15 Personal Items You Should Never Share

Even though it may seem like sharing certain personal items isn't dangerous at all, the truth is, some of these are a lot riskier than you might think.
Personal Items

We’re so used to being generous with our family members or closest friends that we don’t have any problem sharing a few personal items.

Because we consider these things to be harmless, we don’t see any reason to not share them with someone who needs it at that moment.

But there are certain risks you should keep in mind that, even though you don’t see it, end up accumulating pathogens that can transmit infections.

Some people don’t fully understand what exactly they should avoid lending out, and why it’s necessary to take these precautions.

That’s why we’ve compiled a list of the 15 most common items, along with their respective risks.

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1. Personal items: bar soap


Bar soap used on the body generally stays covered with microorganisms from your skin, which could lead to infections or diseases.

You don’t know if the other person has a fungus of some sort, a viral infection or some other similar condition, so this is one of those personal items you shouldn’t share.

2. Towels

These personal items generally stay moist after use and this creates the perfect environment for germs and yeast to grow.

Not only should you avoid loaning these out, but you should also wash and disinfect them every two weeks.

3. Deodorant


Roll-on deodorants or antiperspirants should not be shared because they come into direct contact with the armpits and accumulate bacteria.

Those that come in spray bottles, or that don’t come into contact with skin, can be lent out with no problem.

4. Toothbrush

Some couples are used to sharing toothbrushes. But the problem with this is that they accumulate millions of oral microorganisms between the small bristles.

You absolutely must have your own personal toothbrush.  You should also disinfect them regularly with vinegar or hydrogen peroxide.

5. Eyebrow tweezers


These are used for shaping eyebrows, which could spread diseases by pulling out the hair.

If you disinfect them before and after each use, however, there’s no risk involved.

6. Lip balm

Lip balms get small particles of dead skin, contaminants, and bacteria stuck on them, which are easily spread.  

Sharing these personal items with other people increases your risk of developing labial herpes.

7. Shaving razors


Shaving razors are great for removing hair and dead skin cells that accumulate on certain areas of the body.

Razors should not be shared because they accumulate bacteria and fungi that can easily spread skin infections.

Also, if you end up cutting yourself, you can transmit blood-born pathogens.

8. Earbuds

These small devices generally end up with various types of microorganisms growing on them that accumulate in ear wax.

Staphylococcus and streptococcus are bacteria that generally live in these areas. Sharing them could cause infections and inflammation.

9. Shoes


Shoes, especially those with poor ventilation, area common sources of yeast and bacteria that cause skin and nail infections.

The fact that lots of people use the same shoes considerably increases the risk of these disease.

10. Pumice stones

Pumice stones are personal hygiene items that prevent the growth of bacteria that feed on dead skin.

Using it generally softens skin to get rid of calluses. Sharing them with other people increases the probability of getting warts and fungi on your feet.

11. Nail clippers


Even though you can’t see it with your naked eye, your fingers and nails hide a large amount of bacteria, fungi and viruses which could lead to infections.

By sharing these personal items, certain fungal infections and HPV (warts) can be spread.

12. Bath sponge

This relaxing and useful item for your skin is moist most of the time.  This means it provides the perfect environment for fungal and bacterial growth.

In order to avoid the risk of infection, it’s best to use your own.

13. Earrings


Earrings can spread blood-borne pathogens or infections.  Bur fortunately, if you disinfect them well before using them, there is no risk of becoming infected.

14. Bathing suits

Just like using underwear, bathing suits should also be considered a type of intimate wear, made for individual use.

Bacteria and microorganisms on skin, as well as the fluids the body secretes, are bacteria carriers and can spread infection.

15. Makeup, brushes and eyeliner


All cosmetic products, as well as their application tools, should never be shared because they come into contact with skin.

Allowing others to use them increases your risk of suffering from acne, fungi, and allergic reactions.

Do you usually share these personal items?  Now that you know what the risks are, try to keep them exclusively for yourself.