomach or a whole bunch of other diseases! 

Fresh and Dirty

Myth: You can eat fresh vegetables and fruits without washing. 

Fact: Whether you have just plucked the fruit from a tree, or you have purchased it from a local store– bacterias don't really care. Before consuming any fruits or vegetables, give them a good rinse under running water, to remove any traces of mud, dirt, etc. You can also use a vegetable wash to get rid of the layers of pesticide and invisible bacterias from your raw food. 

So the next time someone tells you to do things the ancient way, feel free to bombard them with some facts. Not everything that you have been told since your childhood is true (including Santa Claus)! Start taking myths with a grain of salt, and verify if they are scientifically proven.