You have a bunch of things in your house to improve your health and your quality of life. But what if they’re not actually helping you get healthier? What if, they’re even hurting your health?
Here are just a few items in your home that you’re probably better off without—or at least, there’s no reason to have them.
- Nail tools. You probably just think of your nail clippers as things that don’t need cleaning, since they only really touch your nails. But bacteria from your skin can get onto your precious pumice stone or cuticle clipper, so clean all of your nail tools thoroughly. Don’t share tools, either, as different people have different bacteria.
- Whitening toothpaste. Just because it’s sold over the counter doesn’t mean it’s 100% safe. Using some whitening toothpastes for long periods of time can wear away at your enamel and cause your teeth to get more sensitive. Look for whitening toothpastes that are ADA approved.
- Antibacterial soap. This one has been around for a while, but antibacterial soaps aren’t that effective. In fact, one study showed that there was no difference in the rate that people got sick, whether they used antibacterial hand soap or not.
- Cotton swabs. The swabs themselves aren’t unsafe, it’s how we use them. Sure, all that earwax buildup is annoying, but poking a Q-tip in there is only going to push in the wax more. Just stick to swabbing the outside of your ears and you’ll be fine.
- Sponges and loofahs. Sure, they’re great for the shower, but they also build up bacteria, fungi, and mold faster than you realize. If it gets anywhere near an open wound, you may be in trouble. Make sure to fully wring out your loofah after every use.
