![Photo not related to article. [Getty Images Bank]](https://wimg.heraldcorp.com/news/cms/2026/06/01/news-p.v1.20260601.163d0dc67a384ad29337295c2d62902e_P1.jpg)
Experts are warning that poor bathroom hygiene can expose people to bacteria, mold and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, potentially causing serious health problems.
Pharmacist Kim Hye-ran recently posted a video titled "The Worst Inflammatory Substances in Your Bathroom" on her Instagram.
"If a bathroom is not kept clean, the warm and humid environment makes it the ideal breeding ground for bacteria," she said. She advised that people who frequently experience acne, rhinitis, a persistent cough or folliculitis — or who notice a weakened immune system — should start by examining their bathroom conditions.
She first flagged shower puffs, which come into direct contact with the body. "Shower puffs should be replaced every month," Kim said. "They must be completely dried after each use, and replaced even more frequently in bathrooms with poor ventilation."
Showerheads were also identified as an easily overlooked source of contamination. Kim said filters should be replaced every two to three months, and the head itself should be cleaned regularly in a vinegar or citric acid solution. She added that old showerheads and hoses are best replaced outright. She particularly stressed that people should cut back on brushing their teeth or rinsing their mouths with shower water.
Kim also called for particular caution with bleach, a common bathroom cleaner that can pose serious risks if misused. "Bleach must never be mixed with hot water, detergent or vinegar," she said, adding that ventilation is essential during use, rubber gloves must be worn, and surfaces should be thoroughly rinsed with water afterward.
On bathroom slippers, which touch bare feet every day, she advised choosing products made from non-toxic materials such as EVA or silicone and avoiding PVC products with a strong chemical smell. She went on to say that older slippers carry a greater risk of microplastic and endocrine disruptor exposure, and recommended drying them in sunlight and replacing them regularly.
choigo@heraldcorp.com
