Life
20 Brilliant Hygiene & Cleaning Products That Germaphobes Swear By
I wrestled with my germaphobia for a pretty long time. In my mind, any given surface or object was populated by those personified cartoon bacteria you see in seventh grade bio textbooks. As a result, I became pretty well-versed in the cleaning products that germaphobes swear by, because I was one of said germaphobes. Bleach was my go-to for everything, and I went through antibacterial wipes like they were going out of style.
After taking some classes about nutrition and clean living, however, I learned that antibacterial wipes were in fact going out of style. So were hand sanitizers, antibacterial soaps, and harsh chemicals in cleaning products. Thanks to all the new studies about the importance of the microbiome, scientists are now learning that some bacteria can actually be good for you, and wiping out all of them isn't doing your body any favors. In fact, you're actually weakening your immune system by getting rid of these healthy bacteria.
Now, even though I've changed my relationship with bacteria, that doesn't mean I don't like to keep things clean and germ-free. It just means I'm extra careful about choosing cleaning and hygiene products without harsh chemicals and without microbiome-altering effects. Check out these genius products that keep your space clean and healthy at the same time.
1. This No-Effort Foot Scrubber That Attaches To The Floor Of Your Shower
Soapy Soles, $14, Amazon
With suction cups on the bottom and 1500 massaging bristles on top, this Soapy Soles scrubber attaches to the floor of your bath or shower to effortlessly clean and exfoliate your feet. It promotes healthy circulation and is especially great for those with knee or back injuries because you don’t even have to bend down.
2. Clean Your Air The Effortless Way
PowerLead Air Purifier, $56, Amazon
The PowerLead air purifier is a genius little filter that you can power from any USB port. It captures 99.9 percent of airborne pollutants, allergens, and odors, and can even neutralize viruses and bacteria. Basically, if you're looking for an effortless way to keep your home germ-free, this is it.
3. This Makeup Sponge That Won't Absorb All Those Germs
Premium Silicone Makeup Sponge, $7, Amazon
While most brushes and makeup sponges soak up germs as well as your beauty products, the premium silicone makeup sponge has a gel-like consistency that won't absorb anything. It's extremely simple to wash, blends your makeup flawlessly, and reviewers say it saves you time and wastes significantly less product.
4. This Odd Soap That Could Replace All Of Your Beauty Products
Bamboo Charcoal Soap, $17, Amazon
Activated bamboo charcoal is an extremely cleansing ingredient because of how absorbent it is. This bamboo charcoal soap uses that alongside bentonite clay to pull impurities out of the skin, calming acne, soothing rashes, and balancing oil production. It’s also got the hydrating properties of essential oils, and reviewers are saying that it’s easily replaced all their expensive creams, serums, and cleansers.
5. Keep Your Fridge Odor-Free And Fresh
Chilly Mama Baking Soda Fridge And Freezer Odor Absorber, $14, Amazon
Simply place baking soda inside the Chilly Mama, stick it in the fridge or freezer, and eliminate odors for months on end. This cool little gadget also helps to keep your food fresher for longer, and because it's reusable, mess-free, and dishwasher safe, reviewers can't stop raving.
6. The Enzymes In A Sea Sponge Stop The Growth Of Bacteria And Mildew
Unbleached Honeycomb Natural Sea Sponge, $14, Amazon
Loofahs and washcloths are a breeding ground for germs, mildew, and mold, but a unbleached natural sea sponge has enzymes that inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungus. This one is extremely soft, durable, and huge, and it's incredible for even the most sensitive of skin.
7. This Handheld Steamer To Sterilize All Your Fabrics
Homeleader Handheld Fabric Steamer, $30, Amazon
For a germaphobe, all those non-washable fabrics (like your couch and giant rugs) are a constant source of anxiety. The Homeleader handheld fabric steamer is an easy way to sterilize not only your clothes, but your furniture. It's lightweight, easy to hold, comes with an attached fabric brush as well as a lint remover, and people love how quickly it heats up.
8. This Scratch-Free Sponge That Rinses Clean Of All Debris
Scratch Free Scrub Daddy Colors, $15, Amazon
These Scrub Daddy colored sponges are my absolute favorite cleaning tools, and that's because they're so effective at removing grime. Each has two eye holes for easy gripping, changes consistency depending on the water temperature (soft with hot water, rigid with cold), and rinses clean of all germs and debris. Best of all, this pack comes in four colors, so you can designate a sponge for every room.
9. These Sleek Natural Air Fresheners That Work On Smoke, Allergens, And Mold
PURGGO Natural Bamboo Charcoal Odor Eliminator, $11, Amazon
These stylish yet functional PURGGO natural bamboo air fresheners absorb odors like a sponge in your shoes, car, or closets. The secret is the extremely absorbent bamboo charcoal, which works for pets, smoke, mold, and musty smells. They also come in a pack of two and have even been shown to help with allergies.
10. Use Hemp As A Hygienic Alternative To Loofahs And Washcloths
DeLaine’s Exfoliating Hemp Body Scrubber, $18, Amazon
Hemp is a much better alternative to your basic loofah or washcloth because it’s a natural ingredient that’s machine-washable, extremely hygienic, and super durable. DeLaine’s exfoliating hemp body scrubber gently buffs away dead skin and dirt, but it does so without collecting mildew or bacteria while it hangs in your shower. This set comes with two scrubbers (each with a hook), and an environmentally friendly hemp bag for storage.
11. These Dish Towels That Inhibit The Growth Of Mildew
Premium Bamboo and Microfiber Dish Towels, $13, Amazon
While cotton towels smell sour after just a couple uses, these premium dish towels dry fast and always smell fresh. That's because they're made from a mixture of bamboo and microfiber, meaning that they're exceptionally absorbent, soft, lightweight, and they dry everything without even so much as a streak.
12. Stop Tracking Dirt Inside In The First Place
GrassWorx Doormat, $18, Amazon
Believe it or not, the GrassWorx doormat can hold up to a pound of dirt in its innovative AstroTurf clean machine design. It also resists moisture and mold, is extremely easy to shake out or hose down, and is a top favorite among dog owners, clean freaks, and those who are tired of sweeping up dirt.
13. This All-In-One Wash That's Actually Great For Your Skin
Dr. Woods Black Soap, $12, Amazon
This weird but genius Dr. Woods black soap is made by drying and roasting the skin of the plantain, which effectively cleans and exfoliates your skin without stripping it. It also has tons of healthy and hydrating ingredients, and people are using it as a face wash, shampoo, shaving cream, acne treatment, and body wash.
14. A Gentle Brush For All Your Germy Electronics
OXO Good Grips Electronics Cleaning Brush, $5, Amazon
If you're a little bit grossed out by the electronics that you touch on a daily basis, grab one of these OXO Good Grips cleaning brushes. It has a slim silicone wiper to remove dust from tiny places, and a soft brush that's ideal for glass and lenses. It can be used on your phone, keyboard, wrist watch, or camera, and people are saying that it's versatile and inventive.
15. This Innovative Mouthwash That Uses Oxygen And Natural Ingredients To Keep Breath Fresh All Day
TheraBreath PLUS Green Tea Mouthwash, $22, Amazon
People are absolutely raving about TheraBreath PLUS green tea mouthwash. It neutralizes sulfur-producing bacteria without the use of alcohol, so your mouth never dries out. It's also got incredible natural ingredients like tea tree and aloe vera, and people swear by its 24-hour fresh breath promise. This one also comes in a pack of two, so you'll be set for a really long time.
16. All The Benefits Of Flossing With The Convenience Of Water
SmarToiletries Water Flosser, $40, Amazon
Most people find flossing to be difficult and painful, but it’s one of the most effective ways to improve your dental hygiene. The SmarToiletries water flosser is a totally cordless and rechargeable option that uses water to clean between teeth, against gums, and even under braces. It has four jet tips and three pressure modes to suit any level of sensitivity, and reviewers say their mouths have never felt cleaner.
17. This All-Natural Deodorant That Just Plain Works
NANI Naturals All Natural Deodorant Stick, $13, Amazon
Made with an awesome mix of clays, oils, and absorbent powders,the NANI Naturals deodorant stick is totally natural, aluminum- and toxin-free, and keeps you smelling fresh all day long. It's got a wonderful subtle smell, won't leave a residue or cause skin irritations, and according to reviewers, "IT WORKS!!!"
18. This All-Natural Lamp That Purifies The Air
Crystal Allies Gallery Himalayan Salt Lamp, $20, Amazon
Another effortless way to keep your air clean and safe, this Crystal Allies Gallery Himalayan salt lamp uses a bulb to heat up the natural salt crystals around it. The molecules then release negative ions into the air, which bond to allergens, dust particles, and bacteria. People also love the soothing orange glow.
19. Catch Hair, Gunk, and Valuables In Your Sink
Drain Strain, $14, Amazon
Another invention from Shark Tank, the Drain Strain prevents your bathroom sinks from clogging with its genius design that catches hair, gunk, and everything else. It comes in a metal-brushed color to match your bathroom, and it hides inside your pipes and installs without tools. The basket is also removable, so it's easy to clean, and it fits over 90 percent of sinks.
20. These Organic Bamboo Wipes So You Can Freshen Up Anywhere
SofiesSecret Bamboo Deodorizing Wash Wipes, $21, Amazon
Made with unbleached bamboo cloth and hypoallergenic extracts, SofiesSecret bamboo deodorizing wash wipes are great for hikes, post-workout washes, or just freshening up in a pinch. They’re made with organic and natural ingredients that soothe your skin while simultaneously cleansing it, and since they come in a pack of 30 individually wrapped cloths, you can bring them anywhere with you.
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