Personal hygiene

Personal Hygiene in Grand Rapids, Michigan

One of the most effective ways to protect yourself, your family, and your community in Grand Rapids from illness is by practicing good personal hygiene. In a city with cold, snowy winters, humid summers, and a busy urban environment, germs can spread quickly in schools, workplaces, churches, and on public transportation. Simple daily habits can significantly lower your risk of infections like colds, flu, COVID-19, and stomach bugs.

Good personal hygiene includes:

Washing your hands regularly with soap and water
Bathing or showering regularly
Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
Cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces, especially when you are sick
Properly disposing of used tissues and other items that may have germs
Using protection (such as gloves or condoms) when you may be at risk of catching or spreading an infection

If you’re unsure about best practices, your primary care provider at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health can help you create a hygiene routine that supports your overall health.

Hygiene and Culture

Personal hygiene habits, such as how often you bathe or the products you use, are influenced by culture, family traditions, and even the local climate.

In Grand Rapids and across Michigan, it is generally expected that people:

Bathe or shower regularly (often daily or every other day)
Use deodorant to help control body odor
Wear clean clothes, especially underwear and socks

In winter, when many Grand Rapids residents spend more time indoors and in close contact with others, maintaining consistent hygiene can help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses.

What Causes Body Odor?

Body odor is normal and is caused by several factors working together:

Sweat chemicals: Sweat itself is mostly water, but it contains natural chemicals, including pheromones, that can affect how you smell.
Waste products on the skin: Substances like metabolized alcohol and other wastes can be excreted through the skin.
Skin bacteria: Bacteria that naturally live on your skin feed on sweat and dead skin cells, producing odor.
Unwashed clothing: Wearing the same underwear, socks, and workout clothes for too long can trap sweat and bacteria, increasing odor.

To manage body odor:

Bathe or shower regularly with mild soap
Wear clean clothes, especially underwear and socks
Wash workout clothes after each use
Use deodorant or antiperspirant as needed

If you notice a sudden change in body odor, or odor that does not improve with regular washing, talk with your doctor or a provider at a local Grand Rapids clinic, as this can occasionally be a sign of an underlying health issue.

Handwashing: Your First Line of Defense

Most infections—especially colds, flu, and gastroenteritis (stomach bugs)—are spread when germs from unwashed hands get into your mouth, nose, or eyes, or onto food that you or others eat. In a community like Grand Rapids, with busy schools, offices, restaurants, and health facilities, proper hand hygiene is essential.

When to Wash Your Hands

You should always wash your hands:

After using the toilet
Before preparing, serving, or eating food
After handling raw meat, poultry, or fish
After changing diapers or helping someone use the toilet
After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
After touching animals or cleaning up animal waste (including pets and farm animals common in West Michigan)
After being around someone who is coughing, sneezing, or has a cold or flu
After using public transportation or touching high‑contact surfaces (door handles, shopping carts, elevator buttons)

How to Wash Your Hands Properly

Wet your hands and wrists with clean, running water.
Apply soap and lather well, including the backs of hands, between fingers, and under nails.
Scrub for at least 20 seconds (about the time it takes to hum “Happy Birthday” twice).
Rinse thoroughly under clean, running water.
Dry with a clean towel, paper towel, or hot air dryer.

In public places around Grand Rapids—such as malls, schools, and medical offices—you’ll often find alcohol-based hand sanitizers. These are helpful when soap and water are not available, but washing with soap and water is best when hands are visibly dirty.

Coughing, Sneezing, and Germ Control

To reduce the spread of respiratory infections in our community:

Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Throw used tissues into a trash bin right away.
If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.
Wash or sanitize your hands after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.

During Michigan’s long cold and flu season, these steps help protect vulnerable people, including older adults and those with chronic conditions who may be treated at local hospitals like Spectrum Health or Trinity Health Grand Rapids.

Personal Hygiene for Women

The vagina is able to clean itself; no special internal cleaning is needed. In fact, some products marketed for “feminine hygiene” can do more harm than good.

General Genital Hygiene

Wash the external genital area (vulva) gently with warm water once a day.
You may use a mild, unscented soap on the external area if you wish, but rinse thoroughly.
Do not use douches, perfumed sprays, or harsh soaps inside the vagina. These can damage delicate tissue and upset the natural balance of bacteria and yeast.

If you have itching, burning, unusual discharge, or discomfort, make an appointment with your doctor, OB/GYN, or a women’s health clinic in Grand Rapids.

Menstrual Hygiene

During your period:

Wash your body, including your genital area, as you normally do.
Change tampons and sanitary pads regularly—at least 4–5 times a day or more often if needed.
Always wash your hands before and after inserting or removing a tampon or changing a pad.

If you have questions about menstrual products, heavy bleeding, or severe cramps, local providers at Metro Health, Mercy Health, or community health centers can offer guidance.

Cystitis (Bladder Infection)

Cystitis is an infection of the bladder. It’s a common condition, especially for sexually active young women.

Symptoms may include:

Burning or pain when you urinate
Needing to urinate more often, including at night
Feeling an urgent need to urinate, even when little comes out
Cloudy, strong-smelling, or bloody urine
Pelvic discomfort or lower abdominal pain

How Hygiene Can Help

Urinate after sexual intercourse to help flush out bacteria from the urethra and bladder.
Wipe from front to back after using the toilet to avoid spreading bacteria from the rectal area to the urethra.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day.

If you think you have a bladder infection, contact your doctor or an urgent care center in Grand Rapids. Prompt treatment with antibiotics can prevent complications and help you feel better faster.

Thrush (Yeast Infection)

Thrush is a common yeast infection that can affect the vagina, mouth, or skin folds.

Some factors that can increase the risk of vaginal thrush include:

Using harsh soaps, perfumed washes, or irritating detergents on underwear
Wearing tight, synthetic underwear that traps moisture
Taking antibiotics, which can disrupt the natural balance of bacteria and yeast

How to Reduce the Risk of Thrush

Use mild, unscented soap around the genital area.
Choose unperfumed toilet paper.
Avoid tight, synthetic underwear—try breathable cotton instead.
Change underwear daily, and more often if you sweat heavily (common during humid West Michigan summers or intense workouts).

There is effective medical treatment for thrush, available over-the-counter or by prescription. If you suspect thrush, talk to your doctor or pharmacist at a local Grand Rapids pharmacy or clinic.

Personal Hygiene for Men

Men also benefit from consistent, simple hygiene habits to prevent odor, infection, and skin irritation.

Key tips:

Bathe or shower regularly with mild soap.
Wash the genital area daily.
Wear clean underwear and socks every day.
Change out of sweaty clothes soon after exercise or work.

Foreskin Care (Uncircumcised Men)

If you are uncircumcised, a buildup of secretions called smegma can form under the foreskin if the area is not cleaned regularly.

To clean safely:

Gently pull back the foreskin during your shower.
Rinse the area with warm water.
You may use mild soap if you like, but rinse it off thoroughly.
Gently return the foreskin to its normal position afterward.

If you experience pain, difficulty pulling back the foreskin, swelling, or persistent odor, schedule an appointment with your doctor or a urologist in Grand Rapids.

Good Dental Hygiene

Oral health is a key part of personal hygiene and overall wellness. Poor dental hygiene can lead to cavities, gum disease, and bad breath.

Daily Dental Care

Brush your teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste.
Floss once a day to clean between the teeth.
Replace your toothbrush every 3–4 months, or sooner if the bristles are worn.

Bad Breath (Halitosis)

Bad breath can be caused by:

Diseases of the teeth, gums, or mouth, such as infections or gum disease
Dry mouth (common overnight, which is why many people have bad breath in the morning)
Certain foods, such as garlic and onions
Smoking or tobacco use

Mouthwashes, sprays, and flavored chewing gum can temporarily improve breath, but they do not treat underlying dental or gum disease. If you have persistent bad breath, see your dentist. Grand Rapids has many dental practices, and your primary care clinic can refer you if needed.

Travel Hygiene Tips

Whether you’re traveling from Grand Rapids to another state or overseas, it’s important to be cautious about water and food safety, especially in areas where the water supply may not be safe.

If You’re Unsure About Water Safety

Drink only bottled water (check that the seal is intact).
Do not use tap water to brush your teeth—use bottled water instead.
Wash your hands often, and make sure they are completely dry before touching food.
Do not wash fruits or vegetables in unsafe water.
If you must use local water, boil it at a rolling boil for at least one minute before drinking.
Make sure dishes, cups, and utensils are completely dry after washing.

If you develop severe diarrhea, vomiting, or signs of dehydration after travel, contact your doctor or an urgent care center when you return to Grand Rapids.

Local Resources for Personal and Public Health in Grand Rapids

If you have questions about personal hygiene, infections, or prevention, you can reach out to:

Your primary care provider at Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
Kent County Health Department – offers public health information, immunizations, and community resources
Grand Rapids Public Health and community clinics – provide education, screenings, and referrals

These organizations can help you find reliable information and affordable care, including for dental health, sexual health, and infection treatment.

Key Points to Remember

Good personal hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent many illnesses, including colds, flu, and gastroenteritis.
Handwashing with soap and water—especially after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food—is essential.
Bad breath can be caused by diseases of the teeth, gums, and mouth, and by certain foods like garlic and onion. Persistent bad breath should be evaluated by a dentist.
The vagina cleans itself; avoid douching and harsh products. There is effective medical treatment for thrush—talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
Cystitis (bladder infection) is common in sexually active young women; urinating after sex and good hygiene can help reduce risk.
Wearing clean clothes, especially underwear and socks, and bathing regularly helps control body odor and supports overall health.

By maintaining simple, consistent hygiene habits, you help protect not only your own health, but also the health of your family, neighbors, and the broader Grand Rapids community.