How to Keep Your Shower and Yourself Clean and Healthy

When you step into the shower, it’s a moment for cleansing, relaxation, and a little self-care. But have you ever considered what might be lurking in your shower head or on those product bottles? From microbial build-up to mold, your shower could be harboring more than just steam. Here’s how to keep your shower hygienic, care for your skin and hair, and even upgrade to a spa-like experience all while staying mindful of your health.

How to Clean Your Shower

1. Clean Your Shower Head Regularly

While most microbes found on shower heads are harmless, some bacteria linked to conditions like asthma or bronchitis can linger. To avoid buildup, clean your shower head every two months.

• How to Clean: Remove the shower head, soak it in a disinfectant solution like hydrogen peroxide or citric acid, and scrub off any residue.

2. Scrub the Shower Weekly

A weekly scrub keeps mold, mildew, and soap scum at bay. Use hot water (130–140°F) to kill bacteria and a mix of vinegar and baking soda for stubborn grime.

3. Wipe Down Bottles

Mold on shampoo or body wash bottles isn’t just unsightly it can irritate sensitive skin and trigger allergies. Wipe bottles regularly and store them on a shower shelf to keep them dry and clean.

Caring for Your Skin and Hair

1. Use Filtered Shower Heads

Filtered shower heads reduce exposure to chemicals like chlorine and heavy metals, which can dry out hair and skin or worsen conditions like eczema. Options like the Jolie Filtered Shower Head or Canopy Filtered Showerhead Bundle make great additions to your shower.

2. Set the Right Water Temperature

Hot water may feel soothing but can strip your skin of essential oils, especially if you have sensitive or eczema-prone skin. Keep showers lukewarm and limit them to 10 minutes for optimal skin health.

3. Follow a Washing Order

• Start with Hair: Shampoo and condition first to prevent product residue from clogging pores on your body or face.

• Body Next: Scrub from top to bottom to wash away any lingering hair product.

• Face Last: Use cooler water to clean your face gently and prevent irritation from overly hot water.

Create a Spa-Like Shower Experience

1. Try Aromatherapy

Shower infusion kits like Sprig by Kohler allow you to enjoy essential oil pods for a mood-boosting experience. Opt for energizing citrus scents in the morning or calming chamomile at night.

2. Upgrade to Spa Shower Heads

Transform your shower routine with tools like the Kohler SpaViva Handshower, which includes attachments like a body scrubber and massager for a luxurious, head-to-toe treatment.

3. Add Relaxing Tools

Incorporate a shower stool, exfoliating gloves, or a bamboo bath mat to elevate your routine. For an even deeper cleanse, consider using a hydrating cleanser or a gentle scrub.

When Should You Shower?

The best time to shower depends on your lifestyle:

• Morning Showers: Great for a refreshing start or after a sweaty workout.

• Evening Showers: Perfect for washing away the day’s grime, especially if you work in environments with exposure to germs.

For those with sensitive or eczema-prone skin, keep showering to once daily or less to avoid stripping your skin of natural oils.

Final Tips for Post-Shower Care

• Pat skin dry with a towel instead of rubbing to avoid irritation.

• Apply a hydrating body lotion or cream immediately after showering to lock in moisture.

• For cold weather, switch to richer moisturizers to protect your skin barrier.

With these tips, your shower can be both a sanctuary for self-care and a clean, healthy space. And who knows? You might just look forward to those extra-long shower days a bit more.

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