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When stocking up on items you may need in a survival situation, it is all too easy to focus on food supplies and water purification while overlooking the basics of personal hygiene. Stocking up on canned goods and water filters is important, but keeping clean and healthy is just as essential.
To help, we’ve gathered a list of durable, reusable, and storage-friendly hygiene essentials. Here are 22 must-have personal hygiene products to keep you fresh and healthy in any emergency.
1. Toothbrushes
Cleaning your teeth isn’t just about keeping your breath fresh – poor dental hygiene can lead to painful dental issues that significantly impact your health and well-being. Plastic toothbrushes can become brittle and start to degrade if stored for a long time, so consider switching to durable bamboo alternatives instead.
2. Toothpaste
A long-term supply of toothpaste is essential to prevent tooth decay and gum problems. Toothpaste tablets are a good alternative to paste, as they are lightweight, easy to store, and take up less space.
3. Dental floss
Third in our trio of dental hygiene products is dental floss. Flossing removes food particles and plaque, reducing the risk of gum infections. Reusable interdental brushes are a good alternative to disposable floss.
4. Hand Sanitizer
If soap and water become unavailable, alcohol-based hand sanitizer will help keep you free of potentially harmful germs. Small pocket-sized containers can be refilled from a larger bulk-buy bottle.
5. Bar Soap
It wasn’t that long ago that bar soap was what we all used to keep ourselves clean! This long-lasting alternative to body wash will help you maintain good basic hygiene in times of crisis and scarcity.
6. Shampoo
Dirty hair can quickly lead to scalp problems, as well as making you feel unkempt and scruffy. Solid shampoo bars last longer than liquid shampoos and take up less space, perfect for stashing in your emergency personal hygiene kit.
7. Conditioner
Keep a compact conditioner bar alongside your shampoo bar to ensure your hair is manageable and tangle-free.
8. Feminine Hygiene Products
Consider investing in menstrual cups or reusable cloth pads to guarantee reliable access to feminine hygiene products.
9. Razor and Shaving Cream
A safety razor with replaceable blades and a solid shaving cream bar and brush will enable you to keep your skin silky smooth.
10. Deodorant
In uncertain times, you might not know when your next bath or shower will be, so make sure you have a good supply of deodorant to keep you fresh. Solid or crystal deodorants are compact and last much longer than gel or spray varieties.
11. Toilet Paper
Toilet tissue is bulky and takes up a lot of space, but a good alternative is compressed toilet paper tablets that expand when wet. Some people also make cloth toilet wipes that can be washed and used again.
12. Moisturizer
Your skin can dry out quickly in harsh conditions, leading to sore, itchy patches and cracked skin. Moisturizing oils like shea butter and coconut oil can be used for many other tasks and require less storage space than commercially produced lotions.
13. Lip Balm
Cracked, chapped lips can be sore and uncomfortable, so keep a tin of moisturizing lip balm in your hygiene kit. A natural
14. Nail Clippers
Overgrown nails tear easily and can be uncomfortable, particularly when wearing boots for long periods every day. A pair of stainless steel nail clippers takes up very little space and is perfect for keeping your nails clean and tidy.
15. Tweezers
Stainless steel tweezers are essential for removing splinters and ticks as well as plucking stray hairs.
16. Cotton Swabs
Lightweight cotton swabs form part of many personal hygiene tasks and can also be used to clean cuts and grazes. Reusable silicone swaps are lightweight, easy to clean, and will last a long time.
17. Comb or brush
A comb or brush isn’t just for vanity’s sake – tangled, matted hair can be uncomfortable and eventually lead to scalp issues. My personal choice would be a wooden comb, which is durable and suitable for all hair types.
18. Sunscreen
If you are forced to spend time out in the heat of the day during a crisis, sunscreen is essential to protect your skin. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide tend to have a longer shelf life and are more stable in temperature fluctuations, making them ideal for stashing away in your survival kit.
19. Insect repellent
Insect bites are not just an annoyance but can also potentially spread diseases. Keep yourself safe from biting insects by packing a good-quality insect-repellent balm in your personal hygiene bag.
20. Hand Towels
If and when you get the opportunity to have a bath or shower, you’ll need something on hand to help you get dry. Microfiber towels are a good choice, as they take up less space than traditional towels.
21. Disposable Gloves and Masks
Pack a few boxes of disposable gloves to protect your hands from potentially contaminated items. If space is at a premium, a pair of rubber cleaning gloves can be reused again and again.
Disposable face masks protect from dust, smoke, and airborne diseases, helping to keep you healthy and slow any outbreaks of infection.
22. Disposable Wipes
I’m not a huge fan of disposable wipes, but in an emergency, they can be invaluable for maintaining personal hygiene when water is scarce. If you can find them, opt for biodegradable wipes that break down without leaching microplastics into the soil.
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Kate Chalmers
Kate is a passionate gardener who has a keen interest in all things related to homesteading and sustainability. She resides in Portugal with her husband and menagerie of animals and has over 15 years of experience in the UK veterinary industry. In 2020, Kate and her husband took on a dilapidated Portuguese house and abandoned olive grove, turning it into an abundant food forest and home for nature.
Life on the homestead is never the same from one day to the next, and Kate has mastered many skills that she is keen to pass on to anyone with an interest in becoming more self-sufficient. Kate believes that living a sustainable lifestyle is the key to happiness and fulfillment and that everyone can make simple changes that connect us back to nature and reduce our impact on the planet.
