Most of us don’t think much about how we shower. We turn on the water, follow the same routine we’ve had for years, dry off, and get on with the day. At this point, most of it probably happens without much thought.
But a few everyday shower habits can cause problems over time. Super-hot water can leave your skin dry, leftover soap can turn into a stubborn mess, and a damp bathroom can become a perfect place for mold and mildew.
There’s no judgment here. We’ve all picked up little habits that seem perfectly normal until someone points out a better way to do things. The good news is that most of these changes are pretty easy.
If you want a cleaner bathroom, happier skin, and fewer plumbing headaches, here are some shower habits worth breaking.
Forgetting to Use the Bathroom Fan
A steamy bathroom might feel cozy while you’re showering, but all that moisture has to go somewhere. Without a fan or some ventilation, it can settle on walls, ceilings, and other surfaces.
Over time, too much moisture can contribute to mold, mildew, peeling paint, and other bathroom problems.
Turn the fan on before or during your shower and leave it running for a little while afterward. If you don’t have one, crack a window or leave the bathroom door open so the humidity has somewhere to escape.
Related: Your Shower Is Probably Full of Mold—6 Ways to Fix It Fast
Taking Super Hot Showers
A really hot shower feels fantastic on a cold morning, but your skin may not be as happy about it.
Very hot water can wash away some of the natural oils that help keep your skin comfortable. That can leave you with dry, tight, or irritated skin. Hot water can also be rough on your hair, especially if you already deal with dryness or breakage.
Try turning the temperature down a little. Lukewarm water can still give you a satisfying shower without leaving your skin feeling stripped afterward.
Letting Soap Scum Build Up
Soap scum has a funny way of going from barely noticeable to impossible to ignore.
A little residue left on the walls after each shower can build into a thick layer that takes much more work to remove. A quick rinse of the walls or a few passes with a squeegee can keep the buildup from getting out of hand.
Related: Homemade Shower Cleaner
Ignoring Cracked Caulk
Cracked or peeling caulk around the shower isn’t just an eyesore. Gaps in the caulk can let water get where it shouldn’t, which can lead to moisture problems and mold growth.
Take a look at the seams around your tub or shower every so often. If the caulk is cracked, peeling, or badly discolored, replacing it can help keep water out of those hidden spaces.
Related: 6 Effective Ways to Clean Mold from Shower Caulk and Grout
Sharing Razors
Your razor should be yours and yours alone.
Razors can cause tiny cuts or nicks that aren’t always visible. Sharing one can make it easier to spread bacteria and certain infections between people.
It’s a small thing, but there’s really no reason to take the risk. Keep your own razor and replace it regularly when the blades become dull.
Using Harsh Soaps
That squeaky-clean feeling isn’t always a sign that your soap is doing a great job.
Some soaps and body washes contain strong cleansing agents or heavy fragrances that can leave sensitive skin feeling dry and irritated. If your skin feels tight or uncomfortable after showering, your cleanser could be part of the problem.
A gentler, fragrance-free option may feel much better, especially if you already have dry or sensitive skin.
Scrubbing Too Aggressively
There’s no need to scrub your skin like you’re trying to remove a stain from a countertop.
Loofahs, exfoliating gloves, and rough washcloths can all be useful, but pressing too hard can irritate the skin. Scrubbing aggressively can leave behind redness, dryness, and tiny areas of damage.
Use light pressure and let your cleanser do most of the work. For many people, exfoliating a couple of times a week is plenty.
Using Chemical Drain Cleaners Regularly
A slow shower drain is frustrating, and grabbing a bottle of drain cleaner can seem like the quickest fix.
The problem is that repeated use of harsh chemical drain cleaners can be hard on some plumbing systems. They also don’t remove the physical source of many shower clogs, such as hair.
For a minor slowdown, hot water may help loosen some buildup. For a hair clog, a drain snake or similar tool can physically pull the blockage out instead of repeatedly pouring chemicals down the pipe.
Ignoring Your Feet
Your feet spend the entire day inside shoes, so letting shower water run over them isn’t quite the same as washing them.
Give your feet a quick scrub with a washcloth, paying attention to the soles and between the toes. If you have rough skin or calluses, a pumice stone can help when used gently.
It only takes a minute, and you’ll feel the difference when your feet are actually clean instead of just covered in leftover soapy water.
Letting the Water Run Before You Get In
Some people turn on the shower and then walk away while they wait for the water to reach the right temperature.
Those extra minutes can waste quite a bit of water over time. If your shower heats up quickly, you may only need to wait a few seconds before getting in.
Try turning the water on shortly before you’re ready to step inside. Your water bill may thank you for it.
Locking the Door
A locked bathroom door can give you some much-needed privacy, but there’s another side to think about if you live with other people.
Showers can come with slippery floors, hot water, and the occasional unexpected accident. If something goes wrong, a locked door can make it harder for someone nearby to reach you quickly.
Whether you lock the door is a personal choice, but households with children, older adults, or anyone who may be at higher risk of falling may want to think about how quickly someone could get into the bathroom during an emergency.
Using Soap Bar Dishes That Don’t Drain
A bar of soap sitting in a puddle of water is going to turn soft and slimy pretty quickly.
Soap dishes without drainage can also stay damp between showers, which gives bacteria and mildew a place to hang around. A wire rack or soap holder with drainage holes lets excess water run away and helps the bar dry out.
Your soap will last longer, and your shower area will stay cleaner.
Keeping the Same Loofah for Too Long
That loofah may look perfectly fine, but it spends most of its life getting wet and staying damp. That makes it easy for bacteria and other microorganisms to build up.
Rinse your loofah well after using it and hang it somewhere where it can dry completely. If it starts smelling musty, looks worn out, or simply hasn’t been replaced in a long time, get a new one.
There’s no reason to keep using a shower sponge that has seen better days.
Never Cleaning the Showerhead
Your showerhead deals with water every single day, so mineral deposits can gradually collect inside and around the openings. You might notice weaker water flow or uneven spraying as the buildup gets worse.
Giving the showerhead a cleaning every so often can help keep the water flowing properly.
Soaking the showerhead in vinegar is a simple way to deal with mineral buildup and residue.
Taking Extra-Long Showers
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a few extra minutes under the water once in a while. But if every shower turns into a 30-minute session, your skin and your water bill may both notice.
Long showers, especially hot ones, can leave your skin feeling dry. They also use much more water than a shorter shower.
Try keeping your everyday showers fairly short and save the longer ones for those days when you really want the extra time.
Not Rinsing Thoroughly
Getting all the shampoo and body wash off your skin and hair takes a little extra attention.
Leftover product can irritate some people’s skin, especially if they’re sensitive to certain ingredients. Shampoo residue can also leave hair feeling heavy, greasy, or dull.
Take a few extra seconds to rinse your hair, neck, back, and anywhere else where product tends to collect. It’s an easy step that can make your shower feel much more complete.
Skipping Moisturizer Afterward
Your skin can lose moisture after you shower, particularly if you’ve used hot water or a strong cleanser.
Applying lotion while your skin is still slightly damp can help keep some of that moisture from escaping. You don’t need to coat yourself in a thick layer, either. A small amount spread over dry areas can be enough.
If your legs, arms, or elbows tend to feel tight after showering, adding moisturizer to your routine may help.
Related: 15 Daily Habits That Can Help You Look Younger Without Trying Too Hard
Using Damp Towels Too Long
A towel that never gets the chance to dry properly can start smelling musty surprisingly fast. A constantly damp towel also gives bacteria a warm, moist place to hang around.
Hang your towel somewhere with good airflow instead of leaving it crumpled on the floor or over the edge of a hamper. Wash towels regularly, and replace them when they stay damp or develop a persistent odor even after washing.
A clean, dry towel is a much better way to finish your shower.
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