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September 25, 2022 8 min read

Home And Everyday Hygiene

How do you stay clean and maintain high-quality hygiene at home? There are dozens of methods and products out there, from paper towels to cleaners. You spend countless hours each day cleaning your home. That is very critical to keep you and your family healthy for the long term. If nobody takes care of your home, it will become a haven for bacteria and germs. Then it could lead to skin rashes, colds, and other illnesses.

Hygiene In The Kitchen, Bathroom, And Toilet Area

kitchen, bathrooms, and toilets are critical areas for home hygiene inside a house. Hygiene in these areas reduces the spread of pathogens. Routine cleaning is important in preventing infections. On the other hand, it can be difficult to keep your home clean if you don’t know how to properly clean it. 

There are two typical methods to keep clean. 1) Physical method. You can use paper towels, paper napkins, facial tissues, toilet paper, pre-moist wipes and cloths, and hand soaps, to physically remove the dirty things on a surface or hand. For example, using soap and water is an effective way to prevent the spread of pathogens. The CDC recommends that people wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds during everyday activities; 2) chemical method. The use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers also helps reduce the risk of infection. Besides hand sanitizers, many other chemistry-based disinfectants and antibacterials can be used at home as cleaners to keep the kitchen, bathroom, and toilet area clean and hygienic. Note: scientific research has proved that electric air dryers are less effective than paper towels from a hygiene viewpoint [1]. 

Most Used Brands Of Hygiene Products

Based on the above two mechanisms of how hygiene products work, we can imagine there are many hygiene products in real life. Although there are significant shortages during the early time of the Covid pandemic, currently these are easy to find in local grocery stores or online.  

Paper Towels

Paper towels are absorbent sheets that can be used for cleaning purposes. They are usually constructed from paper pulp, although they may consist of cotton, hemp, jute, or linen. Paper towels come in many different shapes, sizes, weights, colors, textures, and thicknesses. Some paper towels are sold as big rolls (typically for the kitchen) and some are sold as folded paper sheets. The folded paper sheets could be used in the kitchen, bathroom, and many other places. The most used brands of paper towels in the USA [2] are listed in Figure 1.

 

Paper Napkins

Paper napkin is a name for a variety of thin paper products used at home or in restaurants. They are usually white, but can be colored and may have some design printed on them. The paper napkin is an absorbent paper used for wiping the face and hands after meals. Some napkins could be cloth containing two materials namely cellulose fiber and starch-based material. The most used brands of paper napkins in the USA [3] are listed in Figure 2.

 

Toilet Paper

Toilet paper is usually an absorbent product for personal hygiene that can be used to clean oneself after using the toilet. Toilet paper is typically sold in rolls. High-quality toilet paper has great absorbent, softest, and cleanest paper surface and texture for cleaning purposes. The most popular brands of toilet paper in the USA [4]are listed in Figure 3

Facial Tissues

Facial tissue refers to the soft, flexible material used in wiping your face after you had a sneeze or sweating, or removing eye makeup. Good facial tissue products typically provide a soft feeling on your skin while absorbing moisture. The most popular brands of facial tissues in the USA [5] are listed in Figure 4.

 

Pre-Moist Wipes And Cloths

Wet wipes and cloths are products that can be used for cleaning up spills, messes, or wiping down surfaces, especially for babies, toddlers, children, pets, or when you have little hands to keep clean. They come in different sizes, shapes, colors, designs, and textures. You may choose them and expand the applications to keep your home hygiene. The most popular brands of pre-moist wipes and cloths in the USA [6] are listed in Figure 5

 Liquid Hand Soap

liquid hand soaps consist of various ingredients that cleanse your hands when you wash them, like detergents, foaming agents, antibacterial additives, and fragrances. Good liquid hand soap is an essential part of any kitchen/bathroom because it hydrates your skin in order to keep it well moisturized. The good hand soaps will make you feel fresh after every use without leaving behind that unpleasant feeling on your hands afterward. The most used brands of liquid hand soap in the USA [7] are listed in Figure 6

 Hand Sanitizer 

Hand sanitizers provide an immediate kill on germs that may be present in people's hands. They contain alcohols (primarily ethanol) and surfactants, which evaporate quickly into an antimicrobial aerosol mist that kills bacteria and viruses on contact. Many hand sanitizers also include fragrance oils, essential oils, and/or color dyes that can make them smell pleasant to users. Good hand sanitizers have a variety of benefits for both your hands and those around you. They’re easy to use and don’t leave any unpleasant smells behind. They kill bacteria quickly without drying out your skin. The most used brands of hand sanitizer in the USA [8] are listed in Figure 7.

Disinfectants And Antibacterials In Home Hygiene

Disinfectant products and antimicrobial agents refer to chemical preparations used to kill bacteria, fungi, and viruses on surfaces and objects. They have been shown to be effective for pathogens. Disinfectant kills germs on contact using disinfection action. Antibacterial agents prevent the formation, growth, multiplication, survival, and spread of microorganisms. Good disinfectants and antibacterial for bathrooms should be non-toxic products that kill bacteria effectively without leaving harmful chemicals on surfaces. In this way, you can clean your bathroom without having harsh side effects. Disinfectants and antibacterials have had huge demand than other hygienic products during the Covid pandemic [9], and please see an example in Figure 8

Plastic Garbage Bags And Trash Can Liners

Plastic garbage bags have become ubiquitous in many households across North America for use during cleanup after a party, special event, or cleaning out of the house. They come in various sizes (usually ranging between 13–60 gallon), but the most common size for a home kitchen is 12-16 gallon. Trash cans often have either an internal liner (to prevent debris from leaking into the can) or they may be a permanent attachment that does not need replacing. These liners are usually made of some sort of durable plastic material and come in various colors and styles. The most used brands of Plastic garbage bags and trash can liners in home hygiene in the USA [10] are listed in Figure 9

How Germs Spread

There are three main ways germs spread from person to person: through direct contact, indirect contact, and air droplets. Examples of direct contact include touching another individual’s mouth or nose, shaking hands, and hugging. Indirect contact includes sitting near someone who has an infection, such as coughing or sneezing. Air droplets include blowing one’s nose, talking while ill, using shared towels/utensils, etc.

Once we know how germs spread, let’s talk about how to effectively keep germs away.

How To Effectively Keep Germs Away

Keep germs away using these tips: wash hands often, use soap when washing hands, avoid touching face unnecessarily, clean surfaces frequently, and disinfect frequently touched objects. Hand sanitizers also work well for keeping germs away. 

Based on the above tips, the best way to prevent getting sick from germs is washing your hands for at least 20 seconds, preferably 30. Make sure the soap you use contains either alcohol or other active composition; these kill 99.9% of germs on hands. If you don't have access to clean water, try using hand sanitizer spray instead. Be sure to scrub all areas of your hands, especially between fingers and underneath fingernails, which tend to harbor bacteria.

For your home: cleaning regularly helps prevent bacteria from spreading around your home. Keep counters clean and use hand sanitizer after touching surfaces like door handles, kitchen appliances, etc. Use rubbing alcohol on nonporous items such as doorknobs and light switches. Replace the traditional shared cloth towels with disposable paper towels to avoid cross-infection between family members. If you have a guest room in your house, that is a must-have. Please see Figure1 for the most used paper towel brands. Also, you need a paper towel dispenserto place on the countertop or wall. If you don't know which paper towel dispenser is a good choice. Just no regret if you just grab a Cozee Bay bamboo paper towel dispenser.    

Side Effects Of Poor Personal Hygiene

The side effects of poor personal hygiene include acne, bad breath, body odor, and a generally unkempt appearance. These conditions have been linked to increased levels of bacteria in the mouth, which may contribute to many different diseases. Poor hygiene can also lead to skin infections such as fungal infections, athlete’s foot, ringworm, jock itch, and cuts. If left untreated, these bacterial infections can spread easily through the body via sweat glands, hair follicles, and other parts of the body.

Continuing Education Activity For Home Hygiene

Home hygiene education is important, especially when children start school. They need to be taught about washing hands properly, and other hygienic measures such as keeping toys clean. The best way to educate young kids is to let them read books, which they love and understand easily.

Home hygiene continuing education activity includes courses that teach users about keeping their houses clean and tidy. The courses typically cover topics such as cleaning tips, kitchen appliances, bathroom essentials, and general household maintenance. Many of these courses also include step-by-step instructions, making them easy to follow.

Society and culture for home hygiene

When we think about society and culture for home hygiene, many things come to minds such as hand washing, disinfection of surfaces, and proper disposal of garbage. But what do these mean exactly? Home hygiene plays an important role in our lives. However, we often lack adequate time to do these things, especially in modern life. Therefore, we suggest that everyone should form a habit of maintaining home hygiene and also keep learning how to develop self-care. 

Also, keeping home hygiene is based on everyone's efforts and it should become a culture of families, neighborhoods, and society. It is essential. 

Conclusions

Home maintenance is often a task left undone by busy families with little time or energy. Most people don't realize how important regular cleaning chores are for keeping your house clean and healthy. In fact, even if you're not sick, performing daily household tasks will keep germs out and away from your family's health. With all the tips and suggestions above, make today as the starting point for maintaining your home hygiene! If you are already on the journey of keeping everyday hygiene, push that to the next level with these tips! As a brand of helping people to build a sustainable and hygienic home/office, Cozee Bay has been designing and manufacturing bamboo products for home and commercial. If you have any other questions related to home and everyday hygiene, please leave a comment below and we are happy to chat with you and figure out a solution together! 

 

References

1)Susan S. et al, The Hygienic Efficacy of Different Hand-Drying Methods: A Review of the Evidence,Mayo Clin Proc. 2012 Aug; 87(8): 791–798. 

2) U.S. population: Which brands of paper towels do you use most often?https://www.statista.com/statistics/275730/us-households-most-used-brands-of-paper-towels/

3) U.S. population: Which brands of paper napkins do you use most often?https://www.statista.com/statistics/275718/us-households-most-used-brands-of-paper-napkins/

4) U.S. population: Which brands of toilet paper do you use most often?https://www.statista.com/statistics/275967/us-households-most-used-brands-of-toilet-paper/

5) U.S. population: Preferred brands of facial tissues from 2011 to 2020,  https://www.statista.com/statistics/284957/brands-of-facial-tissues-in-the-us-trend/

6) U.S. population: Which brands of pre-moist wipes / cloths do you use most often? https://www.statista.com/statistics/276837/us-households-brands-of-pre-moist-wipes-and-cloths-used/

7) U.S. population: Which brands of liquid hand soap do you use most often?https://www.statista.com/statistics/276375/us-households-brands-of-liquid-hand-soap-used/

 8) Leading hand sanitizer brands in the United States in 2019, based on sales (in million U.S. dollars)https://www.statista.com/statistics/942958/leading-us-hand-sanitizer-brands-based-on-sales/

9) Sales growth of cleaning products due to coronavirus (COVID-19) in the United States as of March 2020https://www.statista.com/statistics/1104333/cleaning-product-sales-growth-from-coronavirus-us/

10) U.S. population: Which brands of plastic garbage bags and trash can liners do you use most often? https://www.statista.com/statistics/275769/us-households-most-used-brands-of-plastic-garbage-bags-and-trash-can-liners/

 

 

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