4 bathroom products you should toss out if you don't want an infection

Most of our bathrooms are cluttered with both unused and overused products that we should probably throw away for the sake of hygiene and health. In some cases, utilising toiletries that are past its use-by date can actually lead to infections and rashes. Here are four risky products you should toss out that are probably in your bathroom cabinet right now.

Razor blades

Razor blades are definitely one of those products that you use on an everyday basis and that’s exactly why you should be more careful about its use-by date. Disposable razors should only be used a maximum of three to five times, after which it should be thrown away. Dr. Elizabeth Tanzi, assistant clinical professor at George Washington University Medical Center told Health.com that using a blade more than that will not only make it dull but it will also increase the risk of getting bacterial infections. She said:

Change it after every three to five uses, or every two weeks.

In addition to becoming less effective with each use, irritation from dull razors can increase the risk of nicks and bacterial infection.

Read more:

⋙ Should you add face shaving to your skincare routine?

⋙ Should you shave your pubic hair? We have the answer

Toothbrush and toothpaste

If you didn’t already know this by now, you need to change your toothbrush once every three to four months. Once the bristles start to get worn out, it won’t be as effective in clearing the plaque from your teeth and hence your overall mouth hygiene will be affected.

In addition, dental hygienist Hannah Young told The Sun that you should also consider switching out your toothbrush after you’ve gotten sick. She explained that:

It is also important that we replace our toothbrush after a cold, cough, or fever as the germs can live on toothbrush bristles and a moist environment is a perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

It’s an easy and inexpensive step to take that will help look after both our mouth health and overall health.

Toothpaste is another item that you should not use after 12 to 18 months as fluoride can lose effectiveness over time.

Also read:

⋙ We all make this basic hygiene mistake with our toothbrushes

⋙ Dental hygiene: How long should you be brushing your teeth?

Bar soap

Soap may be self cleaning but it could also be a breeding ground for bacteria if it's not kept properly. According to Dr. Joshua Zeichner, soap that is sitting in a dish of water can get easily contaminated, leaving it discoloured and mushy. He said:

Using it could cause irritations or infection, especially on open or raw skin

To avoid this, make sure your bar of soap is always in a dish in which it can dry out easily after use.