10 Things We All Do in Everyday Life That We Should Consider Stopping

There are some things that we do almost every day without even thinking twice because we’re so used to them at this point. From peeing in public bathrooms to placing food in the fridge, there may be some routines that you’ve been doing wrong this whole time.

Bright Side is listing down some habits that need some tweaking, along with how to make changes to improve our daily lives.

1. Putting toilet paper on public toilet seats

Toilet paper doesn’t actually help in fighting germs present on the toilet. It absorbs moisture, which makes it a good place for microbes to reproduce.

The human skin, on the other hand, can fight off microbes better than toilet paper. Just make sure that the seat is dry, and you don’t have any open wounds on your hips and buttocks. If you’re still unsure, sanitize the seat first or do your business while in a squatting position.

2. Adding more detergent to the washing machine for cleaner clothes

Using too much detergent in your laundry can actually trap stains and prevent them from washing away. This is because the volume of suds that are produced by the detergent can create a cushion for the dirt. For ideal results, it’s better to read the recommended volume found on the detergent’s bottle.

3. Flushing with an uncovered toilet seat

Before you flush, make sure that the lid is lowered, as clean water gets mixed with contaminated water. Doing so will prevent the water in the toilet from splashing up onto the surrounding areas.

4. Not cleaning the dish sponge

Not regularly washing your sponges is a sure way to spread bacteria onto your dishes and kitchen utensils. To do so, submerge them in boiling water for 5 minutes. You can also try soaking the sponge in water before heating it up in a microwave for a minute.

5. Leaving unsanitized and unorganized food in the fridge

Your fridge can be a breeding ground for germs if the food inside is not properly cleaned beforehand. Ensure food packaging is cleaned or replaced before you put it inside. Meats should be separated from other food groups so that the microbes don’t spread.

6. Frequently touching your face throughout the day

Part of basic hygiene is to avoid spreading bacteria in the body. That’s why it is recommended to avoid touching your face with your hands, especially the eyes and nose. If you ever feel the need to do so, make sure to wash your hands with soap and water first.

7. Charging your mobile phone overnight

According to experts, charging your phone for a long time can make its battery age faster. The ideal battery capacity for a phone is between 30% and 50%. If you’re still worried that your phone might die, you can always use a portable charger to keep it charged throughout the day.

8. Forgetting to measure pasta using a spaghetti spoon

If you’ve ever wondered why there’s a whole in your spaghetti spoon or ladle, the answer is it’s used for measuring out a perfect single serving of spaghetti. All you have to do is slide the dried spaghetti through the hole, and once it’s filled, you get just the right amount of spaghetti for one person.

9. Brushing your teeth too little or too many times per day

Too much of a good thing can be bad. A recent study showed that brushing your teeth too many times per day for less than 2 minutes can increase the chances of damage. It’s important to maintain a consistent brushing routine of twice a day for a period of 2-4 minutes. It is also recommended to avoid abrasive toothpaste or toothbrushes that have hard bristles.

10. Putting dairy products on your fridge door shelves

While the fridge door seems like the ideal shelf for storing milk and eggs, it’s actually not the best place for it. This is because the fridge door shelves are warmer due to fluctuating temperatures whenever you open and close the fridge. This means that when storing foods prone to spoilage, like eggs, they should be placed on the bottom shelf and toward the back where it’s cooler.

Which of these everyday habits are you guilty of doing? Do you believe that you can break your old habits and start new ones?