Good Habits We Have That Are Actually Gross

1. Cleaning your ears

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Regularly cleaning your ears might seem a little gross but it is so important that you take some time to clean the outer part of your ears with a soft and gentle wet cloth.  But it is important that you don't insert anything into your ears to clean them as there is a risk of damaging them or causing a wax build-up.  If you feel you do have a problem with your inner ears, consult a professional.

2. Popping your pimples properly

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Some people consider popping pimples an excellent and satisfying pastime.  But most people probably feel like this activity is a little gross.  However, if you pop your pimples properly, and by this, we mean with the right techniques and CLEAN hands, this can prevent infection and minimize scarring.

3. Checking your stool

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After using the facilities, the last thing you're probably thinking of doing is getting your magnifying glass out and examining your stool.  But it is so important that you do this on a regular basis as it can provide insights into your digestive health and can help you to detect potential health issues.

4. Exfoliating your skin

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Now when you think about it, the idea of scrubbing dead skin off your face and body might seem a little bit gross (or not).  But the thing is, it is such a good habit to have because removing dead skin cells can help to promote smoother more radiant, and healthier-looking skin.  But it is important that you avoid excessive scrubbing as this may irritate the skin.

5. Cleaning your tongue

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You clean your teeth but have you ever thought about cleaning your tongue?  Well, this might sound a little vulgar, but cleaning your tongue is an excellent habit to maintain as it helps to remove bacteria that accumulate on the tongue that causes bad breath.  Using a tongue scraper or your toothbrush works!

6. Taking cold showers

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Taking cold showers might sound like the grossest thing on earth, especially in the depths of Winter!  However, did you know that taking cold showers can help to stimulate your circulation, tighten your skin, and even help to promote your overall alertness and boost your energy and mood?

7. Using a bidet or wet wipes

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You may or may not have a bidet, but wet wipes work all the same and in some cultures, both using water or wet wipes after using the facilities is considered way more hygienic than using dry toilet paper.  So it might be a new experience but once you try it, you probably won't go back!

8. Cleaning your nose with a saline rinse or Neti pot

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Using a saline rinse or Neti pot to flush out your nasal passages sounds pretty disgusting.  But it feels awesome and your nostrils feel clearer than ever afterwards.  What it does is it helps to remove excess mucus, allergens, and bacteria and is excellent for your respiratory health!

9. Washing your feet thoroughly

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Some people love feet, but others hate them.  In fact, there is a phobia dedicated to the fear of feet and it's called podophobia!  So when it comes to washing your feet, you might shudder a little.  But it is actually a great habit that you just need to get into in order to wash off sweat, dirt, and odor-causing bacteria, leaving you with fresh-feeling feet!

10. Cleaning your belly button

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Have you looked at your belly button recently?  Well, even if you avoid it and live in denial, because, let's face it, they can be pretty sensitive, your belly button can harbor so much dirt, lint, or dead skin cells, and believe it or not, can even give off an odor.  So be sure to wash it with gentle soap and water regularly!

11. Using a pumice stone to file your feet

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You may use a foot file or a pumice stone in order to remove any calluses and rough skin from your feet.  And this can be considered by some people as pretty gross, especially when it's not their own feet!  It's a great habit for smoother more attractive feet though!  Just clear up your shavings after you finish!

12. Flossing your teeth

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Another great habit that most of us might have, or say we have when we're not telling the truth, is flossing our teeth.  It sounds gross but using dental floss to remove plaque and food particles from your teeth can really promote oral health, including your teeth and your gums!

13. Sneezing into your elbow

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The idea of sneezing or coughing into your elbow might conjure images of snot sticking to the inside of your elbow!  But the thing is, if there's no tissue available, it is actually the best way to prevent germs and bacteria from being spread to other people.  You see if you sneeze into your hands, you're probably going to spread germs through touching things too!

14. Gargling saltwater

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It's probably not on your list of things to gargle, but the truth is, gargling saltwater can be really beneficial to your oral health.  You can do this in order to soothe a sore throat or reduce any harmful bacteria in the mouth in order to promote good oral and dental health.

15. Using a foot mask or exfoliating socks

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Using a foot mask or exfoliating socks regularly in order to remove dead skin cells from your feet might be considered gross to some people.  But the thing is, it is such a good habit to have if you want to achieve or maintain smooth and attractive feet.

16. Disinfecting your smartphone

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Nobody ever wants to do this, and we're sure that the vast majority of people avoid this job altogether but your smartphone can actually harbor harmful germs and bacteria.  And then you use it with your hands all day and even bring it up to your face which can cause breakouts.  So cleaning and disinfecting it is a good habit to start!

17. Using reusable menstrual products

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Now some people are a little grossed out by using reusable menstrual products like menstrual cups, period pants, or even cloth menstrual pads.  But if you find one that works for you, you'll probably never look back.  And they're a good habit to keep as they not only look after you, but you're also doing your bit for the environment!

18. Using antifungal spray or powder

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Going back to the feet again (sorry about that), another good but gross habit is regularly using an antifungal foot spray or powder can be really beneficial to prevent Athlete's Foot or treat the existing condition if this is something that plagues you.  It's not really gross, it's a great habit to get into!

19. Using a bulb syringe to remove mucus from a child's congested nose

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Now this one is very satisfying indeed, and if you have kids, you might know what we mean!  Using a bulb syringe to essentially pick your child's nose can really help them to breathe through their nostrils if they're congested.  This is great because it can really help with those unneeded sleep disturbances.

20. Cleaning your makeup brushes

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Another job that might be considered gross is cleaning your makeup brushes regularly.  You see everyone wants to use them, but cleaning and disinfecting them is another story!  But the thing is, cleaning them thoroughly can help to kill any viruses or bacteria that they're harboring.

21. Using a handkerchief

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It's probably a generational thing but it seems that older people tend to use a cloth handkerchief to blow their nose rather than a disposable tissue (which is probably what the younger generation prefers).  But to be honest, it's a good habit because, although you're essentially carrying around our snot in your sleeve, at least you're doing your bit for the planet in the process!

22. Cleaning your toilet

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Nobody ever wants to clean the toilet.  It's gross, but if you don't clean your lavatory, who knows what grim bacteria and germs await you!  So be sure to scrub that toilet until it's sparkling clean and you can almost see your face in it.  But use rubber gloves if you're feeling a little squeamish!

23. Cleaning your drain

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The drains in your bathroom and kitchen sink can often become clogged and stinky if you don't clean them.  But it's a bit of a grim job picking out hair and slimy soap residue as well as old soggy food from your drain.  But it's a great habit if you don't want a buildup of bacteria and unpleasant odors!

24. Cleaning your hairbrush

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Take a look at your hairbrush - is it covered with a tangled mess of hair?  Nobody enjoys cleaning their hairbrush but it's a good habit to get into if you want it to work efficiently.  As well as hair brushes and combs can be full of oils and product buildup too which can really give you a bad hair day!

25. Cleaning and disinfecting your washing machine

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Another household chore that is particularly unpopular is cleaning and disinfecting your washing machine.  But it does have to be done if you want fresh and clean laundry because it helps to regularly remove dirt, grime, mold, and other unwanted substances that are less than welcome on your clean laundry!

26. Practicing oil pulling

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Oil pulling is an ancient Indian technique that involves swishing a teaspoon of oil, such as coconut oil, around your mouth for 10 to 20 minutes.  This is said to remove bacteria from your teeth and gums and promote oral health.  However, the oil won't actually kill the bacteria.

27. Ear candling

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Ear candling helps to remove excess earwax.  It does sound gross but this alternative practice involves placing a hollow cone-shaped candle in the ear and lighting it, creating a vacuum effect that is said to draw out impurities and excess wax from the inner ear.  But go to a professional if you want to take up this habit!

28. Dry shampooing

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Dry shampooing instead of actually washing your hair using water might be considered the gross alternative, only suitable for festivals and camping trips but dry shampooing can really have its benefits too!  It can help to absorb excess oil and even help to preserve vibrancy in colored hair.

29. Using "poo-poourri"

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Using pleasant-smelling air fresheners or "poo-poorri" is a good habit to get into, especially if you live with other people or are having guests around!  It may be obvious to others what you are doing when you're trying to cover up a certain smell and freshen up your bathroom but rather a fresh scent than the alternative!

30. Using activated charcoal on your teeth

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Putting charcoal on your teeth might seem strange but the truth is, activated charcoal is believed to have absorbant properties that can help to remove stains from your teeth and give you a whiter smile.  There are products like toothpaste that contain it or you can use it alone.